In today’s educational landscape, schools are navigating complex challenges—from declining literacy rates to teacher burnout and chronic absenteeism. To support leaders in tackling these issues head-on, AVID launched a three-part webinar series: Championship Learning for Every Student and Teacher.
Moderated by AVID’s Superintendent in Residence, Michael McCormick, each 30-minute session featured elementary, middle, and high school principals who are driving real results in their communities. These conversations highlighted not only the urgency of the issues but also the hope and impact that come from strong leadership, intentional strategy, and a student-centered vision.
Here’s a look at the key takeaways from each session, plus links to view the recordings so you can continue learning from these inspiring educators.
Webinar 1: Reversing the Decline of Literacy Skills
Literacy is the gateway to all other learning, yet many students are falling behind in reading and writing, especially in the wake of disrupted instruction during the pandemic. In the opening session of our webinar series, elementary, middle, and high school leaders explored how their campuses are tackling literacy head-on—their strategies center on fostering collaboration, equipping educators, and keeping the focus on what matters most.
- Collaboration Is Key
Lauren Gifford, principal of Port Salerno Elementary, stressed the power of student dialogue. “Students thrive when they engage in dialogue and share their ideas with peers.” Creating collaborative classrooms fosters communication skills and deeper comprehension.
- Use Technology With Intention
Kirsten Wind Blade of Lakeview Middle School noted that while tech tools are here to stay, they should support, not replace, authentic instruction. “Strategic use of technology to enhance learning” is essential in keeping students engaged and grounded.
- Celebrate Small Wins
Dr. Brad Baker, principal of San Clemente High School, emphasized the importance of recognizing progress. “Authentic celebrations of progress keep the momentum going and build a culture of success,” he shared. Small victories create big motivation.
- Invest in Professional Learning
Equipping teachers with research-based literacy strategies is essential. “Professional development is the backbone of effective teaching,” Wind Blade said, pointing to AVID training as a catalyst for improved instruction and student outcomes.
- Stay Focused on What Matters
As Wind Blade reminded us, “Keep the main thing the main thing.” Amid competing demands, prioritizing literacy ensures students are set up for long-term success.
👉 Watch the webinar recording on reversing the decline of literacy skills.
This session reminded us that when schools rally around literacy with focus, strategy, and support, every student has the opportunity to succeed. Next, we turned our attention to the people doing this critical work every day—our teachers—and explored how to keep them inspired, supported, and thriving.
Webinar 2: Boosting Teacher Morale
Educators are the heartbeat of every school, but many are facing burnout, disconnection, and diminishing morale. In the second session of the series, our panelists examined how school leaders can reenergize staff and foster a culture where teachers feel valued, capable, and united around a shared purpose.
- Lead With Clarity and Vision
“When clarity came into the building, it became much easier to start layering in action steps,” Gifford said. Developing a shared mission with input from teachers, students, and families helps build momentum and purpose.
- Build Resilience and Emotional Support
“How do you build educator resilience?” Wind Blade asked. Schools must address the emotional well-being of staff by providing tools, resources, and safe spaces to grow professionally and personally.
- Foster Strong Relationships
Dr. Baker emphasized the value of connection: “Many hands make light work.” When teachers feel part of a trusted, collaborative team, morale naturally improves—and so does student learning.
- Make Professional Development Meaningful
Professional learning should energize, not burden. “Teachers naturally want to learn and get better at their craft,” Wind Blade said. Ongoing training, like AVID’s strategies for engagement and rigor, builds teacher confidence and instructional quality.
- Reignite Engagement—for Students and Staff
Gifford shared how implementing student talking structures improved academic outcomes and classroom energy. “As soon as we started getting those talking structures in place, our academic data started to soar.”
👉 Watch the webinar recording on boosting teacher morale.
When teachers feel connected to their purpose and supported by their leaders, they’re more equipped to bring energy and care to their classrooms. With this momentum, our final session turned toward another urgent issue facing schools today—student absenteeism—and how to build environments where students want to show up and learn.
Webinar 3: Making School a Place Students Want to Attend
As chronic absenteeism continues to rise nationwide, school leaders are asking tough questions: Why aren’t students coming to school, and what can we do to change that? In the final installment of the series, panelists shared how they’re cultivating campuses that feel safe, welcoming, and worth attending, with a strong focus on relationships, relevance, and opportunity.
- Relationships Come First
Dr. Na Micah of Fossil Hill Middle School shared how building trust with families transformed attendance. “Once we got [parents] on board, the kids got on board,” she said. Connection, care, and community are the first steps toward consistent attendance.
- Empower Student Voice and Leadership
Gifford explained how AVID strategies are helping students speak up and grow. “Our AVID students are starting to get the strategies to feel comfortable in uncomfortable spaces.” Encouraging student leadership boosts confidence and motivation.
- Be Visible and Consistent
Dr. Baker spoke about the importance of presence: “It’s about being out front and visible every day.” When leaders and staff are present, approachable, and consistent, students feel safer and more supported.
- Celebrate Success Loudly and Often
Recognizing progress reinforces a sense of belonging. “Celebrate the heck out of those people who are building relationships and knowing the kids’ names,” Dr. Baker said. Positive reinforcement uplifts both students and staff.
- Provide Opportunity Knowledge
Helping students see a future beyond the classroom inspires them to show up. AVID’s focus on “opportunity knowledge”—college and career awareness—shows students that school is the gateway to their goals.
👉 Watch the webinar recording on making school a place students want to attend.
This session offered a powerful reminder that student attendance isn’t just about enforcement—it’s about environment. Students who feel connected, capable, and seen show up ready to learn.
Conclusion: A Unified Vision for Student and Teacher Success
Each webinar in the Championship Learning series highlighted a different challenge, but the solutions shared had common threads: clear vision, strong relationships, and intentional practices that prioritize both people and purpose.
Whether you're focused on raising literacy levels, restoring teacher morale, or increasing student attendance, these conversations offer a roadmap grounded in real-world strategies from leaders making a difference.
To continue this learning journey, we invite you to join future AVID webinars and explore our professional learning offerings. Together, let’s create schools where every student and every teacher feels like a champion.