Elisa Oliverio
Elisa Oliverio is an accomplished Adjunct Professor of Italian and teacher trainer with more than a decade of experience advancing language education across higher education and secondary school environments. Known for her innovative integration of mindfulness into academic instruction, she has developed immersive, student-centered curricula for in-person, hybrid, and online settings. At Florida International University and Miami Dade College, Elisa is recognized for elevating language proficiency, fostering cultural fluency, and designing meaningful learning experiences that ignite curiosity and global awareness.
In addition to her university roles, Elisa has spent over eleven years shaping the Italian Studies program at the International Studies Preparatory Academy, where she serves as Head of the Italian Department. She has created comprehensive literature and humanities curricula, founded the Italian Honor Society, and achieved a 100% AP Italian exam pass rate for an entire decade. Her commitment to student well-being extends beyond the classroom through her work as a yoga and mindfulness instructor, where she leads programs that strengthen adolescents’ physical health, emotional balance, and resiliency.
Elisa’s dedication to excellence in teaching has been recognized with multiple honors, including the prestigious Coccia-Inserra Award for Excellence and Innovation in the Teaching of Italian. A leader in study-abroad program development, she has guided students through immersive cultural experiences in Italy, enriching their understanding of language, identity, and global citizenship. With advanced degrees from Università degli Studi di Milano-Bicocca and the University of Rome Tor Vergata, Elisa continues to influence the field through her passion for pedagogy, intercultural exploration, and student empowerment.
• Certified PLIDA Examiner; evaluator of performance for the PLIDA exam.
• Blockchain Fundamentals Course
• University of Rome Tor Vergata
• 2017 Coccia-Inserra Award Recipient for Excellence and Innovation in the Teaching of Italian (K-12)
• Rookie teacher of the year
• AATI Member
• Baynanza - Miami Dade County
• PetCo
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to my hard work, determination, and unwavering motivation. I never created a plan B—I committed fully to my goals and stayed focused on achieving them, no matter the obstacles. That level of dedication has guided every step of my journey and continues to drive me forward.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice to young women entering the education field is to be ready to work hard and lead with intention. Teaching isn’t just about academics—it requires you to continually grow as an adult so you can truly support, guide, and care for your students. When you invest in your own development, you’re better equipped to help your students thrive.