Yolanda Tovar was born and raised in Santa Barbara. She graduated with honors from Notre Dame School, Bishop Garcia Diego High School and UCSB where she double majored in Psychology and Chicano Studies. She then moved to San Diego where she earned her Masters in Education and her bilingual teaching credential from the University of San Diego.  She received the award for “Outstanding Student” in the program. She attended National University where she received her Preliminary Administrative Services Credential. She also studied a year in the University of Bordeaux in France.  She believes that it is important that as educational leader, she stays in the forefront of education and consistently seeks to improve her skills so that she is better prepared to handle presenting challenges. To this end, she has participated in programs such as Talents Unlimited, the Hispanic Academic Achievement Project Special Education Model, the Assessment Leadership Academy through the San Diego County Office of Education and the Seminar for Actualization of Bilingual Teachers in Guadalajara, Mexico.                                             

She has over 16 years experience as an educator (Pre-k-12), group supervisor, facilitator, trainer and project coordinator and has been involved in every aspect of education including administration, parent education, and curriculum development. She returned to Santa Barbara and began teaching at César Chávez in 2004. Previously, she worked for the Solana Beach School District, the Archdiocese of San Diego and the Southbay Union School District. Mrs. Tovar says, “I embrace leadership responsibilities and thrive in environments that provide opportunities to make a difference in people’s lives. My greatest strength lies in my willingness to learn, my flexibility, resourcefulness and positive nature.”