INFLUENCER OF THE WEEK: Sonia Haynes, Westbrooke Elementary School

Sonia Haynes is a curriculum resource teacher and ESOL compliance specialist at Westbrooke Elementary School.

As a curriculum resource teacher, Haynes finds resources teachers need to help students learn, and she supports teachers with small groups in classrooms. She also reviews data with teachers and discusses strategies to improve. She provides resources to teachers and bilingual paraprofessionals to assist with ESOL students. In 2021, Haynes started the Rising Stars Mentoring/Tutoring program, which helps youth work on goal setting, critical thinking, self confidence, decision making and establishing positive relationships with law enforcement. Students also are tutored by West Orange and Ocoee high school students. 

In 2023, Haynes received the Orange County Public Schools Hero Teacher award, and in 2024, she won Teacher of the Year.  

What brought you to your school?

I came to Westbrooke Elementary because we have a diverse student body. The students come from different backgrounds, which allows me to educate and learn from students with diverse backgrounds while making a positive impact.

What do you love most about your school?

I love how the parents, teachers, administrators and community work together to ensure the students’ success.

What is the most rewarding part of your job?

Interacting with so many students. I’m able to build relationships with them. I have breakfast duty, so I see many of them in the morning, and I speak positively and encourage them to have a great day. I have bus duty, so I can listen to students as they recap their day. During that time, I assisted students with their homework and talked to them about listening to the bus driver and being respectful.

What would I be if you weren’t in this profession? 

If I weren’t an educator, I would be an event planner. I love organizing, hosting, brainstorming and ensuring that events come together. I love when people gather.

Who influences you?

My mom was my most significant influencer. She was a hard worker. She spent 35 years at her job. I saw her manage working, being a wife, a mother and donating time to the community.

Who was your favorite teacher when you were in school? Why?

My favorite teacher was Mrs. Burns at Jones High School. She realized I struggled in math and encouraged me to come to tutoring with her before and after school. I was a little hesitant at first, but I began tutoring, and the confidence and love that she showed towards me inspired me to become an educator.

What is your favorite children’s book and why?

My favorite children’s book is “Love You Forever.” It reminds me of singing lullabies to my children when they were babies. The book also focuses on the relationship between a mother and child and the importance of cherishing time with your children because time is precious.

If you could have any superpower, what would it be and why?

The ability to fly. I’m impatient when stuck in traffic and have other things to do besides sitting in and wasting time in traffic.

If I could only listen to three bands or artists, who would they be and why?

One of my favorite bands is Earth, Wind and Fire, because it reminds me of my childhood, and I love a band that can speak to many generations. Another artist that I enjoy is Beyoncé, because she is a fantastic entertainer. She’s passionate about singing and dancing, a risk-taker and able to sing different genres of music. Last but not least, I love Tye Tribett. He’s a gospel singer who is creative and energetic.

What was your go-to lunch as an elementary student, and what was your favorite snack as an elementary student? 

My favorite lunch was school pizza, salad and fruit. I always looked forward to having this meal on Fridays. Also, my favorite snack was cheese and crackers.

What is your favorite holiday and why?

My favorite holiday is Christmas, because I spend time with my family and friends. We eat, have pajama parties and sometimes sing Christmas songs. 

Who was your best friend in school and why? Are you still in touch?

One of my best friends is Lajuana Raines. We’ve been best friends since we met at Robert E. Lee Junior High School. We went to Jones High School and attended Bethune-Cookman College. She was my roommate in college. We usually have weekly conversations to catch up on what’s happening and encourage each other. Yes, we are still in contact. She’s one of my partners for my mentoring program, Rising Stars.

What were your extracurricular activities as a student? Did you win any accolades or honors?

I was involved in many clubs in high school, including the French Club and Pep Club. The Pep Club was fun because we would travel, cheer and support my high school. I’ve always been an honor roll student.