Get To Know Us: Daniel Avery - Math Teacher, Coffee Connoisseur & Ping Pong Champ

When we talk about what sets IVA High apart from other schools, the conversation always centers on the powerful relationships and community built by our staff. Daniel Avery, our favorite math teacher, is one of those incredible staff members. Mr. Avery has been at IVA High since our second year of operation and his impact on helping students grow as critical thinkers and problem solvers is immeasurable. Get to know Mr. Avery and you’ll see why our teachers are the heart and soul of our tuition-free high school. 

Tell us about your background and how that prepared you for your role at IVA High.

I completed my undergraduate degree at UCLA and received a Master's Degree and teaching credential from Point Loma Nazarene University. During this time I also worked as a private tutor.

What do you LOVE about IVA High?

I really appreciate the way IVA High prioritizes teaching students how to think and how to engage with learning in ways that are relevant to their own lives and passions. I love that we're empowered as teachers to implement new, research-backed approaches and concepts to our teaching practice and classrooms. We're not forced to teach one way because that's how it's always been done. That autonomy is better for students AND teachers.

What do you love most about your role at IVA High? 

I love teaching math in a way that's (hopefully) different than it was taught when I grew up. We focus on critical thinking and on the process of problem solving. I always tell students that the answer is the least interesting part of the problem. It's really about what questions we ask and what we do to figure out the problem that I find genuinely interesting.

I also enjoy interacting with students, cracking jokes, and beating everyone at ping pong.

Share a favorite memory of your work at IVA High.

We took a field trip to a ropes course my first year and it was incredible. A student who never spoke up gave a speech after completing one of the obstacles that made Ms. Sanders cry (in a good way). Other students conquered fears of heights and really spent lots of time building community and trust. It was a great experience.

Beyond that, I enjoy all the little parts of school that aren't specific to learning a given math concept. I like the jokes between me and students during class or outside of class. I like just chatting with people around campus or members of the community at Exhibitions of Learning. I like having fun playing games like ping pong or different math games we play in class. I enjoy the projects we have in class--baking cookies, budget project, sustainable design, music + math, etc. I even like having tough conversations with students and then getting to bring them right back into class after they were sent out earlier. Restorative discipline is tough but I've seen such growth and progress in so many students over the years.

Tell us a bit about you. 

I enjoy long naps, good coffee, guitar pedals, and good music (like Kendrick Lamar or the emo bangers I loved in high school).

Fast Facts about Mr. Avery

Best Sandwich: Double decker PB&J--three slices of bread: bread-peanut butter-jelly-peanut butter-bread-peanut butter-jelly-peanut butter-bread. When one sandwich isn't enough, but two has too much bread…

Most adventurous thing you've ever done: Scuba diving

You get to listen to one singer/composer for the rest of your life- who is it? Impossible...Tupac, Kendrick Lamar, Switchfoot, Jack Johnson, etc. I like a wide variety of music and like to keep changing it up.

What's your secret talent? Not stressing about anything.

What superpower do you wish you had? Teleport- No more having to sit in traffic.

What one thing do you need in your refrigerator? Tapatio, though I’m not sure that goes in the fridge.

What is the best compliment that you have received? I’ve been told that I have good vibes. 

What did you want to be when you were 5? Doctor

What's a cause that's dear to you? Black Lives Matter & Protect Trans Kids

How many different types of drinks do you take with you to school everyday? I make an espresso at school and enjoy bougie water (Essentia) when I remember to bring one.

Thank you, Mr. Avery! We are so grateful for the positive spirit and commitment to learning that you bring to IVA High. 

About IVA High

IVA High is a fully accredited, tuition-free public high school in Long Beach, California with a mission to empower students to think well: creatively, critically, and with a capacity for self-growth. Our learner-centered approach puts students in charge of their education, while dual enrollment and paid internships transform learning into action. Students come for college prep, STEAM and limitless options for their future; they stay for smaller, safer learning in a vibrant, caring community. IVA High - Curious Minds, Empowered Community - Join Us.