![AVID Coordinator Anne Lawrence poses with Early College High School Principal Dr. Dave Martinez]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1739300835/nmusdus/h9d9djktmu7eq4ffcd9v/ECHSTopTeacher1.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1739300835/nmusdus/h9d9djktmu7eq4ffcd9v/ECHSTopTeacher1.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1739300835/nmusdus/h9d9djktmu7eq4ffcd9v/ECHSTopTeacher1.png","width":800}])
Newport-Mesa Unified School District (NMUSD) congratulates Anne Lawrence, AVID (Advancement Via Individual Determination) Coordinator for Early College High School (ECHS) for being named one of the Top 25 Teachers in Orange County as part of the 2025 Parenting OC School Hero Awards.
Lawrence was among hundreds of nominees submitted to Parenting OC Magazine. Among the criteria judges considered were:
- Creativity in teaching method
- Passion/personally involved
- Multiple school duties
- Heads up school programs
- Student and/or parent favorite
“Among the many teachers I have observed in my career as a high school educator, Mrs. Lawrence has a natural ability to share her personal experiences in a manner that lets students know she has experienced the challenges, stressors, and anxieties they may be facing. She is a true champion for our students,” Early College Principal Dr. Dave Martinez said.
As an AVID teacher, Lawrence schedules college field trips and supports students applying to four-year colleges and universities. She commits additional time to reviewing students’ personal statements and scholarship essays. She also oversees Early College’s Senior Projects, a graduation requirement in which seniors shadow a career mentor, write a paper, and give presentations in front of a community panel.
“Her dedication and guidance are reflected in the remarkable success of our students, from earning admission to prestigious colleges to receiving highly competitive scholarships,” Martinez said.
In recent years, 11 of Lawrence’s AVID students have earned full scholarships from the Angels Baseball Foundation; the foundation recognizes students based on academic achievements, leadership abilities, and commitment to the AVID programs at their schools. In addition, two of Lawrence’s students in the past two years have been awarded Gates Scholarships, which provide full college funding, including room and board, to outstanding student leaders from low-income households.
Lawrence’s accomplishments will be celebrated in Parenting OC’s March 2025 issue.