Son of a miner, Rhondda born and bred, Rhondda educated apart from his degree years at Aberystwyth, Ivor Howells spent all his professional life as teacher and headmaster in Rhondda schools. After graduating he taught for a short time in Llwyncelyn Elementary School before returning as French master to Porth County School for Boys, his old school. Following a successful headship of Porth Secondary School he was appointed Headmaster of Tonypandy Secondary School. Thus in breadth of experience of Rhondda grammar schools he may claim to be without rival. Over a span of forty years in the profession he would be known to thousands of boys and girls.