Sonia Matthew, Ed.D., an assistant principal at Mary B. Neal Elementary School, was named a 2025 Outstanding Assistant Principal earlier this year by the Maryland Association of Elementary School Principals (MAESP) and the National Association of Elementary School Principals (NAESP).
Matthew has been an assistant principal (AP) at Neal since the start of the 2023 school year where she’s a member of the leadership team with Principal Mike Hoffman and AP Morghan Hungerford. Before coming to Neal, Matthew served as an AP at General Smallwood and Milton M. Somers middle schools. She was the administrative assistant at Somers before transitioning to the AP role.
“When I stepped into the administrative role, it was quite challenging,” Matthew said. “I love learning and believe that, as instructional leaders, we are the lead learners. As such, leading the learning means we must always learn; fearlessly.”
Matthew not only has a love of learning, but she also enjoys sharing what she’s learned with others. She doesn’t gatekeep new strategies and techniques if they can benefit students. “I got into leadership very early,” she said. “When I learn I want to share. I’m sharing with my teachers, my team.”
Matthew’s parents immigrated to Ottawa, Canada, from India. While Matthew was born and raised in Canada, “I didn’t speak English until second grade,” she said. The experience helped shape how Matthew approaches her career. She tries to connect with students who might not speak English, as well as those who orbit around the other students without settling. “I firmly believe that addressing the whole child is essential; students need to be prepared to learn before they can effectively engage in academic activities,” Matthew said.
Tangie Scales, Ed.D., principal of Gale-Bailey Elementary School, has known Matthew for 15 years. They first met as teachers in Prince George’s County before both becoming Master Teachers for the Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE).
Scales said her friend embodies the qualities that are sought in a school administrator. “She perfectly balances instructional leadership, people-centered practices and organizational skills,” Scales said. “She is passionate about education and equity and deeply committed to student success and community engagement.”
As the world evolves and new technologies — and challenges — emerge, Matthew said she is reminded of the importance of leading with confidence and grace. She is an ambassador for Move This World (MTW), a program that promotes the importance of and provides practices and resources related to socio-emotional learning.
Move This World was first introduced to CCPS sixth-grade students returning to in-person instruction as the world grappled with the pandemic and its effects on different aspects of everyday life. “The need for a program like this was immense, given the challenges students faced during that time,” Matthew said. “Although we encountered some initial resistance, I was determined to make it a success. As the designated leader for the MTW initiative at my schools, I made it a priority to generate enthusiasm and ensure the program seamlessly integrated into our daily schedule.”
She is leading a project at Neal that prioritizes student leadership. Fourth-grade students serve as ambassadors of the school. They escort visitors and are called on to jump in when they are needed to represent the school. The fifth-grade safety patrol program allows students to have some control over the safety of themselves and peers.
“She provides access and opportunities to students in the fourth and fifth grades,” Mike Hoffman, Neal’s principal, said. “By utilizing data to identify the students’ academic needs, she collaborates with a committee to offer social and emotional support while nurturing leadership qualities.”
“Our students are constantly evolving, and it’s crucial for us to stay up to date with best practices to support their growth. I’ve found that learning from others in the field, who have tried-and-true strategies, is invaluable,” Matthew said.
In 2025, 27 assistant principals from around the country were named an outstanding assistant principal by NAESP. The honor is given to those who make stellar contributions to their leadership team. The award program promotes excellence in educational leadership and calls attention to the fundamental importance of assistant principals.
About CCPS
Charles County Public Schools provides 28,162 students in grades prekindergarten through 12 with an academically challenging education. Located in Southern Maryland, Charles County Public Schools has 38 schools that offer a technologically advanced, progressive and high quality education that builds character, equips for leadership and prepares students for life, careers and higher education.
The Charles County public school system does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age or disability in its programs, activities or employment practices. For inquiries, please contact Dr. Mike Blanchard, Title IX/ADA/Section 504 Coordinator (students) or Nikial M. Majors, Title IX/ADA/Section 504 Coordinator (employees/ adults), at Charles County Public Schools, Jesse L. Starkey Administration Building, P.O. Box 2770, La Plata, MD 20646; 301-932-6610/301-870-3814. For special accommodations call 301-934-7230 or TDD 1-800-735-2258 two weeks prior to the event. CCPS provides nondiscriminatory equal access to school facilities in accordance with its Use of Facilities rules to designated youth groups (including, but not limited to, the Boy Scouts).