Expertise and Experience:
Sonya Soyars is a seasoned educator with nearly two decades of teaching experience, specializing in STEM and career readiness pathways. She played a pivotal role in implementing the Advanced Manufacturing Academy within the Pittsylvania County School District, a program designed to expose high school students to technical disciplines including Welding, Machining, Robotics, Computer Systems, and Workplace Readiness. Her leadership in integrating the TECHnista curriculum into the academy demonstrates her commitment to bridging classroom instruction with real-world application.

Sonya’s career spans across elementary, middle, and high school education. She has taught the full spectrum of manufacturing pathways and is known for her strong curriculum development skills, differentiated instruction methods, and effective lesson planning that meets the diverse needs of her students.

Years of Experience: 19 years in education

Education:

• Bachelor of Science, Averett University

• Virginia Teaching License

• Certified PK-6

• Endorsements: Technology Education, Family and Consumer Sciences

Career Highlights:

• Implemented the Advanced Manufacturing Academy

• Taught multiple manufacturing pathways: Welding, Machining, Robotics, Workplace Readiness

• Educator of the Year, 2020

Relevant Certifications:

• Technology Education Endorsement

Personal Touch:
Faith and family influence everything Sonya does. Outside the classroom, she enjoys spending quality time with her husband and three boys. She especially loves watching her sons play sports and going on family camping trips.