Testimonials from our Participants

Teacher Leadership

I have worked with Dr. Sonia in a variety of capacities throughout her time as a consultant in our school. Our first summer institute together was impactful on a personal level, as she led a mixed group of staff members through artistic and analytical learning experiences that allowed us to delve deeply into our own cultural backgrounds. After the summer, by working closely with this initial group, Dr. Sonia ensured the network of people versed in CRRP grew in pockets throughout the school and we carried what we had learned with us into our teaching. During the school year, Dr. Sonia gave feedback to my units, provided materials, observed my teaching, and co-taught with me, providing continued support and partnership. Throughout her 5-year consultation, professional learning, curriculum development, assessment practices, reading initiatives, administrative roles, and daily teaching practices shifted in both subtle and overt ways. As her work continued to take shape and focus throughout the school, so did East’s vision of CRRP. Dr. Sonia’s work with our professional learning team in developing that vision has provided a framework that is both realistic and idealistic for what our teaching can and needs to be. I remain comfortably uncomfortable when asking Dr. Sonia professional and personal questions that push my capacity for this work forward.  She has been instrumental in my growth as a culturally conscious educator. And, she gives great hugs! — D. Hart, Secondary School Literacy Teacher

As a result of participating in the Urban Teaching and Leadership Academy, I think that I am more willing and able to step up within the building, having the confidence to not only speak out, but to bring crucial and important information to the attention of my colleagues. I believe that I am stronger as a teacher, not only in my classroom, but within the building. I know that the program has enriched my philosophy and prepared me to be more active in creating school-wide change. Instead of just talking about things that need to be done, I am more active in ensuring that changes are made for the betterment of the students. I have gained the ability to grow as a professional, and to learn more about not only "how to teach" but also about the obstacles to student learning. By focusing on equity and the "isms" we covered many sensitive topics in education and society, but in a comfortable place where true sharing and learning occurred. Much of the program was focused on leading change in our buildings, but it was change with a purpose - not just to jump into the next educational program in a box. We were able to look at an issue and design something authentic that could fill a need... I loved the program. This was an incredible experience, one that I have learned from and grown from and that will continue to shape how I teach, and how I interact as a teacher leader. — S. Webster, Literacy Coach

In the past 4 years, on a personal and professional level, I have had the opportunity to collaborate closely with Dr. Sonia James-Wilson. In my role as a social studies department Teacher Leader, working with Dr. Sonia has helped to enrich our team’s educational programming, and as a result has fostered student engagement around identity, diversity, justice, and social action. In her capacity as a facilitator and collaborative consultant, she has extensively reviewed and provided valuable feedback to our curriculum to assist in our revisions, graciously extended the use of her personal resources, and worked in our classrooms with our students. It has been an honor and privilege working with Dr. Sonia and I look forward to our continued work together in the future. — T. Simmons, Social Studies Lead Teacher

I have had the great fortune of knowing Dr. James-Wilson since 2004, and I have collaborated with her on many projects throughout the years.  In my experiences working with Dr. Sonia, I have admired the insight of her expertise; the passion of her commitment to social justice; the grace she displays in her leadership; and the preparation and level of effort she puts into her work. Because of her vision and diligence, students and teachers in our high school have directly benefited. She has helped us to become more reflective practitioners, assisted us in improving our pedagogy, and created new opportunities for our students to succeed. — L. Delehanty, Social Studies Teacher