Dr. Sonn Sam is the proud son of genocide survivors, whose resilience and love have shaped his life’s mission. An accomplished education leader, Sonn has spent over 22 years transforming education at every level—as a teacher/advisor, assistant principal, principal, Chief Innovation Officer, Regional Director, and now National Director of Partnerships at Big Picture Learning.

His work is rooted in a commitment to systemic transformation, shifting from a compliance-driven system to a learner-driven system that recognizes all young people as brilliant. He actively builds structures that ensure every student is known well, explores their interests, connects with local experts, engages in meaningful learning, and earns credit for real-world experiences—anytime, anywhere.

Sonn’s leadership spans both policy and practice, collaborating with education leaders to design sustainable, transformative systems that drive equitable outcomes. His work impacts thousands of students across the U.S. and globally, helping schools and communities reimagine learning beyond traditional boundaries.

A graduate of the University of Rhode Island (B.A.), Cambridge College (M.Ed.), and Johnson & Wales University (Ed.D.), Sonn combines research, innovation, and practice to push the boundaries of education.

Beyond his professional work, he enjoys quality time with family, being physically active, reading/writing, and cooking. His passion for education and equity is fueled by a lifelong belief in the power of human potential—ensuring every young person has the opportunity to thrive.