Imperial County Special Education Local Plan Area (SELPA), recognized Desert Valley High School teacher, Mrs. Giovanna Wells with the Harold Burnworth Transition Excellence award. This award was presented to her on Wednesday, September 17th, 2025, during their meeting.
A dedicated special education teacher at Desert Valley High School within the Brawley Union High School District. With a career that began in 1987, Mrs. Wells has devoted herself to creating inclusive, supportive, and empowering environments where all students, especially those with disabilities, thrive.
Mrs. Wells is a tireless advocate for successful post-secondary outcomes. She actively connects students to essential transition resources, including the Department of Rehabilitation, the Transition Partnership Program (TPP), and Disability Support Programs and Services (DSPS) at Imperial Valley College. Through her efforts, students are well-prepared for life after high school, equipped with the skills, confidence, and connections needed to succeed.
Leading her students with compassion, persistence, and an unwavering belief in each student’s potential. She has facilitated meaningful job placements, often resulting in long-term employment, and is an active member of both the district's Compliance Improvement Monitoring team and MTSS Academics & Instruction team. Mrs. Wells embodies the spirit of inclusive transition planning and lifelong learning. Her work is not only exceptional—it is truly transformative.