It is with deep gratitude and a profound sense of responsibility that The Islamic Academy for Peace (TIA) welcomes back Ms. Susan Wheeler as its new principal, Alhamdullilah! For Ms. Susan, TIA has always been more than a school; it is a community that has been a vital part of her life and professional journey, and a place whose history and future she cares deeply about.

Her diverse experiences in education have taught her that building a school is, above all, an act of belief—belief in people, in possibilities, and in a shared purpose greater than any one individual. Having had the privilege of teaching and leading in several educational settings both here in Massachusetts and internationally, Ms. Susan has seen firsthand what can happen when educators, families, students, and community members come together around a common vision and collaborate to make it a reality.

As she returns to TIA, Ms. Susan is guided by two core principles:

Embracing Our Diversity: She believes our differences will bring us together. Although we come from different countries, cultures, and backgrounds, we share far more than separates us. We learn together, grow together, and stand united in faith and in our praise of Allah. As the Qur’an reminds us in Surah Al-Hujurat, “We made you into nations and tribes so that you may know one another.” Our diversity is not something to overcome; it is something to embrace and celebrate. This belief was central to the TIA community built years ago, where elders, board members, parents, educators, and students each contributed to creating a community grounded in trust, shared purpose, and opportunity. To continue to thrive today, everyone still has an important role to play. Everyone matters.
Education at the Heart of Growth: The very first revelation of the Qur’an begins with the command, “Read! In the name of your Lord who created…” Learning is transformative. It is not simply about acquiring knowledge or preparing students for the next stage of life; it is about developing character, curiosity, confidence, compassion, and a lifelong love of learning.

Insha’Allah, Ms. Susan's goal is to build on TIA’s strong foundation and to work collaboratively with our entire community to ensure that every student is known, challenged, supported, and encouraged to reach his or her God-given potential. The vision is for our children to grow not only as successful students, but as people of faith, character, compassion, and purpose.

While the road ahead will bring challenges, the strength of this community is undeniable. Allah has blessed TIA with people who care deeply, bring talent and dedication to their work, and are willing to give of themselves for our children. The greatest legacy built at TIA isn’t simply the school and its accredited programs. It is the community—and the opportunities developed together for our children to learn, grow, and thrive.

As this new chapter begins, Ms. Susan invites our faculty and staff, students, parents, board members, volunteers, alumni, elders, and supporters to join her. Let us all listen to one another, build on our strengths, and work together to imagine and create the TIA our children and future generations deserve.

Alhamdullilah, Ms. Susan is profoundly grateful for the opportunity to return to a community that means so much to her, and looks forward to walking this journey together.

Insha’Allah, the best is yet to come.