Sonia Francis was nominated by her colleague, D'Jamalia Freeman.
Ms. Francis is a remarkable educator who not only has a passion for what she does, but an unwavering commitment to ensuring that every student receives the best that is offered. As a special education educator and case manager for students, her belief is that "inclusion students are general education students first." She is an advocate for her students and teaches them to advocate for themselves.
She believes that as students mature in age, they have to take ownership of their learning. Ms. Francis gives each student her all and always goes the extra mile when working with learning difficulties. Her years of experience and constant desire to grow herself in her profession is rare. She doesn't allow students to use their learning disabilities as an excuse. She educates them on how to recognize their struggles and equips them with the necessary self-techniques to manage their learning.
Ms. Francis advocates for her students to have every opportunity that every general education student experiences. She collaborates with staff members to ensure that they are well versed in understanding how to provide for special education students. She presents the best practices, clarifies common misconceptions, and provides materials for staff to utilize during planning and instruction.
"It can be said with great certainty that Sonia Francis is a passionate LifeChanger, "Freeman said. "Her former students regularly return to share their success and accomplishments, while thanking her for the role she played in helping them build the foundation for themselves."
Sonia Francis is so incredibly passionate about her job. Her number one focus is her students. She is meticulous about paperwork and believe me a lot come with special education! Sonia is an amazing teacher !!
Sonia Francis is an amazing educator! Her dedication to her students is her driving force! She guides them, supports them, and is also a listening ear when necessary! Ms. Francis is a dilligent worker! Never leaving the school until the late hours of the evening making sure that all of her students have been served! She is a life changer and an ideal candidate for this award.
Such a deserving award for an amazing person. Congrats sister (who is in "Teacher Mode" 24/7 ??)!
I have worked with Sonia for over 10yrs, and she best at what she does!! This honor is well deserved!!
I’ve seen this educator in action and watched the lives of students change from the passion Ms. Francis exudes while instructions and developing future leaders and life long learners.
You are such a Beautiful Spirit, with a Beautiful heart. Congratulations Sis, it takes a special person to pour into our kids... thank you for your dedication and for a job well Done!
I have learned so much from her. She is indeed a life changer!
Ms. Francis, is a true pillar to students and co-workers. She is very passionate within her role and is beyond knowledgeable. She is a pleasure to work with!
Congratulations Sonia!! Continue to use your gifts and talents to help students. Great job!! I’m proud of you!
Sonia Francis is an excellent teacher, mentor and colleague. She exemplified professionalism and excellence. She builds relationships with her students and teaches the importance of education to improve lives. Sonia has worked for many years in impoverished communities, her dedication to these communities should be commended. We need more educators like Ms.Francis and should honor those like her.
Congratulations on your nomination Sonia! I have no doubt that you give your best to your students and we all, as a community, are lucky to have someone with your dedication to excellence helping prepare our future leaders!
Sonia you deserve it! Thanks for your warmth and laughter as you continue to pour into our youth!! More teachers need to be like you.
Sonia Francis has worked tirelessly to ensure that her students, who could easily be left behind their peers, know that they always have the power within themselves to meet all educational goals. Additionally, Francis serves as an example to her coworkers to always give 100%.
Sonia is an extremely talented teacher. She is a strong voice for her students when they need one. She fights for what her students need even when they don’t know they need it.
I had the opportunity to work with Ms. Francis for 6 wonderful years. She is an outstanding educator and friend. I grew as a professional and educator and learned a great deal about leadership and special education policy and procedures. She has a genuine passion for quality education and the lifelong success of her students.
Ms. Francis was my basketball coach when I was in 7th-8th grade. She has always been a hard worker and changllege us to strive for the best everyday. She has a passion for education and is well deserving of this award. Ms. Francis, aka. "Coach" Thank you for inspiring me. You are the best.
She is very loving, kind & genuine!
The best educator and mentor in DFW.
It's been such a great pleasure to see you continue on your path as a educator.
Continue to do your very best...you are the Best
I’ve always looked up to Mrs. Francis. From growing up and watching her excel in athletics and in academics, she has always set the standard high. Her compassion for others and her selfless acts of kinds is what inspired me to become a Special Education teacher myself. Not only is she my mentor, but she’s also been my Lifechanger. Can’t think of anyone else more deserving!
Congrats, and keep up the good work, I know Ms. Peeches is very proud of the woman you have become.
Not surprising at all, as Sonia's late mother (Ms Peaches Garrett) was a pillar in the community, a phenomenal woman, mother and educator
Ms. Francis is the type of person that will always put the needs of others in the forefront of her daily operations. As a first year teacher, I am truly inspired not only by her leadership, but by the passion she puts into her work, day in and day out. The way she advocates for her students is nothing short of AMAZING! I see the respect they give her and I know it’s because of the love she shows and gives to each and every one of them. I have learned and I am still learning so much from her!
Some leaders lead just to lead, but the great thing about true leaders is that they lead in order to teach others how to lead. Ms. Francis is a true leader. She’s taught her team how to advocate for all of our students as well as ourselves. She’s taught us about professionalism. She’s taught us about the “no matter what”, at the end of the day, it’s about the students.
Even though I tried, I can’t put into words how much I appreciate everything Ms. Francis has done for her students, her team, and for Garcia. I CAN say I would not have survived my first year as a teacher without her support! Thank you Ms. Francis. You really are a LifeChanger!
Ms. Francis is the embodiment of a LifeChanger, devoting her life and time to ensure all of her students are successful. As a SPED Teacher, she equips all of her students with the necessary tools to learn and exceed expectations. Also, as a Lead Teacher, Ms. Francis is leading her team newbies towards greatness.
Mrs. Francis is all in when it comes to educating young people! She is consistently professional and understands what it takes to deliver quality instruction to our young people. When the going gets tough, Mrs. Francis rolls up her sleeves and serves and gets to work. She brings light to our school!
Ms. Francis is a jewel. She shines everyday for the past 11 years. I am her supervisor and friend. I enjoy coming to work everyday because Ms. Francis is always smiling. She teaches her students self confidence and that they need to learn to speak up for themselves. Many of her students go on to High School and sit in class and tell their teachers that they need a calculator or small group instruction. The students truly admire her for being such a great teacher and getting to know each one of her students. Her students are very protective of Ms. Francis and they always stick up for her. I am just so thrilled that she continues to enlighten my life every day. I am truly blessed to have such a wonderful, positive, compassionate person in my life. She is truly a LifeChanger.
Ms. Francis is an amazing teacher. She is a LifeChanger in everyway. Her students are better from being under her tutelage.
Ms. Francis truly embodies the definition of a "Lead Teacher". As the profile states, she goes above and beyond for her students and staff. When I was hired last summer and going though Dallas ISD New Teacher Training Academy, all the central staff in the district said the same thing about working and learning from Ms. Francis: "You are extremely blessed to be given the opportunity to learn from someone who does their job impeccably." Ms. Francis has not once strayed from that statement. Throughout this year she has given me an insurmountable amount of knowledge and professionalism and I can say that the SpEd department at Garcia Middle school is truly a family. Each day she deepens my love and commitment to our SpEd community and I continue to be blessed to work beside her. She is a strong advocate in every sense of the word and deserves this Life Changer of the Year award without a doubt for not only changing student's lives but changing mine and the rest of those who are given the opportunity to work with her!
Sonia Francis is a fearless leader and student advocate. I cast my vote for Ms. Francis to become the 2017-2018 LifeChanger of the Year because of her dedication, proven skill set and passion!
