Ana Hernández Revuelta

Ana Hernández Revuelta is a pioneering Spanish educator whose groundbreaking work in public secondary education has transformed an entire school, its neighborhood, and the broader national teaching profession. Raised in a working-class district of Madrid and educated in public schools, she never intended to become a teacher—until a temporary job revealed her life’s calling. Now, after 12 years of service, she stands as one of Spain’s most innovative educational leaders, celebrated nationally and internationally for reimagining what a public school can be.

Working in a school with students aged 12–18, many of whom face severe social, economic, emotional, and migratory challenges—including refugees from war, families in financial hardship, and young people struggling with mental health—Ana has dedicated her career to ensuring educational equity. Her conviction is unwavering: public education must guarantee quality, dignity, and opportunity for all students, regardless of background.

Nine years ago, she launched a bold educational innovation project that rewrote the rules of traditional schooling. She brought together 100 students and 7–8 teachers in a single open learning space, eliminating walls, unlocking classrooms to families, and dissolving rigid boundaries between subjects. Through interdisciplinary narratives built around historical moments, students learn science, language, art, literature, mathematics, and civic values as interconnected ideas. This radical model fosters teamwork, inclusion, and respect and enables teachers to collaborate, self-evaluate, and continuously improve.

The measurable results have been extraordinary: graduation rates rose from 71% (2016) to 98% (2025); behavioral incidents fell from 125 to 19 per term; chronic absenteeism dropped from 14 students to 1; and police data shows a reduction in youth crime linked to increased engagement and belonging. The school—once avoided by local families—has become the most in-demand institution in the region.

Her innovation has earned major national and international recognition, including the AtresMedia Foundation First Prize for Best National Innovative Experience (2019) and the SIMO International Education Fair First Prize (2021). Inspectors and policymakers cite her work as a model for school transformation in Spain, and dozens of schools across the country now replicate her approach.

Beyond the classroom, Ana leads extensive community initiatives: organizing food and clothing drives, supporting families affected by natural disasters, offering free online tutoring during COVID-19, and presiding over the NGO Improve Your Public School, where she trains families and teachers nationwide. She also champions global citizenship through student exchanges with Germany, Slovenia, Italy, and Denmark, and through environmental action projects including a community-supported “Safe Route to School” to reduce pollution and improve wellbeing.

A frequent speaker at national congresses, a university educator of future teachers, and a published author and TEDx speaker, Ana has become a leading voice in advancing the teaching profession. Her work embodies collaboration, courage, and a deep commitment to social justice.

If she were to choose one defining achievement, it would be her creation of a school where every student—regardless of nationality, ability, or circumstance—feels valued, learns joyfully, and envisions a better future.