Sonal Patel Ed.D.
Rancho Cucamonga,CA
Summary
Equity-focused executive leader and systems strategist with over 20 years advancing innovation and access in education. Led large-scale initiatives to enhance computer science and AI literacy for historically underrepresented communities, including girls and students of color. Skilled in managing partnerships, aligning strategies to outcomes, and fostering organizational growth. Doctoral scholar in Leadership for Educational Justice and CSTA Equity Fellow dedicated to creating inclusive pathways for technology-driven opportunity.
Overview
25
25
years of professional experience
Work History
Program Manager, Digital Learning
San Bernardino County Superintendent of Schools
San Bernardino
06.2022 - Current
- Orchestrated strategic rollout of generative AI frameworks and ethical-use policies for educators and students.
- Managed digital learning initiatives across diverse school districts, enhancing access to technology for underserved students.
- Designed and scaled K-12 computer science pathways aligned with CSTA standards and California digital learning goals.
- Facilitated county-wide workshops on AI literacy and digital pedagogy, equipping teachers with skills to integrate STEM effectively.
- Directed grant-funded computer science projects, promoting fiscal compliance and achieving measurable improvements in student outcomes.
President Elect
National Charity League Inc.
06.2023 - Current
- Supported Chapter President in overseeing 300-member non-profit, enhancing community service and leadership development initiatives.
- Led Board-Elect transition, facilitating strategic goal-setting and officer training to prepare for upcoming fiscal year.
- Ensured chapter adherence to national standards and Robert's Rules of Order, maintaining organizational integrity.
Digital Learning Innovation Coordinator
San Bernardino County Superintendent of Schools
San Bernardino
02.2019 - 06.2022
- Regional Strategy: Lead the implementation of digital learning initiatives across 33 school districts to ensure equitable access to technology.
- Curriculum Development: Design and scale K–12 Computer Science pathways aligned with California State Standards and CSTA guidelines.
- Professional Learning: Facilitate county-wide workshops on blended learning models, digital citizenship, and instructional technology integration.
- Technical Consultancy: Partner with district leadership to align educational technology plans with LCAP goals and student achievement data.
Instructional Coach, Educational Technology, and Literacy
Romoland School District
Romoland
01.2018 - 10.2018
- Pedagogical Leadership: Mentored K–5 educators in the integration of digital literacy frameworks and evidence-based reading strategies to improve student achievement.
- Professional Development: Designed and facilitated district-wide training on instructional technology tools, focusing on maximizing student engagement and data-informed instruction.
- Systemic Growth: Conducted non-evaluative coaching cycles, including modeling lessons and analyzing formative assessment data to personalize teacher support.
Admin Designee
Romoland School District
Romoland
10.2018 - 02.2019
- Crisis Management & Safety: Serve as the primary point of contact for campus safety operations, overseeing emergency protocols and ensuring a secure learning environment in the Principal’s absence.
- Operational Oversight: Manage daily school-wide logistics, including personnel scheduling and facility coordination, to ensure seamless instructional continuity.
- Restorative Support: Facilitate student and family consultations to resolve conflicts through proactive communication and adherence to district welfare policies.
Elementary Teacher/Site Technology Leader/Gate Coordinator
Romoland School District
Romoland
08.2001 - 10.2018
- Instructional Excellence: Deliver data-driven, standards-aligned instruction in a 1:1 digital environment, consistently meeting or exceeding district growth targets.
- Site Technology Leadership: Serve as the primary technical consultant for staff, managing hardware rollouts and facilitating professional development on digital learning tools.
- GATE Coordination: Oversee the identification and placement of Gifted and Talented Education (GATE) students, designing enriched, inquiry-based curriculum to meet diverse cognitive needs.
Long Term Substitute Teacher, grades K-8
Romoland School District
Romoland
08.2008 - 08.2010
- Instructional Adaptability: Managed long-term classroom assignments across diverse grade levels (K–8), ensuring seamless continuity of district-approved curricula and lesson plans.
- Classroom Management: Established positive, structured learning environments for varied student populations, maintaining high standards for engagement and behavior.
- Collaborative Planning: Partnered with grade-level teams and site administrators to assess student progress and adjust instruction based on formative data.
Primary School Teacher/Technology Leader
08.2004 - 04.2008
- Instructional Foundations: Delivered comprehensive, standards-based instruction for primary grade levels, fostering a high-engagement classroom culture.
- Technology Mentorship: Served as the site-level lead for technology integration, providing peer support for new hardware and software implementations.
- Program Coordination: Managed classroom-level digital resources and collaborated with administration to align site technology goals with instructional needs.
Education
Doctor of Education - Leadership in Educational Justice
University of Redlands
Redlands, CA04-2023
Computer Science Supplemental Credential -
University of California, Irvine
Masters of Education - Educational Technology
California State University, Fullerton
CaliforniaPostgraduate Certificate in Education -
University of Hertfordshire
United KingdomBachelor of Arts - Education & English
De Montfort University
United KingdomSkills
- Strategic planning
- Compliance management
- Project management
- Grant administration
- Data analysis
- Educational leadership
Affiliations
- Association of School Administrators (ACSA)
- Computer-Using Educators (CUE), Inland Area - Also former president of IACUE
- COSN Network
- International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE)
- Computer Science Teachers Association (CSTA)
- Our Voice Alliance (OVA)
Education Certifications
- Doctor of Education, Leadership in Educational Justice, University of Redlands
- Computer Science Supplemental Credential, University of California, Irvine
- Masters of Education, Educational Technology, California State University, Fullerton
- Postgraduate Certificate in Education, University of Hertfordshire, United Kingdom
- California Teaching Credentials, Professional Clear Multiple Subject Teaching Credential, Administrative Services Credential (Clear), Riverside County Office of Education, Google Certified Educator (Levels 1 & 2), Google Certified Trainer/Innovator, CSTA Equity Fellow, Building AI Capacity Trainer
- Bachelor of Arts, Education & English, De Montfort University, United Kingdom
Accomplishments
California Department of education AI Workgroup Leader (2025-2026)
Timeline
President Elect
National Charity League Inc.
06.2023 - Current
Program Manager, Digital Learning
San Bernardino County Superintendent of Schools
06.2022 - Current
Digital Learning Innovation Coordinator
San Bernardino County Superintendent of Schools
02.2019 - 06.2022
Admin Designee
Romoland School District
10.2018 - 02.2019
Instructional Coach, Educational Technology, and Literacy
Romoland School District
01.2018 - 10.2018
Long Term Substitute Teacher, grades K-8
Romoland School District
08.2008 - 08.2010
Primary School Teacher/Technology Leader
08.2004 - 04.2008
Elementary Teacher/Site Technology Leader/Gate Coordinator
Romoland School District
08.2001 - 10.2018
Doctor of Education - Leadership in Educational Justice
University of Redlands
Computer Science Supplemental Credential -
University of California, Irvine
Masters of Education - Educational Technology
California State University, Fullerton
Postgraduate Certificate in Education -
University of Hertfordshire
Bachelor of Arts - Education & English
De Montfort University