Product Description
by Sonia M. Stewart Ed D. (Author)
This book chronicles the journey of school turnaround. Focused on the delicate balance between academic press and personalization, the story of Pearl-Cohn High School, in Nashville, Tennessee, reflects what is possible in a school characterized by the intersection of rigorous learning, and an authentic culture of care and belonging. More, this is a story of how race and economic disadvantage intersect with education in America. This is a story of moments and movements.
Author Biography
Dr. Sonia Stewart is an educator, speaker, leader, and visionary. For the past two decades, her commitment to young people and desire to spend her life invested in improved learning outcomes for students has directed her into areas of education and community revitalization. Sonia has a Doctorate degree in Education, Leadership, and Policy from Vanderbilt University, a Master's degree in Educational Leadership from Trevecca University, and a Bachelor's degree in Mathematics from Biola University. She has led and taught at the high school level in both the public and private school settings. Sonia has extensive experience investing in the lives of marginalized youth from a variety of cultural and socio-economic backgrounds. Rooted in the conviction of the vital role that education, the family, and a healthy community plays in the success of youth, Sonia has consistently been involved in schools and organizations that foster meaningful relationships between young people and their surrounding community. Her visionary leadership led to educational reform efforts intended to foster deeper student engagement in school while also working to support whole-child and whole-family needs. Sonia is passionately committed to providing just and equitable opportunities for youth who are deprived of the education, resources, and support that they need to reach their potential. Named Principal of the Year by both Metro Nashville Public Schools and The Academies of Nashville, Sonia's commitment to excellence is evidenced through the local, regional and national recognition that Pearl-Cohn has received including the National School of Excellence by the Coalition of Community Schools, recognized as a model in urban education by the Institute of Urban Schools, and featured on Edutopia's "Schools That Work" series. Married for 22 years to Rayna Stewart and the mother of four children, Sonia currently resides in Nashville, Tennessee, where she serves as the Executive Principal at Pearl-Cohn High School.
