For over 20 years, Ivon Suarez has taught a wide range of subjects, including math, physics, biology, and statistics, across various classrooms. Now based in Miami, she currently teaches in the Miami-Dade County Public School (MDCPS) system, where she leads courses in technical design and applied engineering. But this summer marked a turning point: her first time implementing a structured engineering curriculum.
“e4usa was a life-saver,” she shared, reflecting on how the program brought fresh energy and structure to her applied engineering and technical design courses. Prior to e4usa, she had no formal curriculum in place. Now, she not only has one, but she’s fully embracing it.
A lifelong educator with roots in Cuba and academic training in the Soviet Union, Ivon has always been passionate about the real-world applications of STEM. She is part of her school’s math and robotics clubs and is deeply involved with the Technology Student Association. Still, participating in e4usa’s summer PD opened new doors. “The PD is great – you get the curriculum, you do the activities, and the presenters have real experience implementing it.”
She especially appreciated how the curriculum integrates the full engineering design process. “The water pump project was a highlight,” she said. “It brings in the ethical side of engineering, something that often gets overlooked, and teaches students professionalism and moral responsibility.”
Despite her decades of experience, Ivon had never worked with tools like Onshape or CAD before, so the hands-on challenges during PD pushed her outside her comfort zone in the best way. At first, it wasn’t easy. “I wasn’t successful in some parts,” she admitted, but instead of discouragement, she found it exhilarating. “It was invigorating,” she said, describing the thrill of trying something entirely new.
Through the CAD 101 sessions, she felt supported at every step. “I felt pampered like a student,” she said with a laugh, recalling how thoughtfully the facilitators led each session and created space for participants to learn at their own pace. “It put me in the place of my students,” she reflected. “I could see where they might struggle and how to support them better.”
But perhaps what stood out most was the community. “I feel like I have a support system now. Fast responses, friendly people, and I feel comfortable reaching out.” For Ivon, who was introduced to the program by a fellow educator at a TSA competition in Orlando, that sense of connection has been invaluable.
As she looks ahead to the school year, Ivon is eager to bring the curriculum into her classroom. She encourages other teachers to consider joining the e4usa network: “Absolutely yes. It’s very valuable to what you’re doing.”
Her advice to future PD attendees? “Let go and enjoy it. It moves fast, but it’s worth it.” With so many new tools, activities, and ideas packed into each day, she recommends keeping an open mind and not getting bogged down by trying to master everything at once.
