Who is Sonja Azim?
Growing up, some of the values my parents instilled in me were to treat everyone with dignity, respect, and kindness. Both of my parents were working class people, and they taught me the value of hard work. I have always taken pride in my work because of the example that my parents gave me. They also taught me to advocate for those who are less fortunate and could not fight for themselves.
I became a Special Education teacher after growing up with a young lady that has an intellectual disability and struggled both socially and academically. She didn't have anyone to fight for her but me. I made up my mind then, that if I encountered someone that needed help, I would try my best to help them.
My career in education started almost 20 years ago, as a paraprofessional in a Special Education classroom. Since then, I have held several positions in education as a Special Education teacher, ESE Specialist, Student Services Coordinator, Dean of Students, and District Trainer. Needless to say, I have been a lifelong educator and a champion for those less fortunate, and I plan to continue on this same pathway.
As a mother and a wife, my husband, a retired police detective, and I shared these same values with our two daughters. We made sure they learned to treat others with dignity, respect, and kindness. My girls are also very familiar with and understand the value of hard work, they know that nothing is given to them and they must earn what they get. Both girls are Broward County School students; one is a current attendee and the other is a graduate currently attending FAMU. I am thrilled to say that both girls are thriving in their respective areas of study, and they make me proud every day.
Investing in Those Who Teach
Educators are the backbone of our schools, yet their compensation, the support they receive and their working conditions often lag behind their immense contribution. Sonja Azim is committed to advocating for competitive teacher pay, sustainable workloads, and the resources necessary to ensure every student is taught by a supported and empowered professional.
Experience and Dedication for Our School District
Sonja Azim is a dedicated advocate for educational excellence, championing accountability, transparency, and equity across all levels of our school system. With a professional background in education and leadership, she possesses the unique perspective needed to bridge gaps between administrations, teachers, families, and communities.
Her campaign is focused on creating a safe and sustainable environment for our educators through improved pay, an enhanced focus on safety, and better working conditions, while ensuring that every student has access to the high-quality resources they deserve. Sonja believes that by prioritizing safety and ongoing professional development, along with collective engagement and transparent decision-making, we can foster a district that empowers both students and staff to reach their full potential.