Newly selected superintendent, Dr. Justin Robertson, last week named Midtown Learning Community superintendent, Dr. Sonia Stewart, deputy superintendent for Hamilton County Schools (HCS).
This appointment ensures the district continues on a pathway of success and student learning through the current period of transition.
“Dr. Stewart brings a wealth of experience in developing leaders and improving learning opportunities for all students,” said Dr. Robertson. “I am excited to serve alongside her, as she plays an instrumental role in the work of continuing to implement our Future Ready 2023 plan.”
Dr. Stewart currently serves as community superintendent for the MidTown Learning Community. During her time in HCS, she designed and implemented a robust and focused turnaround plan, leading to improved state percentile rates in all MidTown schools.
Dr. Stewart has also been an integral part of the district’s talent selection, development and compensation efforts. Additionally, Stewart utilized her knowledge and success in community schools work to collaboratively design Community Forward, HCS’ Community Schools effort in partnership with the city of Chattanooga.
“I am excited to continue the transformational work happening in HCS,” said Dr. Stewart. “We have built a foundation of excellence on which we can build on our commitment to ensuring that all children thrive and experience a future without limits.”
For more than two decades, Dr. Stewart’s commitment to young people and the desire to spend her life invested in improved learning outcomes for students has directed her into areas of education and community revitalization. A career educator, she has served as a teacher, principal and district administrator.
Prior to joining HCS, Dr. Stewart served as the executive officer for Organizational Development in Metro Nashville Public Schools (MNPS). She was named MNPS’ Principal of the Year, and during her time leading Pearl-Cohn High, the school was recognized as a National School of Excellence by the Coalition of Community Schools and featured on Edutopia’s “Schools That Work” series.
Dr. Stewart has a doctorate in education, leadership, and policy from Vanderbilt University, a master’s in educational leadership from Trevecca University, and a bachelor’s in mathematics from Biola University.