Kimberly Bennett Matthews serves as the teaching principal of Valley Adventist Christian School (VACS), a position she has held since 2013. In addition to her duties as principal, Matthews teaches grades 5-8, the PE classes for grades 2-4, and Algebra I, and more.

When Matthews was appointed principal, VACS was struggling and on the brink of closing. Under her leadership for the last six years, the school has not only survived but is currently thriving. In her administrative capacity, Matthews developed fundraising programs to assist families with tuition, reduced the school’s debt from $100,000 to $0, initiated a STEAM program, created an after-school program, provided baptismal classes and bible studies for students and their parents, and increased enrollment by 140%. She also developed and revised various school materials, ensured a working relationship with La Sierra University’s School of Education and School of Psychology, partnered with Loma Linda University EXSEED research program, developed rigorous curriculum and implemented curriculum continuity between grades TK-8, and provided transportation for students who were in need.

A teacher’s work is never done. On top of everything, Matthews also actively plans and supervises field trips; instructs students in basic communication skills in other languages such American Sign Language, Italian, and Spanish; and teaches students to use APA format for research papers.

While at La Sierra University, Matthews earned her BA in Liberal Studies in 2004 and was honored as the Liberal Studies Senior of the Year. She later graduated with her Masters in Curriculum and Instruction in 2016.