Introduction

Kelli and Stephanie introduce themselves, talk about their backgrounds and introduce the podcast.

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Transcript

AVID Roundtable Intro

Wed, 3/23 8:26AM • 3:07

 Kelli

Hello and welcome to the RIMS AVID Roundtable. I'm Kelli Hogan Flowers.

 Stephanie

And I'm Stephanie Downey.

 Kelli

And we're program specialists and regional coaches, with RIMS AVID. Our amazing team works with hundreds of schools throughout Southern California. The RIMS AVID family includes school sites throughout Riverside, Inyo, Mono and San Bernardino counties. But before we introduce the podcast, let's take a minute to introduce ourselves.

 Stephanie

So I'm Stephanie and I've been in public education for 11 years, I started my teaching journey in the Val Verde Unified School District, where I taught English at an AVID national demonstration school and it wasn't long until I fell in love with AVID seeing how it changed students lives on multiple levels. As a first generation college graduate myself, I feel a connection to our AVID students because I was the student who needed this program, but didn't have it. I've seen how building an AVID family can create the culture and environment that leads to great success for our kids. I truly believe education is how we break down social barriers, and avid is a crucial step in that process.

 Kelli

My name is Kelly and I've been a public educator for more than 30 years. I taught Spanish and English at Upland High School for 26 years, until I fell in love with AVID, and then I left the classroom and never looked back. What I love most about AVID is working with teachers and administrators to revise the College and Career Readiness systems on their campuses. And then having a front row seat while watching the lives and paths of their students change dramatically. Horace Mann said, “education is the great equalizer of the conditions of men”. And I've always believed that to be true. Education builds the foundation for students and paves the way as they embark on their post secondary journey.

 Stephanie

So we know most of you are pretty familiar with AVID, but we wanted to throw some numbers at you. So the RIMS AVID team is one of the largest avid implementations in the nation. We support over 50,000 elementary students, and 345,000 secondary students across more than 500 campuses. We train 1000s of educators each year and work with them to close the opportunity gap so they can prepare all students for college careers and life.

 Kelli

So twice a month on this podcast, we'll get together and have a conversation with a special guest to talk about their AVID journey. They'll tell their story and explain what makes them an AVID success. They'll share their ideas, best practices, and strategies that they've learned along the way. So get ready to take some focus notes.

 Stephanie

We are so excited for what lies ahead and all we have to share with you. Don't forget to follow us on your favorite podcast app so that you don't miss a single episode. Also, follow us on Twitter at RIMS AVID and check out rimsavid.org for updates and events.

 Kelli

Thanks for listening, and be sure to join us next time for the RIMS AVID roundtable, will save your seat.