Teaching as a Love Language: Sonja’s Purpose in Education
Published October 14, 2025 as a part of the Career Exploration Tool: Stories from the Field series. This series of stories brings to life the many pathways members of Michigan’s early care and education field have taken to achieve their goals, nurture their interests, and achieve success.
For Sonja, working with children isn’t just a career—it’s a calling. From a very young age, she knew she was meant to make a difference in the lives of young people. That sense of purpose has guided her into her role today as a ParaEducator and teacher, where she brings both passion and persistence to her work each day.
Sonja’s days are filled with collaboration, planning, and community involvement. She works alongside colleagues she describes as “brilliant mind leaders,” all united by the same goal: making a meaningful impact in the lives of students and their families. Whether through weekly planning meetings or local projects, Sonja is dedicated to ensuring that children feel safe, supported, and inspired to learn. For her, the most rewarding moments are simple yet profound—seeing a child light up with happiness, knowing they are learning, and watching families become engaged partners in education.
The challenges, of course, are real. Time is often too short to give each student the individualized attention she wishes she could. But Sonja remains undeterred. She continues to sharpen her skills—everything from curriculum development to technology use—and pursues professional courses and educational opportunities that help her grow. Each step strengthens not only her teaching, but also her confidence and her vision for the future.
What keeps her motivated is the belief that teaching is not just a job—it’s what she calls a “love language.” For Sonja, inspiring young people is an act of love, one that shapes both the student and the teacher. She carries with her the influence of her own mentors, teachers who inspired her and showed her what it means to truly care for students.
To anyone considering this field, Sonja offers heartfelt advice: “Take every opportunity and make it work for you. Don’t get discouraged—everything is a process. Believe in yourself and keep learning.” She believes there has never been a better time to pursue a career in education, especially for those who feel called to inspire the next generation.
Sonja’s wish is simple but powerful: that others understand teaching is more than a profession—it’s a commitment to hope, growth, and love. And in her eyes, there’s nothing more inspiring than being inspired by her students in return.