Dr. Hector Rivera, is the Executive Director of the Institute for Research and Development of Gifted Students and founder of the Association of Parents of Gifted Children of Puerto Rico. Hector holds a Bachelor's degree in Business Administration from the University of Puerto Rico; a Master's degree in Gifted Education; and a Doctorate in Education. For over 20 years, he has been a pioneer involved in providing identification services, counseling parents and training school personnel to support the interests and needs of gifted students in Puerto Rico. He has participated as a speaker in various forums, conferences and public hearings around the island, in the United States and Latin America. Developed the first research project on the social and demographic characteristics of gifted students and their families for the University of Puerto Rico. Developed a Gifted Education Certification Program for parents and teachers in Puerto Rico. He also taught several computer courses at various universities, was a programmer and analyst of computerized information systems, owner of a folk music store, luthier of stringed instruments, music teacher, music producer with more than 40 musical productions. As an advocate for the rights to education for gifted students, he has achieved the acceptance of multiple laws, including the Charter of Rights of the Gifted Student in Puerto Rico. Building on his extensive experience working with gifted students, in 2018, he published a guidebook for parents and educators titled Gifted Students: Special Education on the Other Side of the Curve. In 2024, he released a sequel to his groundbreaking work, expanding on the themes introduced in the first book. Additionally, he authored the first guide on Curricular Strategies for Gifted Students tailored specifically for Puerto Rico and Latin America. Beyond his contributions to gifted education, he has also published several books promoting values education, women's empowerment, and other impactful topics.
