Sonia Lagleder
Sonia Lagleder is an experienced educator, mentor, and yoga instructor whose career reflects her passion for helping others grow both academically and personally. She currently serves as a middle school science teacher and science department lead at Natalia Independent School District, where she has worked for more than a decade. Sonia is known for bringing curiosity, hands-on learning, and real-world connections into the classroom, helping students see how science applies to their everyday lives. She also mentors newer teachers and supports colleagues across grade levels and subjects, especially during demanding times like testing season.
Before entering education, Sonia spent 15 years working in banking after earning a business degree in marketing and economics from Our Lady of the Lake University. Her path changed when she moved to Taiwan with her husband and unexpectedly began teaching economics and language classes. That experience sparked a passion for education and inspired her to pursue her teaching certification when she returned to the United States. Sonia has since taught a variety of grade levels and subjects, including elementary education, economics, psychology, and middle school science. She also completed leadership coursework through the Harvard Graduate School of Education, further strengthening her commitment to educational leadership and school improvement.
In addition to teaching, Sonia has been a yoga instructor for many years and currently teaches at both Àse Yoga Studio and Tea Room and Fitwell. Yoga became an important part of her life when she turned to it to manage stress and migraines during her banking career. Today, she uses yoga to help others find balance, wellness, and mindfulness in their own lives. Whether in the classroom or the studio, Sonia is guided by patience, presence, and a genuine desire to support the people around her.
• School Turnaround Leadership
• Teaching Certification
• 200 RYT Yoga Instructor
• GT Certified-Gifted & Talented
• Elementary Education K-6 Teacher
• English As A Second Language Teacher
• Harvard Graduate School of Education
• Our Lady of the Lake University- B.B.A.
• Medina Valley ISD
• 1986 Cross Country State Champions
• Living Science Advisory Group with Region 20
• Former President of Toastmasters
• National Honor Society
• Interest in San Antonio Conservancy Land Protection
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to being open to new opportunities and embracing career changes, which allowed me to discover my passion for teaching while working with motivated students in Taiwan. That experience inspired me to pursue certification and build a fulfilling career in education back in the U.S.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I ever received came from my college counselor at Our Lady of the Lake, who was one of the nuns there. When I told her I was the first in my family to go to college and wasn't sure what to study, she listened to me describe myself - that I was artistic and liked talking to people - and helped me find my path in marketing and economics. But the most important advice she gave me was this: whatever you do, never drop a class. Try to get help, try to pass your classes, and you'll graduate in 4 years. I took that advice to heart and actually graduated in 3 and a half years because I stayed focused and even went to summer school. That lesson about persistence and not giving up when things get challenging has stayed with me throughout my career.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
I would definitely encourage young women to go into teaching, especially right now in our time when there's a lot of need for teachers. The profession is getting fewer and fewer people interested in it, and I'll be honest - it's very challenging. It's a lot different than when we were in school, with a lot of issues going on in the world. You have to be patient, and you have to have a lot of support in what you're doing. But if you're at the right place, at the right school, with the right support, it's a very good profession as far as helping young people in their life. The impact you can make is real and meaningful.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
The biggest challenges in education today include a shrinking teaching workforce and growing demands on educators compared with previous generations. However, there is a significant opportunity to positively impact students’ learning, growth, and long-term success.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values most important to me are patience, presence, and balance, along with supporting and mentoring others while maintaining a strong work ethic. Both teaching and yoga provide a sense of accomplishment through helping others, and I strive to pass on guidance and encouragement, as my mentor Emily did for me.