Teachers Who Make a Difference: Delmar teacher that’s 25 years in the making

SALISBURY, Md. — For this month’s Teachers Who Make a Difference award, sponsored by Pam Price, we visit an educator in Delmar who goes above and beyond for her students every day. Congratulations to 9th-grade math teacher Mrs. Sonja Warner.

Warner said she was “extremely surprised. Grateful. Humbled. But extremely surprised.”

In a time when it’s becoming more challenging to motivate the next generation, this award highlights how some teachers continue to make a lasting impact.

“That I’m still doing something right? You know, because we have days where we doubt ourselves and we doubt what we’re doing, and I come in every day as if it’s a new day,” Warner said. “I guess it has paid off at least to a few kiddos, and that makes me feel good.”

She said the small moments where everything clicks make it all worthwhile.

“I’ll even pull them in the hallway one at a time and just have those conversations with them, just to try to get to know them and know who they are, what makes them tick, and what can I bring into the classroom that’s going to be helpful to them,” Warner added.

It’s a task that’s difficult to accomplish with growing class sizes, but Warner’s effort goes above and beyond the norm. Pam Price, sponsor of the award, said that’s what it’s all about.

“I feel like all teachers are underpaid, overworked, and certainly underappreciated. I feel like this is what we should all be doing — praising our teachers who do a great job,” Price said.

This month’s award hits close to home for Price.

“I’m from Delmar, so I know them, and I am a huge supporter of the school,” she said.

For all students and teachers out there, Warner has parting advice.

“No matter what happens, the yellow bus is going to return the next day. So, start all over again the next day and make it the best day you can,” Warner said.

If you would like to submit a teacher for next month’s “Teacher Who Makes a Difference Award”, you can submit it here!