With Gratitude to the Teachers Who Shape What Is Possible

Dear Teachers,

Teaching is built through moments that accumulate over time. A lesson refined. A student encouraged to try again. A structure put in place so learning feels accessible rather than intimidating. A question asked at the right time. A belief offered before a student can fully see it for themselves.

Day after day, teachers do the steady work of helping students grow into confident, capable learners.

On Teacher Appreciation Day, we honor the educators who bring AVID’s mission to life in classrooms across the country. AVID teachers help students develop skills that last far beyond one course or one year. They teach students how to organize their thinking, ask meaningful questions, collaborate with purpose, advocate for themselves, and see opportunity as something within reach.

Together, these daily efforts equip students with the skills, confidence, and agency to succeed in school and pursue their dreams.

Teaching That Leaves a Legacy

In Alexandria, Virginia, Deedra Robinson is preparing to retire at the end of this school year, but her influence will continue to shape Jefferson-Houston PreK-8 IB School for years to come. Named the 2026 Region 4 Northern Virginia Teacher of the Year this April, Deedra is known for her leadership in AVID and her deep belief in every student’s potential.

Her principal, Dr. Adaarema Kelly, described the depth of that impact clearly: “Through her leadership in Advancement Via Individual Determination and her deep belief in every student’s potential, she has created a culture of excellence, access and opportunity. She empowers students to see themselves as scholars and leaders, and that is the true mark of an extraordinary educator.”

Deedra’s legacy is not defined by one title or one moment. It lives in the students who learned to see themselves differently because a teacher believed in what they could become.

Expanding Access Through Instruction

At Pasco High School in Washington, Gabriela Whitemarsh has been named the 2026 Washington State Teacher of the Year. An AVID Elective teacher, Gabriela was recognized for her innovative work expanding access to advanced math for multilingual newcomer students through the Advanced Multilingual Mathematics Program.

Her work reflects a core AVID principle: Access must be intentional. Gabriela credits AVID as part of her pedagogy and as one reason her students achieve strong outcomes. By pairing rigorous content with strategies that build confidence and clarity, she helps students navigate academic challenges while developing the skills to advocate for themselves as learners.

Her classroom shows what is possible when instructional design centers student strengths and opens doors that once felt closed.

Opening Doors to the Future

Stephen Paulson of Greeley Central High School, the 2026 Colorado Teacher of the Year, is widely known for his commitment to first-generation college students. Through initiatives like the Castle Clean Up service project and a career mentorship project, Stephen connects classroom learning to real-world experience, helping students see tangible pathways forward.

Stephen has said that a fundamental part of his teacher identity is being part of AVID. That belief is visible in his work. “Stephen is dedicated to opening doors of opportunity for his students,” said Colorado Education Commissioner Susana Córdova. “Through his work in social studies and AVID, he is empowering first-generation students to see new possibilities for their future.”

Stephen’s teaching reminds us that preparation for the future is built through relevance, relationships, and trust in students’ potential.

Every Classroom Matters

While these educators are being recognized today, they represent thousands of AVID teachers whose work unfolds quietly and consistently. Teachers who design learning with intention. Teachers who adjust when students need something different. Teachers who understand that what students learn matters, and how they learn to think, organize, question, and advocate matters just as much.

AVID teachers help students build the habits of mind, confidence, and skills that carry forward into college, careers, and life.

With Appreciation

To every AVID teacher, thank you.

Thank you for your expertise, your care, and your commitment to students. Thank you for creating classrooms where effort is valued, growth is visible, and opportunity feels attainable. Your work matters deeply, and its impact extends far beyond what can be measured.

On Teacher Appreciation Day and every day, we are grateful for you.

With appreciation,

Dr. Thuan Nguyen
President and CEO, AVID Center