Marko Gutierrez is an AVID coordinator and AP Language teacher at San Ysidro High School. He graduated from San Diego State University with a degree in English and started working with San Ysidro High immediately after college. He explained his work teaching AVID, a college-prep program, and gave an overview of how it was conducted virtually. In terms of his background, Marko shared how his family laid roots in the US starting with his grandfather’s work in the Bracero program. He then discussed what inspired him to become an educator. As a final piece of advice, Marko encouraged listeners to be open to taking on new opportunities, even when they are unsure of their own ability. This interview covers topics such as attending high school and college in San Diego, being a first-generation college student, and teaching during the COVID-19 pandemic. Marko was introduced to the Race and Oral History project through our community partner Marysol Gomez, also an AVID teacher at SYHS.
The interview was conducted via Zoom in order to practice social distancing during the COVID-19 pandemic. The interview was conducted by Charlene Miciano, a 5th year Biology: Bioinformatics major and South Bay native who is interested in learning more about the region.
