Ivana teaches history to newcomer English Language Learners at Excel High School in South Boston. Originally from San Juan, Puerto Rico, Ivana developed a passion for education during college, after volunteering as a literacy tutor at a Sheltered English Immersion classroom in Boston. She strongly believes that education is the best way to inspire and empower children, especially those with the highest needs. Ivana has served as the Boston Teachers Union representative for Excel’s School Site Council, a decision-making body that is responsible for duties such as the selection of new teachers. Ivana is currently the data inquiry facilitator for Excel’s history department, supporting her school’s efforts to use data to drive instruction. She is also her school’s advisor for buildOn, a student club devoted to local and international community service, with the ultimate goal of building schools in developing countries. Ivana began her teaching career as a 2012 Teach For America corps member. She has a B.A. in Sociology and Psychology from Boston College, and an M.Ed. in Curriculum and Instruction in ESL from Boston University.
