Sonya Wrisley makes ’20 to Watch’ list

Sonya Wrisley, principal at Design 39 Campus in 4S Ranch, has been honored as a member of the “20 to Watch” list compiled by the National School Boards Association Technology Leadership Network.

Those on the list, released last week, are being recognized “for their ability to inspire colleagues to explore and embrace innovative technology solutions that contribute to high-quality instruction and support more personalized learning experiences for students.”

According to NSBA, “Sonya Wrisley is guiding teachers to engage students in the Stanford Design Thinking process where they create solutions to real-world challenges on a daily basis. Teams of 150-180 students work with teachers in shared learning spaces with cutting-edge technologies that shift between traditional classrooms, Makeries, Collaboratories, The Gallery, and The Loft to support a student-centered approach to instruction.”

Before joining, developing and opening Design 39 Campus, Wrisley was the principal of Oak Valley Middle School. She came to Poway Unified in 1993 as the principal of Canyon View Elementary School. Previous to that, she was an assistant principal at Del Dios Middle School in the Escondido Union School District.

PUSD Supt. John Collins said he appreciates Wrisley’s dedication and innovation throughout her career, saying, “Design 39 Campus has grown into a collaborative school where students, staff, parents and community members focus on personalized learning, creating educational programs that best serve what students need and want to learn in 2015. Sonya is an outstanding leader and team member and we are incredibly proud of this well-deserved recognition.”