Sonya Whitfield
Maumelle,AR
Overview
33
33
years of professional experience
Work History
Deputy Superintendent of Learning Services
Pulaski County Special School District
01.2022 - Current
- Managed/ oversaw over $1.4 million in grant funding to support professional learning, retention stipends, performance stipends, and technology
- 2023: $653,408.97 (Center for Strategic Learning and Organizational Coherence)
- 2024: $210,702.98 (Center for Strategic Learning and Organizational Coherence)
- 2025: $347,696.00 (Center for Strategic Learning and Organizational Coherence)
- 2025: $397,337.70 (Professional Learning Grant – DESE)
- 2025: $218,000 (Communities of Practice – DESE)
- Developed and implemented a tiered instructional support system to meet the unique needs of schools, enhancing instructional effectiveness and student outcomes
- Designed and implemented a professional learning model for principals, directors, and coordinators that shifted from traditional feedback to a collaborative coaching approach, fostering continuous instructional growth and development
- Restructured the Learning Services department to provide specialized, intensive support to schools
Principal
Baker Elementary School
01.2015 - 12.2022
- Led Baker Elementary to become the #1 ranked school in Arkansas based on ESSA scores this was achieved and sustained under my tenure
- Achieved top 5% growth in Math and Literacy for multiple years
- Secured Arkansas School Recognition Funds for outstanding growth and achievement
- Maintained top 5% status in Arkansas based on ACT Aspire Achievement (since 2016)
- In 2021, U.S
- News & World Report ranked Baker Elementary as the #1 elementary school in Arkansas during its inaugural year of elementary school rankings
- Under my leadership, Baker maintained its top-ranking status, reflecting a sustained commitment to excellence in education
- Developed and sustained a personalized new teacher induction program (Lunch and Learn) designed to support and retain teachers in their first three years of teaching
- Created 'Close the Gap and Extending the Learning,' a process to address disparities between the highest- and lowest-performing students, as well as extending the learning of those students who were achieving significant growth, particularly among Special Education students
- Implemented 'Student Triage,' a process when receiving new students by conferencing with parents, assessing student needs, and aligning appropriate support accordingly
- Rebuilt the school's economics focus after losing funding and allocation for an Economics teacher
- Baker became the only economics-focused school in the state, winning numerous awards
- Implemented One School, One Book, engaging the entire school community in literacy in partnership with Economics Arkansas
Principal
Tolleson Elementary School
01.2011 - 12.2015
- Successfully merged two campuses, creating a positive and cohesive school culture
- Developed and trained a highly effective leadership team
- Secured grant funding to establish an A+ School
- Launched a tutoring/mentoring program with city and community leaders
- First principal in PCSSD to implement One School, One Book, engaging the entire school community (parents, staff, and students) to foster a love for literacy
Principal
Jacksonville Elementary School
01.2009 - 12.2011
- Conducted comprehensive needs assessments (facilities, faculty, parents, and students)
- Engaged community leaders and city officials to address facility and instructional needs
- Established a successful tutoring/mentoring program led by community leaders
- Led the school out of School Improvement status within two years, achieving Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP)
- Implemented on-site professional development and built a strong school leadership team
- Created and implemented Parent University, offering classes for parents on relevant topics such as parenting, English, resume building, and Microsoft skills
Principal
Cato Elementary School
01.2005 - 12.2009
- Provided on-site professional development for teachers
- Served as Special Education and 504 Designee
- Established and trained a school leadership team
Assistant Principal
Cato Elementary School
01.2004 - 12.2005
- Facilitated parent involvement initiatives
- Served as Special Education Designee
Assistant Principal
Arnold Drive Elementary School
01.2003 - 12.2004
- Oversaw parent involvement programs
- Served as Special Education Designee and 504 Coordinator
Classroom Teacher
Pulaski County Special School District
01.1992 - 12.2003
Education
Doctorate - Educational Leadership
Arkansas Tech University
01.2019
Educational Specialist - Educational Leadership
University of Central Arkansas
01.2011
Master of Science - School Leadership and Management
University of Central Arkansas
01.2002
Bachelor of Science - Elementary Education
University of Central Arkansas
01.1992
Skills
- Community engagement
- Stakeholder communication
- Organizational effectiveness
- Performance improvements
- School administration
- Continuous improvement
- Instructional leadership
- Strategic planning
Specialized Training
- National Instructional Leader Academy, 2022-2023
- National Principal Supervisor Academy, 2023-2024
- Arkansas Leadership Academy - Instructional Leader Empowerment, 2023-2024
- Arkansas Lead Principal, 2016-2020
- Arkansas Leadership Academy - Master Principal, 2009
Affiliations
- Arkansas Association of Educational Administrators (AAEA)
- The School Superintendent Association (AASA)
Summary
As a lifelong educator and leader within the Pulaski County Special School District, my career has been shaped by a deep commitment to students, staff, and community that I hold dear. PCSSD is not just where I work- it's my home. I entered PCSSD as a first grader and never left. During college breaks, I worked as a substitute teacher, and just two months before my college graduation, I was issued a teaching contract with PCSSD. This district has been a part of my life every step of the way.
My family's connection to PCSSD runs deep-three generations strong. My mother, myself, and our daughters are all proud PCSSD graduates. Additionally, my youngest daughter is now carrying on the tradition as a district employee. We believe in PCSSD because we have lived its impact firsthand.
My leadership is fueled by a passion for discovering strengths of others and empowering educators to reach their full potential. Building strong teams and engaging the community are essential to creating a culture of excellence. I believe that every student deserves high-quality instruction, meaningful support, and opportunities to succeed, no matter the school dynamics or demographics. I am driven by results, with data consistently reflecting the success of the relationships I build and the inclusive environment I strive to create. I remain dedicated to the continued growth and success of PCSSD and am honored to serve in this district that has given so much to me and my family.
Adjunct Professor
University of Central Arkansas, Conway, Arkansas, 08/01/04 - 06/30/14
Adjunct Professor
- Facilitated courses in the Graduate School of Management, Leadership & Administration
- Integrated ISLLC Standards into coursework
- Served on the SLMA Portfolio Defense Council, Oral Comprehensive Grading Panel, and Capstone Review Committee
Advisory Board Member, Leadership Studies 2009-2012
- Strategic Guidance & Policy Recommendations
- Advocacy & Public Relations
- Program Evaluation & Quality Assurance
- Enhance Student & Alumni Engagement
Timeline
Deputy Superintendent of Learning Services
Pulaski County Special School District
01.2022 - Current
Principal
Baker Elementary School
01.2015 - 12.2022
Principal
Tolleson Elementary School
01.2011 - 12.2015
Principal
Jacksonville Elementary School
01.2009 - 12.2011
Principal
Cato Elementary School
01.2005 - 12.2009
Assistant Principal
Cato Elementary School
01.2004 - 12.2005
Assistant Principal
Arnold Drive Elementary School
01.2003 - 12.2004
Classroom Teacher
Pulaski County Special School District
01.1992 - 12.2003
Educational Specialist - Educational Leadership
University of Central Arkansas
Master of Science - School Leadership and Management
University of Central Arkansas
Bachelor of Science - Elementary Education
University of Central Arkansas
Doctorate - Educational Leadership
Arkansas Tech University
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