Robin Ilac, an instructional coach and Advancement Via Individual Determination (AVID) site coordinator at El Camino Junior High School, has been selected as the worldwide winner of the AVID Staff Developer of the Year Award.
This recognition is part of the inaugural Global Achievement Awards launched by AVID. The nonprofit organization impacts millions of students in schools across the United States.
As AVID celebrates its 45th anniversary, the organization selected Ilac from a network of thousands of educators worldwide for her outstanding contributions to professional learning and student success.
Ilac, a veteran educator with more than 25 years of classroom experience, serves the Santa Maria-Bonita School District (SMBSD) by mentoring teachers, facilitating training on districtwide initiatives, and leading AVID implementation.
Her work focuses on equipping teachers with high-leverage instructional strategies that ensure equity and access for all students.
“To be selected as a leader in professional learning among such a talented global network of educators is the highlight of my career,” Ilac said. “I believe that when we train one teacher effectively, we are not just helping one person.
“We are impacting every single student that walks through their door for the rest of their career. That ripple effect is what drives me.”
The Staff Developer of the Year Award recognizes an individual who bridges the gap between educational theory and classroom reality.
Ilac was cited for her ability to empower educators, whether through large-scale training at the AVID Summer Institutes or one-on-one mentorship at El Camino Junior High.
El Camino Junior High Principal Alex Jauregui said Ilac’s recognition as AVID Staff Developer of the Year is a reflection of her commitment to instructional excellence and student success.
“At El Camino Junior High, her work supporting teachers, mentoring colleagues, and embedding AVID strategies has strengthened our culture of learning, equity and cultivating excellence,” he said. “We are incredibly proud to see her leadership recognized on a global stage.”
AVID Center formally recognized Ilac as part of the anniversary celebration Dec. 11 in San Diego at the AVID National Conference.
In addition to her coaching duties, Ilac continues to teach an ethnic studies elective at El Camino Junior High, staying grounded in students’ daily experiences.