Teaching with Purpose: Stories from MTI Scholars—Sonja Evans
The Minority Teachers of Illinois (MTI) Scholarship isn’t just about financial support, it’s about building a future where every student sees themselves reflected in their educators. Across Illinois, MTI recipients are shaping classrooms, inspiring young minds, and making a lasting impact on their communities.
In this blog series, we’re highlighting the journeys of MTI scholars: how the scholarship has supported them, the challenges they’ve overcome, and the successes they’re achieving in classrooms across the state. Their stories underscore why programs like MTI are vital to ensuring a strong, diverse teacher workforce in Illinois. By elevating these voices, we hope to shed light on the power of representation in education and the role that dedicated, diverse educators play in student success. Through their experiences, we see firsthand how equitable access to the teaching profession strengthens schools, enriches learning, and transforms lives.
Hear from Sonja Evans, Student at the College of Education at DePaul University
What inspired you to become a teacher? What subject or grade level do you work with?
After working 20 plus years at Cook County Juvenile Detention Center, and 1 year as a Special Education Classroom Assistant (assigned 1-to-1 with a 6-year-old, who spent his entire day in a self-contained inclusive classroom). I feel compelled to help more students, particularly at an early age.
Are there barriers that you recognize or experienced to becoming a teacher?
Upon my initial time applying for a Teachers Program, I was denied the opportunity, despite having over 20 plus years of experience with children and a master's degree.
How have you used the MTI scholarship to assist you on your path to becoming an educator?
I am deeply grateful and appreciative of the MTI Scholarship for providing essential financial support during my academic journey. This scholarship has been an invaluable source of supplemental income, helping me cover critical living expenses such as utilities, food, gas, and transportation to school and my residency site. At times, the weight of financial concerns became overwhelming, and I often found myself wondering how I would manage to make ends meet. The MTI funds have been a lifeline, alleviating some of that stress and allowing me to focus on my studies and responsibilities.
There have been many late nights spent working tirelessly to complete assignments and ensure that I maintain a 4.0 GPA. The MTI Scholarship has motivated me to continue striving for excellence and to put forth my best effort in both my academic and professional endeavors. I would hate to see this scholarship be taken away for any reason, as it has played such a crucial role in my ability to stay focused on my goals without the added burden of financial strain.
I am honored to be a recipient of this scholarship, and I truly appreciate the opportunity it has given me to pursue my dreams. Thank you again for your generosity and belief in my potential.
How did you learn about the MTI scholarship?
Fellow classmate