Chelsey Gutierrez has dedicated her career to guiding students toward academic and personal success and brings incredible passion and love to her role as the AVID coordinator and teacher at West End Middle School.
Her journey in education began as an English Learners teacher at Antioch High School, where she saw first-hand the importance of and need for the AVID (Advancement Via Individual Determination) program, which supports the development of foundational skills in academic practices, specifically for students who have been historically underrepresented.
Now in her seventh year with Metro Nashville Public Schools, Gutierrez has spent the last four years deeply immersed in AVID, helping students develop the tools they need to succeed in college, career, and life. Her commitment to student success extends beyond traditional teaching; she’s also a strong advocate for professional development, having earned several certifications, including her EL certificate, through district-supported courses.
Gutierrez’s approach is holistic – she not only teaches academic skills like note-taking and organization but also fosters essential life skills such as collaboration and accountability. 
These skills aren’t just taught but lived out in the classroom.
“It’s about working through the productive struggle – learning how to communicate and collaborate, even when it’s challenging,” Gutierrez said. “These students hold each other to a higher standard, correcting and encouraging each other to be better.”
Why AVID Matters
The AVID program at MNPS is an integral part of the district’s mission to ensure every student is known and supported. AVID believes in the potential of each student, and by providing foundational skills – critical thinking, collaboration, reading, writing, and relationship-building – the program equips students to thrive in all areas of life.
Gutierrez emphasizes that MNPS and AVID are not just preparing students for college or careers; they’re preparing them for life.
"When they struggle with things, they learn to work through it,” she said. “I always tell them, you know, it's okay to make mistakes and struggle because if you're not struggling, you're not learning.”
Gutierrez offers a compelling reason for students and families to choose and support AVID.
"Dr. Adrienne Battle has made sure every school, in some way, shape, or form, has got what it needs to be successful," she says of the MNPS superintendent.
AVID, which is in 66 of the district’s schools (20 elementary, 30 middle, and 16 high schools), is part of that commitment, helping students acquire and hone the skills they need to thrive in school and beyond.
"Every school offers something that is going to cater to whatever you and your family need," Gutierrez adds.
Memorable Moments in AVID
The impact of AVID is evident in the success stories Gutierrez has seen. She recalls her time at Antioch High School, where she saw her AVID students grow from sophomores to seniors; some graduated top of their class, becoming valedictorians and salutatorians.
"Seeing them give their speeches and be thankful for the teachers they worked with was really powerful and meaningful," Gutierrez said.
These moments are the culmination of years of hard work and underscore the power of the AVID program. Gutierrez has seen similar success in middle school, a transformative time for students as they begin shaping and planning their futures through their interests and passions. She provides these students with the foundations of success through her AVID curriculum.
At West End Middle, Gutierrez continues to inspire her students by creating a supportive community where every student is encouraged to reach their full potential. Her leadership in the AVID program is a testament to her belief in the power of education to transform lives, making her an invaluable asset to both her students and the broader Metro Nashville Public Schools community.