Assalamu Alaikum Dearest Parents,
My name is Maha Hamdan. I would like to welcome your family to Saturday Islamic School. I'm originally from Palestine. I was born and raised in Jordan where I earned my bachelor's degree in agriculture engineering from the University of Jordan. I have Ejaza (certification) in the recitation of Hafs An Asim. I am teaching Tajweed and recitation of the Quran for levels 5, 6, and 7.

l'm thrilled to work with you and your children this year. I believe in the importance of collaboration and communication when it comes to teaching since I believe teachers and parents work together to enhance the education of the children. So, please feel free to voice any questions or concerns you have to me. 

As salaamu alaykum,
My name is Teacher Nudrat and I serve the ICH Saturday School as the Principal’s Assistant and Islamic Studies teacher for levels 5, 6, and 7. My goal is to help our students find relevance in their Islamic education, develop confidence in their Muslim identity, and provide a safe space to explore curiosities through discourse and sensorial learning experiences. 

Arabic Language Teacher (Levels 5, 6, & 7)

As-Salamu Alaykum,

My name is Maha Masarani. I am the Arabic teacher for levels five, six, and seven. I am very happy to be part of this program because I am truly passionate about teaching.

My Experience and History

My love for teaching started with my own children at home and here in the Islamic Center of Hawthorne many years ago. I have been volunteering and teaching here since the first school was founded. I taught at the Sunday school until it closed and at the summer school until this last summer. In Sunday school, I was the main teacher for Level 7, teaching Qur’an, Islamic studies, and Arabic for many years. I have also written and directed educational plays in both Arabic and English, which were often attended by the Mayor and City Council members of Hawthorne.

Educational Background

My school background is in languages:

• Bachelor’s Degree in French Literature from the University of Alexandria.

• Degree from the French Sorbonne University.

• Special Certificate from Loyola Marymount University on how to teach Arabic to students as a foreign language.

• My studies included Arabic Language and translation between Arabic, English, and French.

• I have also studied Tajweed (proper recitation rules of the Holy Quran) and child psychology to better understand and support my students.

Teaching Strategy & Incentives

I believe learning should be fun. I avoid traditional "textbook-only" methods by using visual aids, games, and acting out new words to improve comprehension and grammar.

To encourage my students, I use a Sticker Incentive System. Students earn gold, silver, or white crescents and stickers based on their participation and "key takeaways" from each lesson. At the end of the semester, these stickers are exchanged for "tickets" that students use to choose gifts and rewards.

Expectations

Since our time at the Saturday school is limited to one hour per week, homework is essential. It cements the lesson in the student’s mind. With your consistent support and encouragement at home, we can make a significant difference in their learning progress.