Alison Dahn has filled many different roles in Catholic school classrooms: preschool, first grade, fifth grade, middle school English, literacy specialist, and now assistant principal at Saint Peter in Forest Lake.
“God opened doors in ways I didn’t expect,” Dahn says. “Early on, He made it clear to me that educators are not just here to educate the mind, but to educate the spirit, helping to guide children to their ultimate goal: life with Christ forever. I want to be part of this mission. I believe it is what I am called to do.”
Dahn’s favorite part of her job is greeting students and families at the door each morning. “The moments are brief, but I love being a welcoming presence, and it gives me a chance to learn little things about the students and personally connect with them. When I greet them by name, look them in the eye, it’s me saying: I care about you and I’m glad you’re here today.” In this role, she feels a special kinship to Blessed Solanus Casey, who embraced the role of porter and exemplified the qualities of humility and service.
Divine inspiration is woven into Dahn’s day. Saint Peter’s hallways are filled with quotes from different saints, and Dahn keeps a box of saint quotes and Bible passages in her desk. “When I see a staff member having a hard day, I purposefully try to pull one out and go give them the card. It is totally unplanned and led by the Holy Spirit, but it’s a simple way I can say, ‘I see you’ and maybe that is the message they need to get through the day.”
Dahn strives for servant leadership with her faculty. “I ask myself, ’How can I be more like Blessed Solanus or Saint Frances Xavier Cabrini today? How can I best serve the teachers?’ I want them to know I am here to support them. I ask, ‘What can I do to be present for you today? How can I take something off your plate, get an answer, or keep things moving?’”
Dahn calls out the reality of the busyness that comes with being a leader. “Sometimes it’s a constant stream of questions and conversations throughout the day, and they don’t stop. You have to find an organizational method that works for you to keep things in order and not lose track of the tasks you have to complete.” A planner, to-do list and sticky notes help Dahn ensure nothing gets pushed to the wayside and that the school’s needs are addressed.
To meet the many challenges that Catholic schools face, Dahn believes that the answer comes from being a joyful witness to the Truth.
“We aren’t compromising on our faith or our Catholic identity,” she says. “We are speaking the Truth through Christian charity and that exudes love and joy. I believe people are yearning for this today. They are seeking a truth, and that Truth is found in the Catholic Church.”
Catholic schools need leaders who have the joy and passion to be a witness to the faith themselves. “You must practice what you preach,” Dahn says. “I am the same person here as I sit at my desk that I am while sitting on the bleachers watching my kids play sports, or talking with parents out in the community. My witness to Christ is always present regardless of where I am or what I am doing.”
If you see Catholic education as a sacred vocation and understand the importance of being a witness, Dahn reiterates that Catholic school leadership would be a beautiful calling. “If there is an opportunity for you to jump into a role as an assistant principal at a Catholic school, say ‘Yes!’ It’s a beautiful way to be a leader and also receive mentorship at the same time. If the desire is there, the Lord will do the rest. He will guide your formation. You don’t need to be polished and perfect. God calls the rough and rocky, just as they are. And if you are open to answering that call, He will do the polishing along the way.”