Myers McAllister | Saint Matthew’s Episcopal School

Dr. Catherine Lo | The Hearing Clinic
December 12, 2018
Dr. A.J. dela Houssaye | SEECA
December 12, 2018
Dr. Catherine Lo | The Hearing Clinic
December 12, 2018
Dr. A.J. dela Houssaye | SEECA
December 12, 2018

 

Saint Matthew’s Episcopal School has been a fixture in the Houma community since 1947. Currently home to pre-k3 through seventh grade, the school falls under the leadership of Head of School, Myers McAllister. By using a variety of instructional strategies and learning opportunities, Saint Matthew’s addresses the academic, spiritual, and psychosocial needs of their students and fosters a strong sense of personal and social responsibility. Saint Matthew’s occupies a unique position in its community. While serving the same diverse Terrebonne-Lafourche community as other private schools, Saint Matthew’s remains a small school, rooted in traditions of Christian service and global awareness.

 

What led you to the role you currently hold in your company? Did you see yourself in this position when you started out in the work force?  “I am in my fourth year as Head of School at Saint Matthew’s Episcopal School, and I did not begin my teaching career with the goal of being an administrator.  I started out teaching music.  Since that time, I have taught music, English/Language Arts, served as Dean of Faculty, and Middle School Principal.


I was offered an opportunity through the Klingenstein Foundation to attend Teachers College, Columbia University as one of 20 fellows in 2010.  My time in New York and the surrounding area opened my eyes to some of the oldest and most prestigious private schools.  I earned my Master of Arts in Private School Leadership in two semesters.

I had lots of encouragement from former school leaders.  I am happy that they were always looking for the potential in me.  I try to do the same with my colleagues – always looking for strengths.”

What is on the horizon for you? 


“I look forward to working with the Board of Trustees, the faculty and staff, the families, and the students of Saint Matthew’s to ensure the school continues to offer the best quality education for its students.  Currently, the school is working on strengthening its Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math initiative.  Another ongoing area of focus is service learning for the students.  Most importantly, I want to ensure that the school continues “nurturing mind, heart, and soul in a Christian environment.”

Other than your phone, what is something you need to get through each workday?

“Flexibility and patience are musts!  I have worked on so many new skills since becoming the Head of School; I have worked in every facet of the school from maintenance to finance.  A school leader does so much more than make curricular and staffing decisions.


Nothing in a school happens overnight.  Patience is important.  There is the committee to study an issue, a report to be presented, and approval from the Administration or Board.  Everything is a process, but I keep my eye on the goal and remember that I must make what is best for the students of Saint Matthew’s my first priority.”

What has been your greatest accomplishment? 

“Earning the trust of the families of Saint Matthew’s. These families entrust their most precious and valuable gifts – their children – to this school.  I think this is an accomplishment that comes with great responsibility; I must constantly work at maintaining that level of trust.”


What piece of advice do you share with your employees/coworkers regularly?

“I have two pieces of advice. First, capitalize on strengths and look for opportunities for growth and improvement. Second, a personal conversation often goes much further than an email or text message.”

Who are your greatest influencers? How do you feel knowing that others list you as theirs?


“My parents; Ms. Bowman, my 7th grade English teacher; Mr. Charles Hemenway, former Head of School at Saint Paul’s Episcopal School.

I feel a little nervous that others may consider me an “influencer.”  Those are big shoes to fill.  I feel an obligation to always try my best and to do what is right.  There are many students’ eyes on me.  My greatest hope is that my students and colleagues may consider me a positive influence.”