Sonja Walsh

I have been a 3rd grade teacher for 6 years and learned just as much from my kids as they learned from me! I taught an SEI class for 3 of those years and will always be a better teacher for it! I have facilitated many staff workshops about math instruction, using anchor charts, data analysis to promote student learning, etc.

I think that student engagement is the foundation for great education. Engagement is a must for the kids to actually take in the content, strategies, and lessons being taught! I also love for the kids to be in control of their own learning. I like to make things very hands-on and use questions to guide the kids to success. I always emphasize to the kids that I am just a facilitator...that they are the problem solvers. I love to have the kids moving around the room to complete tasks, rather than just sitting with a pencil and paper all day, even though there is definitely a time and place for that too! I pride myself on a strong community vibe in my classroom and treat my students as my equals. My philosophy in a nutshell: Walk in your students' shoes...if you are lost, they are. If you are bored, they are too. If you are truly enjoying yourself, they will too.

Graduated from ASU in 2007 with honors. I was the team leader on my grade level for 3 years. I was a mentor to new teachers at my campus and in my district.

I earned my BA in K-8 Education from Arizona State University in 2007.

I live in the beautiful desert in Phoenix, Arizona. I am happily married with 2 adorable kiddos. I have wanted to be a teacher since I was a very small child. I actually used to make worksheets and activities for my younger siblings to complete at home! I truly love being creative, especially when it comes to crafting and making teaching materials.