Dot Arida

I am an AACPS: Alum, Northeast High School | Employee

As a student in AACPS, I looked at my teachers with a different eye than other students.  For as long as I can remember I wanted to be a teacher.  Because of my strong desire to teach, I was the first in my family to attend college.  I am almost certain that had I not had the desire to teach, I would not have gone to college.  Upon graduation from Frostburg State University, I only applied to teach in one county.  I was determined to come home to teach and didn’t want to work in any other district.  My experience in AACPS was a good one and I wanted to share that with other students.  My teachers over the years were encouraging and challenging.  My goal was to be the same for my students.

After 10 years of teaching, I began my work in AVID, an academic program designed to help students in the “academic middle” develop consistent study and organizational habits that will carry them through life. AVID fosters a culture where students are always looking forward with the support they need to reach their future college and/or career goals.  I am passionate about AVID because I needed AVID.  As a first generation college student I did not know how to apply for college or scholarships.  I wasn’t confident that I had the skills to hit the ground running once I started at a four year school.  Student acceptance and preparation for college drives my passion for my work.  I want to help all graduates have skills and confidence to begin their college educations or careers.  I also want to encourage all of our future teachers to come back to AACPS to teach.  Returning to my own school system is one of the best decisions I have made.