Dr. Sonya Spaulding is a passionate educator and leader whose career has been devoted to uplifting schools and communities. She has served in diverse roles; from substitute and classroom teacher to technology supervisor, assistant principal, principal and assistant superintendent — always centering the belief that every student and educator deserves an environment where they can thrive.

With a gift for cultivating positive school cultures, Sonya empowers leaders and teachers to grow through supportive coaching and meaningful collaboration. She is deeply skilled in the Danielson Framework for Teaching (2022) and Evaluator PLTs, guiding administrators to build trust, calibrate evaluation practices, and foster professional growth cycles that inspire rather than simply assess.

Her passion for data is rooted in service: she transforms numbers into stories that illuminate strengths and opportunities. Through her “data digs” in the 5Essentials framework, she helps schools see what is possible, encouraging courageous conversations that lead to actionable change.

An experienced facilitator and curriculum designer, Dr. Spaulding regularly leads Illinois Administrator Academies, including:

• AA4050 (Principal Evaluation) and AA2001 (Teacher Evaluation)

• Cultural Competence & Implicit Bias (AA4172)

• Data Digs: 5Essentials for Leading Change (AA4186)

• Understanding and Applying the Updated Framework: Danielson 2022 (AA4233)

At the heart of her work is a commitment to listening, inspiring, and equipping educators to serve with confidence, clarity, and compassion. She believes that sustainable change in schools begins with empowered leaders who model resilience, equity, and hope for the communities they serve.