MaryAnn Orso
I am an AACPS: Employee | Retired Teacher, Severna Park Middle School
In the fall of 2003, Anne Arundel County Public Schools introduced the AVID (Advancement Via Individual Determination) program into the middle and high schools. My colleague, Judy Crawford, who was the AVID coordinator for Severna Park Middle School asked if I would consider being the 7th grade AVID Social Studies teacher. Once I learned about the program, I seized the opportunity! AVID’s basic principles are to provide a nurturing environment while presenting effective strategies for students to develop critical thinking skills in preparation for college and careers. This fit perfectly with my philosophy that as a teacher I facilitate learning by providing students with experiences to build self-esteem and to become life-long learners. I perceived that with the support of the AVID program student achievement and readiness for college and careers would definitely increase. I was excited to be part of that program.
I experienced first-hand how the AVID program benefited students. Middle school students are “in transition” physically, intellectually, emotionally, and socially. While so much change is occurring in their lives, AVID provides a safe haven. Through various AVID team-building activities and academic support strategies students develop self-confidence and a “can-do” attitude! Incorporating AVID skills and higher-level thinking/questions into my lessons positively impacted my teaching and made a significant difference in my students’ learning. Truly, students were developing habits of success that would benefit them throughout their lifetime!
Another opportunity I have is teaching the Write Path History/Social Studies course with Lynda Motiram, a high school teacher and former AVID coordinator. Together we present a wide variety of strategies based on the foundation of the integrated learning opportunities of WICOR–writing, inquiry, collaboration, organization, and reading. These key components of AVID enhance rigor, create opportunities for active learning, and deepen students’ understanding of challenging academic materials. It is very fulfilling for me to observe the enthusiasm of AACPS teachers as they incorporate AVID strategies into their teaching and share their success in the classroom. In essence, I see that AVID builds confidence in both students and teachers!
Last fall while I was thoroughly enjoying retirement, Dot Arida, Acting Coordinator of AVID, offered me a part-time position as AVID Teacher Specialist. My strong belief in the effectiveness of the AVID program made this offer an opportunity I simply could not resist. As I support AVID teachers and visit classrooms throughout the county, I have the privilege of observing how AVID continues to positively prepare students with college and career readiness activities. Students from diverse backgrounds have opportunities in AVID that enhance their learning with experiences they might not get elsewhere. For me, it is inspiring to know that through AVID so many students are developing the skills and self-confidence to achieve their goals.
AVID is an incredibly vital program in Anne Arundel County Public Schools. I am deeply grateful for the various opportunities I’ve had to implement and share the AVID philosophy and strategies to promote student success.
