January 8, 2021

Sonia R. Smith Named Compliance and Assistance Director for Minnesota Department of Education

The Minnesota Department of Education (MDE) is pleased to announce that Sonia R. Smith will begin work as its Director of Compliance and Assistance on Wednesday, January 20, 2021.

With more than 20 years of experience in education, Sonia Smith has worked as a director of special education, an assistant school principal, a district assessment coordinator and a resource specialist teacher. She also brings a multi-state perspective to her work. She has a law degree with an emphasis in alternative dispute resolution from the Mitchell-Hamline School of Law. She also has a master’s degree in professional counseling, a master’s degree of education in special education, a master’s degree in organizational leadership and a bachelor’s degree in organizational leadership.

Prior to coming to MDE, she has served as the director of special education for the Goodhue County Education District/Red Wing Public Schools. She is looking forward to joining MDE in its work to support schools and families while protecting students' rights, in partnership with districts, families and all other stakeholders.