California State University, Long Beach

Baby Steps: How Educators Can Make Meaningful Career Progress

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49er Industry Chat with Dr. Sonya Smith ‘14
Director III, Student Support Services Los Angeles County Office of Education

Baby Steps: How Educators Can Make Meaningful Career Progress

Learn about:

1. Career Advancement: Gain valuable insights into the pathways and strategies for advancing your career within the field of education. Learn about different opportunities for growth, such as moving from entry-level positions to leadership roles, and understand the skills and experiences that can help you progress in your career journey.

2. Effective Leadership: Explore effective leadership techniques and approaches that promote student success and foster positive outcomes within educational institutions. Discover how to advocate for students, create inclusive environments, and lead teams towards shared goals, ultimately making a meaningful impact in the lives of students and communities.

3. Student Support: Delve into practical techniques and best practices for supporting student well-being and academic success. Learn how to address various challenges that students may face, including mental health issues, socio-economic barriers, and academic struggles, and discover strategies for providing holistic support that empowers students to thrive academically and personally.

About the speaker:

Dr. Sonya Smith joined the Los Angeles County Office of Education (LACOE) as the Director III of Student Support Services in 2021. As Director III, Dr. Smith oversees training and technical assistance in the areas of school safety and climate, physical and mental health and wellbeing, attendance and discipline, positive behavioral interventions and supports, support for youth in foster care and those experiencing homelessness as well as expanded learning programs. Prior to joining LACOE, Dr. Smith served the students and families of the Hawthorne School District for 35 years as an instructional aide, classroom teacher, teacher on special assignment and both a site and district administrator. Dr. Smith is a fierce advocate for students and a compassionate servant leader. Dr. Smith earned her doctoral degree from California State University, Long Beach, in 2014 as part of Cohort V and serves on the board of both the LACOE chapter and Region 14 of the Association of California School Administrators.