Sonya’s philosophy about teaching is simple. Madeline Hunter said it best when she said, “Kids don’t care how much you know until they know how much you care!” Many think she was being too “warm and fuzzy” but what she meant was you are not going to reach some kids academically until you first reach them on the “human to human” level. Sometimes the subject matter in our classrooms can’t compete with the “drama” in their lives. The main ingredient missing in a lot of our classrooms today is a “connection with kids.” Sonya believes that the research is clear: When students know you value them as a ‘human being’, not just another student, they will work harder for you and challenge you less. She also believes teachers don’t need any more theory and new, trendy programs with catchy names.

Sonya believes teachers need to be given research-based, proven, practical strategies and applications that teachers can start implementing immediately – without throwing anything out that is working in their classrooms. Sonya believes that educators have the toughest job in America as they are asked every day to wear many different hats – mom, dad, nurse, counselor, teacher, advisor, judge, jury, lawyer – just to name a few.

Sonya knows that the students come into our classrooms and schools with different backgrounds and cultures and their cognitive abilities, assets, and experiences are just as wide-ranging. Sometimes the only thing students have in common is their age! The “one size fits all” approach does not work anymore.

Sonya also understands the biggest unchallenged assumption by many today (especially politicians) about education, is that kids are coming to school willing and ready to learn. As educators, we know this is not the case. We have a generation of kids coming to our schools basically un-socialized. Many students are learning behavior from TV shows, video games, social media, and a myriad of other influences.

Sonya knows there’s not much we can do from 4:00 PM until 8:00 AM but there is a lot we can do from 8:00 AM until 4:00 PM. Sonya is dedicated to helping educators be successful through motivation, inspiration, humor, and a common-sense approach to stress management. Most importantly, she leaves educators with as many proven, practical strategies as she can. After all, minor miracles happen in classrooms, led by enthusiastic, well-prepared, loving teachers.