(Framingham – September 30) Representative Jack Patrick Lewis nominated Ivete Montanez, a preschool assistant teacher at the BLOCKS Program of Framingham Public Schools, as a recipient of the “2025 Latino Excellence on the Hill” award in September. The nomination was part of the Massachusetts Black and Latino Legislative Caucus’ celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month.
“I am honored to nominate a member of our community who so tirelessly and enthusiastically approaches the essential role of education,” noted Rep. Jack Patrick Lewis (Framingham). “In my conversations with Ms. Montanez’s colleagues and friends across the city, it is clear that her impact on the community and commitment to early childhood education, specifically bilingual education, is tremendous.”
Ivette Montanez is a dedicated early childhood educator with over 21 years of experience in Framingham Public Schools. She currently serves as a Long-Term Substitute Teacher in an Inclusion Classroom at BLOCKS Preschool, where she also supports arrival and dismissal safety, coordinates the Extended School Year Program, and serves as the school’s Equity Champion.
“It truly meant the world to me to represent my Latino culture and the work in FPS,” noted Ivette Montanez. “As I sat there and listened to the speakers speak about how important our voice as a Latino is and that we may never give up, it was a message that spoke volumes. Afterwards, I listened to the special guest Emmy-nominated composer, Fabiola Méndez, sing and play our folk music. She reminded me of my Puerto Rican roots and the sacrifices my grandparents made to make sure I would be where I am today. Being Latina, speaking the beautiful language of Spanish is a gem and an honor to carry my culture and roots everywhere I go.”
As a bilingual educator and former FPS student, Ivette has been a strong advocate for multilingual families, ensuring access to early education services through translation, interpretation, and culturally responsive practices. She has provided in-home support to families of children with special needs and has helped build bridges between schools and communities. Ivette played a key role in preserving the Doble Vía/Spanish Immersion program at BLOCKS, organizing families and staff to successfully advocate for its continuation.
Her classroom reflects the diverse backgrounds of her students, and she actively incorporates multiple languages and cultures into her teaching. Known for her passionate advocacy and deep connection to the community, Ivette inspires students, families, and colleagues alike. Her work continues to advance equity, inclusion, and empowerment in early childhood education.
The MBLLC dedicates Latino Excellence awards to celebrate the leaders who work to improve and give back to our communities. The awards are a celebration of diverse cultures, excellence, and achievement in the Commonwealth. The honorees are known locally for their dedicated work in community engagement, education, business, and other fields. The Caucus invites all 200 state legislators to nominate a constituent or community leader for this award.
The goal of the MBLLC is to empower communities of color in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Their mission is to promote the voices from people of color, and to ensure the legislation is accountable and accessible to our communities.
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Framingham State University 
Christa McAuliffe Center