Why I Love Teaching for IVLA, by Patrick Navas



I have taught Spanish and Social Studies in a traditional “brick-and-mortar” classroom for 14 years in the southern California area. My experience teaching with IVLA over the last 3 years, however, has taken my role as an educator to a whole new level of connectivity and professional development.

As an educator, I regard it as a special honor to be connected to students from so many countries all over the world; countries far away from my own—from places like South Africa, Japan, Kazakhstan, Yemen, Italy, Croatia, Romania, to Spanish-speaking countries like Mexico, Columbia, and to small islands in the Caribbean and elsewhere. With strong leadership, the dedication and combined efforts of a professional team of educators from different locations, along with the blessing of modern communications technology, all of this becomes possible at IVLA.

IVLA teachers are part of a solid team of professionals—divided along the lines of Elementary, Middle School and High School—working together daily through email and text correspondence, and who collaborate together in monthly virtual team meetings headed by a supportive and experienced Lead Teacher. Teachers receive regular feedback and constructive criticisms from our leaders that help us to improve our practice and grow professionally.

I especially enjoy attending to the needs of my Success Coach families and derive a great deal of satisfaction from the appreciation they often express for the support I have given. It is a pleasure, and privilege, to be part of their lives. Moreover, our lead teachers and administrators make us feel appreciated and communicate their gratitude for what we do often.

IVLA is unique. I know of no other educational program like it. We offer students seven different educational programs (LMS = Learning Management Systems, like APEX, Edmentum, Acellus and more), multiple virtual homeroom meetings each month, a social media app, virtual graduations, National Honors Society, and customized academic plans for high-school students with an emphasis on college and university. I recommend our program highly, especially for student athletes, students who travel often, and students who generally need the flexibility and support that our virtual programs and team of professionals make possible for them.

In sum, IVLA is a blessing, for students, families and teachers alike.

Patrick Navas, B.A History; M.A Education

Success Coach and Social Studies/Spanish Teacher