Sonia Watson, Dean of Adjunct Faculty Support, did not set out to have a career in education. She worked in the corporate world for several years in business, sales and training before shifting to teaching, starting with middle school and then high school. While teaching high school, she also worked as an adjunct for dual credit and dual enrollment as well as trained educators for the Orange County Public School System, Seminole County School System, Valencia College and University of Central Florida.
"Once I began teaching in higher education, I knew that was my best fit," she said. "I loved the opportunity to share my passion for helping and teaching others, being a positive inspiration, providing leadership and fostering an environment of diversity and inclusion in the classroom."
Her work with adjunct faculty at COD includes providing comprehensive professional development focused on best-practice teaching strategies, increasing student success and engagement, and reducing student withdrawal rates.
"As the daughter of an immigrant, I know the struggles she had when she came to this country," Watson said. "I think of what she went through as a student and throughout my teaching career, I have kept her in my thoughts. I aim to be the person my mom needed but never had as a teacher or role model. My work ethic, my servant leadership style and the person I am are all because of her. She is my reminder that I stand on the shoulders of great women who fought for the right to be in this country, the right for me to have an education and to never forget my roots. My dad taught me the importance of getting an education and to always strive for more."
Contact Watson at watsons57@cod.edu or (630) 942-3808.
I aim to be the person my mom needed but never had as a teacher or role model. My work ethic, my servant leadership style and the person I am are all because of her. She is my reminder that I stand on the shoulders of great women who fought for the right to be in this country, the right for me to have an education and to never forget my roots.
- Sonia Watson, Dean of Adjunct Faculty Support
Areas of Expertise
- IDEA (Inclusion, Diversity, Equity and Access)