Sonia Azizian

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

Sonia 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 classroom. Sonia believes 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.

Sonia understands that 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 simply does not work anymore.

Sonia also knows 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 reality TV shows, social media, music videos, the Kardashians and a myriad of other influences.

Sonia 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. Sonia 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, it was a teacher who encouraged Sonia to write and now she is a published author and educator. It is that kind of encouragement that can happen every day in classrooms, when led by enthusiastic, well-prepared, loving teachers and received by students who are engaged and eager to learn.