Written by Fatema Rehmani and Ulaa Kuziez
One morning in assembly, all the Al-Salam Day School (ADS) students had their cameras off. Principal Katie Matthews scrolled through attendees, commented on how unusual it was for everyone to have their camera off and tried to fix her own Zoom settings. Suddenly, all the students turned on their cameras and held up signs saying “we love you, Dr. Katie!” and “Jazakallahu Khairan!”
“This was probably one of the first times in my life that I was really surprised by a surprise and just felt such love from the students and teachers,” Matthews said. “My heart was full. I felt appreciated and validated. That is something that working with children and young adults—when you sincerely want the best for each and every one of them for the sake of pleasing Allah—can do for you in an authentic way.”
Matthews, an educator of several years, transferred from being a secondary English teacher to principal of ADS in 2020.
“Transitioning required many hours of dedication to fulfill my responsibilities as a teacher while learning the ins-and-outs of the ADS administration,” Matthews said. “Combining a new student management system that required data inputting and training with a pandemic year was a lot of adjustment.”
Matthews’ initial tasks included creating guidelines to address pandemic safety, coming up with remote-learning plans and assisting staff members with teaching virtually and in-person simultaneously. Matthews credits the community for their optimism and resilience through this year’s challenges.
“As I started this year as principal, there were many unique challenges that really tested the ADS family,” Matthews said. “But, Alhamdulillah, I have seen great results from our team of teachers, parents and board members who are all striving and working together to keep ADS growing and improving. I am so proud of our community who has remained steadfast in their commitment to Islamic education and ihsan.”
Ihsan, or excellence, is Matthews’ guiding philosophy. Stepping into a culture and systems built by the administrations preceding her, Mathews focuses on cultivating a positive learning environment.
“The culture can have strengths and weaknesses, and it takes time and a conscious effort to begin shaping the culture in the direction you as the leader believes it should go in,” Matthews said. “I want ADS to be a place of smiles and joy. Of course, we will continue to find ways to improve our academics, but it is essential that in our Islamic school, kindness and striving for ihsan in academics and character become a trademark.”
While the current ADS team has remained strong, staffing has been difficult due to COVID-19.
“One significant challenge has been to recruit and retain qualified teachers during a time when educators are under tremendous pressure and stress,” Matthews said.” Besides being short-staffed, we have taken an enrollment hit. Many families chose to homeschool their elementary children or opt for a free public school if the education was going to be virtual.”
Running a hybrid (virtual and in-person) elementary and middle school, as well as an entirely virtual high school, introduces multifaceted responsibilities.
“One of the exciting parts of being a principal is that no two days look alike. The nature of administration is one of constant development and growth, so I am always seeking ways to innovate and improve,” Matthews said. “A typical day in the office starts at 7 a.m. when I check emails and prepare for meetings. Really, one thing that has surprised me most is the number of meetings required to ensure the smooth running and regular communication of a team that ranges across campuses and from elementary to high school. At 8:45 a.m. I conduct assembly to start our day off with remembrance, gratitude and seeking protection of Allah.”
Starting groups at the school, such as Book Club and Babul Rayan (a fasting club), has allowed Matthews to personally engage with students. She cherishes the connections she has built.
“I want students and teachers to love to be here. We are working on ways to involve students in meaningful, authentic community service. The vision of ADS is to empower students to become model citizens and leaders committed to Islamic principles, life-long learning and steadfast service to the local and global communities. We will be making a concerted effort in the next years to ensure that we are upholding this vision, and tying all that we do to it,” Matthews said.
Honesty, justice, accountability and patience are some of the character values Matthews hopes to inculcate into the Muslim youth.
“We focus on character in different ways, through our deen and Qur’an classes and also via our theme of the month: a character trait presented daily in assembly,” Matthews said. “It is easy to see how character traits are connected, and open up developing a well-rounded character. We want students to develop Muslim American identities that they are proud of.”
Matthews also recognizes parallels between the Islamic teachings of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) and the educational principles developed by Maria Montessori.
“I am familiar with and appreciate the underlying concepts of what Maria Montessori worked to develop into the learning environment. I believe that the beliefs and practices of Montessori align with Islamic education and tarbiyyah,” Matthews said. “I see Montessori philosophy reflecting many of the practices and sayings of our Prophet (PBUH); for example, teaching with hikma. Islam means peace and, ultimately, Montessori strives for that ideal as well.”
To establish a foundation of peace and mutual respect in ADS classrooms, Matthews incorporates Montessori values into Islamic education.
“Each child should be understood for the unique being that they are, [and adults] should understand that not one size fits all. What one child needs for guidance is not the same as others,” Matthews said. “The Prophet (PBUH) was the paragon of empathy, and he made sure every individual felt validated and loved. He never shamed or humiliated his followers or the children, but rather understood their individual needs. Even if they make us stay up at night and turn our hair gray, every student has value and worth.”
The Early Childhood Center (ECC) of ADS is a Montessori-certified school. This year, this main building has invested in more Montessori materials for their classrooms. Matthews also plans to personally attend a Montessori event in March to gain a stronger understanding and engage the wider community in its practice.
“Interacting with students at all of their developmental phases has been my greatest joy as a principal. Seeing their character growth throughout the year(s) is truly fulfilling. Being able to love students for the sake of Allah is the best part of being in education,” Matthews said. “We have a great ADS family, and I am confident that the community will be seeing great things from us.”
Copyright © 2020 American Islamic Montessori Association, all rights reserved.
Fatema Rehmani is a sophomore at Saint Louis University. Her personal philosophy is, “If you want to make the world a better place, look at yourself and make a change” -Michael Jackson. Her hobbies include baking, writing, and spending time with friends and family.