James Sonju

 Jim Sonju recognized for fostering science and math literacy at Rochester school

(St. Paul, MN; January 5, 2011) – James Sonju, principal of Lincoln K-8 Choice School, Rochester, has been named 2011 Science and Mathematics Elementary and Middle Level Principal of the Year. 

Created through a partnership between the Science Museum of Minnesota and the Minnesota Elementary School Principals’ Association (MESPA), the award recognizes the vital importance of fostering lifelong science literacy and honors the key role principals play in developing a culture that encourages and celebrates student interest in math and science.

In reviewing applications for this year’s award recipient, the award committee looked for evidence of the nominees’ support of professional development and coaching for the teachers in their schools, active partnerships with other organizations, efforts to apply math and science standards to curriculum and provide support materials, support of out-of-school as well as in-school experiences, inclusion of families, and evidence of other creative ways of fostering interest in math and science.

How has James Sonju earned this honor? In brief – studying zebrafish. The zebrafish has properties that make it amenable to scientific study, such as transparent bodies and short life cycle, providing a hands-on approach to studying genetics. In more detail -- Sonju helped teachers from all disciplines experience cutting-edge science so that they could produce curriculum in a horizontally integrated, vertically aligned manner, curriculum that directly addresses opportunities for improvement at their school.