Carpinteria Teacher Named Bilingual Educator of the Year
The National Association of Bilingual Educators (NABE) has bestowed the Teacher of the Year award on Sonia Aguila of Canalino Elementary School.
Aguila is a second-grade dual-language immersion teacher. She has been employed by Canalino Elementary for 25 years. In addition to her work in the classroom, Aguila helped the district develop its Dual Language Immersion program and currently serves as chair.
“My heart is full of joy,” Aguila told Coastal View News. “I am very proud of my accomplishments. The path to where I am now was not easy.”
Aguila struggled with English as a child, often breaking down in tears. She persevered, eventually graduating from Santa Barbara High School at age 16. She attended UC Santa Barbara on a full scholarship where she earned an Elementary Teaching Credential. She later got a master’s degree in Education.
“Carpinteria Unified School District, and its staff, students, and families are so proud of Sonia’s amazing accomplishments,” said Principal Jamie Persoon. Aguila “facilitates English Learner Advisory Committee meetings, supports culturally relevant instruction and events for students and families and hosts a radio show in Santa Barbara, helping parents in how to best support their students.”
Aguila will represent U.S. bilingual instructors at the NABE conference from Feb. 21 to Feb. 23 in Portland, Oregon. As for her accolade, Aguila says it’s proof that “anything in life is possible.”
