Sonya Shue has held many positions since she began her career as an educator; this year she adds a new title: Putnam County Schools Administrator of the Year.

Shue, who began her career at Buffalo Elementary in 1983, has worked as an elementary school classroom teacher, Title I teacher, middle school math teacher, and school administrator. She currently serves as assistant principal of Scott Teays Elementary.

Shue’s work ethic and interpersonal skills have contributed to her success and the success of her schools. While she served as a Title I teacher at George Washington Middle, that school became a National Title I School. While she has been a member of the administration at Scott Teays, that school was designated a West Virginia School of Excellence status and is being considered for national blue ribbon status.

The reason for Shue’s success is evidenced in her everyday actions: “My leadership philosophy is to make everyone feel as though they are ‘somebody’. I greet students and parents daily and make sure to recognize them by name,” she says. “I try to get into as many classrooms as possible to help students with their individual needs and praise them on the smallest of progress. I think that being hands-on and visual helps inspire the students and demonstrates that I care,” she says.

Shue holds a bachelor’s degree in elementary education from West Virginia State University and a master’s degree in school Leadership Studies from the Marshall University Graduate College. She is a member of Kappa Delta Pi, Mu Alpha Theta, Professional Educators Association, and the Putnam County Principal’s Association.