Shantel Ivits

Shantel Ivits is a Senior Lecturer and Department Head of Basic Education at Vancouver Community College, where they lead programs teaching foundational reading, writing, numeracy, and digital literacy to adults. They earned an MA in Educational Studies (Society, Culture, and Politics in Education concentration) from the University of British Columbia in 2009, which informed their commitment to ethical, compassionate, and just educational practices.

• PhD in Educational Studies
• MA in Educational Studies

Their research interests center on adult education through the lens of anti-oppression frameworks and feminist poststructuralism, with specific focus on Two Spirit, queer, and trans communities. They have developed innovative programs like the first adult upgrading class for LGBTQ+ people (2016-2018) and Rabble Rousers (2019), a mental health advocacy initiative for young adults. Their work emphasizes inclusivity and systemic change in educational and wellness contexts.

Their 2015 series of six open education textbooks for adult literacy learners has been widely adopted across Canadian community colleges. They also co-founded the Catherine White Holman Wellness Centre, Canada's first clinic run by and for Two Spirit, trans, and gender-diverse people.