Teacher

What do you like the most about your job?

I love that every day I have the opportunity to connect with young people and to experience the wonder of our world through their eyes.

What's your normal day like?

I have been teaching remotely since March, so my normal day recently has not been anything like my normal day in the classroom. In hopes that the pandemic will not extend for years more, I will share my typical in-person teaching day:

• 7:30-8:30 AM: Arrive at school, prepare for the day (make copies, review lesson plans, prepare materials)

• 8:30-9 AM: Greet students and take attendance (students work on a bell-ringer activity)

• 9 AM: Start our learning! Lessons, group work, and independent work

• 12-1 PM: Lunch/recess for the students; lunch+preparation time for me (grading, preparing materials)

• 1-2 PM: Specials for students (Music, art, STEM, Library, or PE); preparation time for me

• 2-3 PM: More learning time: Lessons, group work, and independent work

• 3-3:15 PM: Prepare for dismissal: students fill out assignment planners, pack up materials, line up

• 3:15 PM: Students dismissed, I work on grading, preparing materials for tomorrow, contacting parents, etc.

• 4 or 5 PM: I go home!

Who is your biggest inspiration?

The Prophet Muhammad (S). He was the greatest teacher of all time. He had the most profound impact on his students (his contemporaries and generations beyond). He balanced gentleness and compassion with strong, life-changing messages. I strive to embody his teaching style in my work.

How was your path becoming a teacher?

Because I didn't decide to pursue teaching until I was well into college, I didn't complete an undergraduate degree in education. I double majored in psychology and social work & pedagogy. Though this didn't directly lead to a job in education, my studies in these areas were invaluable to my training as a teacher. After college I completed a graduate education program to get my teaching license. Every teacher education program includes a student teaching experience. This is by far the most difficult (yet most rewarding) part of teacher training. Nothing teaches like experience! In spring of 2018 I got my Master of Science degree in elementary education and got my first job as a 4th grade teacher!

Did you face any struggles being a Muslim woman in this field?

I certainly haven't had any issues with students. Kids are curious so they are very open to learning about things that are different. I love the opportunity to share with them my experience as a Muslim (wearing hijab, fasting in Ramadan, etc). I have had some issues with colleagues and parents (especially when I was working in a more rural area) that seemed to stem from nowhere, so I can't help but wonder if me being visibly Muslim sometimes affected the way others treated me. Otherwise, teaching feels like a very natural career for a Muslim. Teaching and learning is such an integral part of our faith--what an honor to be involved in that!

Do what is right, not what others are doing. It's your responsibility to choose to do the right thing no matter where you are or who you're with. Of course you should try to surround yourself with good people who inspire you to goodness, but ultimately your relationship with Allah is only between you and Him.