Sonja Martin has devoted 38+ years to K-12 education. During this time she enjoyed her time as a teacher, as a school principal (at all levels, including alternative education), as a district administrator and as superintendent of schools. Dr. Martin retired in 2002.
After her retirement she worked for the Los Angeles County Office of Education as a consultant working with underachieving schools in Los Angeles Unified School District and as a consultant for Northwest Evaluation Association, for whom she traveled nationally helping teachers with assessment data as linked to instruction.
In addition, she has authored eight books for parents and three books for teachers. She again traveled with her husband across the United States doing book tours and workshops for three years.
Most recently, Dr. Martin has done international work in the Philippines; working with teachers to enhance instructional strategies, thus improving achievement.
During the course of her career, Dr. Martin has presented many workshops and trainings for women and directly to students in school, and at a variety of group settings. Her topics included dealing with peer pressure, anger management, conflict resolution, goal setting and time management. She is presently working with the Coachella Valley Women’s Business Center to bring this work to women in District 4.
Honors:
1989: Awarded the Washington Award for Excellence / High School Principal.
2001: Awarded the Golden Bell from the California Board of Education for her work in assessment linked to standards and enhanced student achievement.
Community Involvement:
Palm Desert Rotary (local and international), American Business Women / Trendsetter Chapter, Cyberbarangay (non profit organization focusing on children’s issues around the world), the Unforgettables (Board of Directors), Women’s Leaders Forum, Business Network of the Desert and C.A.S.A. (Court Appointed Special Advocate) for Riverside County, mentoring foster children.
Her passion is helping others, with a focus on children, women and abandoned pets. Her goal, every day, is to think positive, to make a difference and to work “beyond self”.