Pearls Academy Faculty
Nabila Hoda - Principal
Nabila holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting Information Systems from Virginia Tech and a Master’s Degree in Accountancy from The George Washington University and is currently pursuing a Master’s in Education. She made a career switch to Education after working in corporate Accounting for many years. She has teaching certifications in Phonics, Creative Writing and Speech Therapy & Creative Drama. Nabila earned her Graduate Diploma in Education from the London Teacher Training College and went on to complete a Certificate of Teaching and Learning from Cambridge University. She also holds a certificate in Improving Math Instruction from Harvard University. Nabila taught Middle School and High School Islamic Studies for 5 years at the ADAMS Center Saturday School and worked as an after-school tutor for Phonics and Arabic reading for children for several years before becoming an Early Childhood Education teacher at an Australian International School in Singapore. She was also a Lead Lecturer and Teacher Trainer at the GIG International School in Singapore for 3 years. Nabila is a Parent & Child Life Coach. She is certified in Child Psychology, Mental Wellness of Children, The Positive Parenting Solutions Method and Neuro Linguistic Programming. With over 20 years of experience as an educator, she is dedicated to developing a love of learning in students and as Principal, is excited to share her expertise and give parents and teachers the tools they need to achieve this.
Shahmashood Raufi (Burhan) - Head of Tahfeedh Teacher
Shahmashood Raufi (Burhan) is a hifdh teacher and began his teaching career in high school. He memorized the Qur’an in 3.5 years, then attended Bayyinah’s Dream Program for 1 year and learned to speak fluent Fusha Arabic. After returning to Virginia, he worked at One Step Ahead for 1 year and soon became an owner the following year. Burhan not only has experience in teaching Qur’an but, is also an experienced administrator. His goal is to see his students become future leaders of the ummah.
Tania Mysorewala - Head of Administration
Tania Mysorewala is an accomplished school administrator with over 13 years of experience working with Islamic schools. She has a Bachelors of Business degree. She has been working with children for over 14 years and is dedicated to the social and emotional development of each child and her goal is to make sure that each child receives the best care and love that they all deserve.
Nousheen Qureshi - Administrative Assistant
Neshat Hafiz - Tahfeedh Teacher
Neshat Hafiz has been a Quran teacher for the past ten years. She attended Suffolk County Community College for two years and studied child psychology. In addition, she has taken courses such as Aqeedah, Arabic and Child Psychology at Islamic Online University, as well as completing courses in Quranic tajweed. Neshat is passionate about working with children because it allows her to teach the Deen of Islam in a creative manner. She feels honored by being able to nurture and develop the young minds of the next generation. In her free time she loves to memorize the Quran, garden, and explore new places with her husband and three children.
Fatin El-Hajj - Tahfeedh Teacher
Fatin El-Hajj grew up in Southern Lebanon where she avidly began learning and memorizing the Quran in her early teens. In 1990 she relocated to the United States and subsequently became disconnected from her Quran teachers, interrupting her memorization goals. In 1999 she enrolled at the Islamic Institution of Arabic Science in Fairfax to pursue further studies of the Quran and its sciences. The IIASA – a branch of Imam Muhammad bin Saud University in Riyadh – provided her unique opportunities to learn from world-class Quran teachers. Grateful to her tremendous mentors, Fatin completed memorizing the Quran in her twenties and was welcomed as a Quran teacher in the Northern Virginia community where she has been teaching for the last two decades. Soon she went on to receive her first Ijaza from Sheikh Mohammad Ar’raee and her second Ijaza from Sheikha Khadijaa Akyurt, with a chain of narration connected to the Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him. Seeking more knowledge, in 2018, Fatin embarked on a path to memorize all ten Qira’at. Insha Allah, she hopes to remain on this path until she accomplishes her goal or meets Allah (swt). While passionate about teaching the Quran, Fatin’s most beloved job is being a mother to her six children, who have grown into amazing young adults. During her free time, she pursues her many interests and hobbies. She has been an active volunteer with the Boy Scouts of America for over a decade, where she encourages and motivates Muslim youth to be model citizens. She has served as a troop chaplin, committee chair, and merit badge counselor with the Patriot District in Virginia. Some hobbies Fatin enjoys are hiking, camping, craft work, and gardening.
Nasreen Sbitan - Tahfeedh Teacher
Nasreen Sbitan was born in Jordan and obtained her Bachelor degree in Nutrition and Food Processing and a Master degree in Biology from Universities in Jordan. She has four years of teaching experience in Jordan. She moved to the USA in 2003 with her husband and stayed home for a few years to raise her children. During this time Nasreen took many Quran and Tajweed classes. She is currently taking Quran and Tajweed classes at the American Quran Institute in Ohio and looking forward to obtaining an Ijazah, insha Allah. She pursued teaching when all of her children went to school because it brings her so much joy to watch students excel. She has also been a substitute teacher at Loudoun County Public Schools. As a lead Quran teacher at Pearls Academy, Nasreen feels very lucky to work in an Islamic environment and with an amazing staff.
Hadeya Torbi - Tahfeedh Teacher
Hadeya grew up in Libya, earning a Bachelor’s of Science in Mining Engineering. After her arrival to the United States in 2009, she switched her focus to education, specifically Islamic education. Hadeya has over 12 years of teaching experience, and has completed certificates in Tajweed, Noorani, and Arabic. She is diligent and consistently goes the extra mile to ensure the success of her students.
Lina Samara - Tahfeedh Teacher
Lina Samara was born and raised in Jordan and received her Bachelor's Degree there. She also completed her Ijaazah certificate in 2008. Lina started teaching the Quran as a volunteer in Sunday school and has been a Tahfeedh teacher for the last two years at Pearls Academy. Lina has an enormous passion for the Arabic language and immense understanding of the Quran.
Shrouq Aldeeb - Tahfeedh Teacher
Shurooq Aldeeb was born in Jordan. She has a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration from Zarqa Private University. Additionally, she has taken Quran and Tajweed classes at the American Quran Institute in Ohio. Shurooq has been teaching Arabic and Quran for the past nine years at multiple Northern Virginia schools.
Eisha Akhtar - Tahfeedh Teacher
Eisha Akhtar obtained her Bachelors of Arts in Arabic from the University of Texas at Austin and her Masters of Arts in Islamic Studies from the University of London (SOAS). She also has a Certificate in Teaching English as a Second Language (CELTA) from Cambridge University. In order to further her educational experience, she pursued traditional Arabic studies abroad in Syria. Eisha has taught Quran and Arabic in various Islamic schools. She believes that through encouragement, praise, and appreciation, students will flourish in the classroom and develop a lifelong love of learning.
Abass Darab - Tahfeedh and Islamic Studies Teacher
Tahir Warrach - Tahfeedh Teacher
Hamna Iqbal - Tahfeedh Assistant
Razan Alsrouji - K - 3 Islamic Studies & Arabic Teacher
Razan Alsrouji came to the United States in 2006 from Syria and has greatly enjoyed her life here. She traveled to many states with her family, and decided to settle down in Virginia, which she describes as a great place to stay and raise her family. Razan has three lovely children, and does everything possible to ensure they grow up in a good and caring environment. Razan holds a Master's Degree in Arabic Language Linguistics from the California University of Pennsylvania and a Master's in Islamic Art from the Islamic University of Minnesota. Ever since she was a child, she had great passion for teaching. Razan is passionate about teaching and impacting the lives of students positively. She is highly committed to creating a conducive learning environment to help students improve their academic performance. She is also determined to help all students achieve their potential and mold them into responsible and ethical children who will have a positive impact on society. Her hobbies include calligraphy, sewing, reading poems, and cooking. She also loves traveling, which has helped her gain knowledge about people around the world.
Asma Hassan - Kindergarten Teacher
Asma Hassan holds a Bachelor's degree in Child Development and Child Psychology. This is her 14th year as a teacher and eighth year as a Kindergarten teacher. In the past, she has also served as a second grade teacher and as a Creative Art Specialist. Her passion is to inspire her students to be lifelong learners and thrivers, with the help of Allah SWT. Her study in Child Development and Child Psychology help her create educational experiences, measure learning, and improve student motivation as an educator. She did her Masters in Interior Design and uses her expertise as an Interior Designer to make her classroom serve as a perfect place for children to grow. Asma's past experiences, mentors, co-teachers and her educational background have given her the tools and resources to help her students in the best way possible. She believes that every student is unique and learns at their own pace and her job as a teacher is to create a safe environment where kids explore, engage, learn, play, make memories and flourish academically, socially and emotionally. She feels very fortunate to work alongside experienced and dedicated staff at Pearls Academy!
Maha Ziedan Nasser - 1st Grade Teacher
Maha Zeidan Nasser has a track record of successful teaching and education reform, and has been teaching children of all ages for over a decade. She grew up in a family of teachers, which inspired her to take on tutoring and mentoring roles as early as 14 years of age. She married at the age of 18 and moved from her homeland Lebanon to the USA. She graduated from George Mason University with a Bachelor’s degree in Science, with a concentration in Health Education. She began her teaching career at Creative Child Islamic School in 2013. She has a deep interest in helping children reach their academic goals using a holistic approach and positive reinforcement techniques to encourage positive behaviors and thriving growth. Her approach motivates children to learn naturally and creatively to be curious and inquisitive, and eventually be innovative in their adult lives.
Alimah Salim - 2nd Grade Teacher
Alimah Salim holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Health Services Administration from Florida International University and has professional certificates in Health Humanities and Artificial Intelligence. Alimah has worked for 2 years as an Islamic Studies, Arabic and Quran teacher at the Islamic Movement of Florida School and has experience as an Academic tutor to students in Grades 2-8. She has a passion for nurturing young minds and inspiring Muslim students by integrating a Islamic teaching with Academic subjects. Alimah has relocated from Florida to join the Pearls Academy teaching team.
Myrna Tariah - 3rd Grade Teacher
Myrna Tariah has over 15 years of experience teaching in the United Kingdom public school system as well as 7 years at Islamic Saudi Academy in Virginia. Myrna’s educational background includes a Bachelor of Science degree, complemented by Certificates in Special Education and English as a Second Language. These qualifications enabled Myrna to effectively address diverse learning needs, ensuring that every individual receives the support and guidance necessary for their academic growth. Myrna believes in nurturing independent learners and fostering high self-esteem in each student, preparing them for the challenges and experiences they will encounter in life.
Amatullah Rubeel - 5th Grade Teacher
Amatullah Rubeel holds a Bachelor’s of Science degree in Financial Economics from Manchester Metropolitan University (UK) and has over a decade of teaching experience. Her career began in the financial sector in the UK, but after starting a family, she made change to education. Ms. Amatullah has served as a BSA Scout Leader, including as a Scoutmaster for a girls' troop, and earned her Wood Badge in London. Additionally, She is an experienced MUN coach, having trained students of various ages in Qatar ( Part of a homeschooling Coop). For the past two years, Ms. Amatullah taught 5th Grade at another Islamic school, where she became well-versed in the 5th grade curriculum. Amatullah Rubeel is currently pursuing Master’s in Curriculum and Instruction at George Washington University.
Sahar Asif - Middle School Math
Sahar Asif is a dedicated educator with 15 years of teaching experience. She holds a Bachelor's of Science in Math and Statistics, followed by a Master's in Economics and Math. Beginning her teaching journey in Pakistan at Lahore Grammar School, Sahar's passion for mathematics led her to instruct and motivate students across various levels, from middle school to advanced math concepts. She has held positions as an instructor and lead instructor at various Mathnasium locations in Northern Virginia. Her diverse experience includes teaching a wide range of math concepts, from foundational topics to advanced subjects like Calculus and statistics. She’s skilled in using different teaching approaches and techniques. Throughout her career, Sahar has demonstrated a knack for employing diverse teaching approaches and techniques. She's adept at utilizing tools like Delta Math, IXL, Mathia, Kuta Software, and Blooket, adapting her methods to suit students' needs. Her commitment to student progress is evident in her use of varied assessment methods and the strategic adjustment of teaching strategies. Sahar's teaching expertise extends to extracurricular math activities, where she has coordinated and supervised events that enhance students' engagement with math. With a proven track record of success, she's proficient at preparing students for competitive schools like AOS, AET, Thomas Jefferson, and other gifted programs, fostering strong STEM skills among her students. As a freelancer, Sahar successfully runs her tutoring platform named "Tutoring Guru," where she finds fulfillment in helping students grasp challenging mathematical concepts and other high school subjects. Her five-year tenure at Pearls Academy reflects her dedication to both her students' academic growth and the joy of witnessing their success in overcoming mathematical hurdles. With her engaging lesson plans, inclusion of technology, and real-life examples, Sahar creates a dynamic learning environment that encourages critical thinking and participation. Sahar's impact extends to SAT and ACT preparation, assisting high school students in achieving their best scores. Her commitment to fostering a love for math while facilitating substantial academic growth makes Sahar Asif an outstanding educator who truly transforms students' learning experiences.
Saaida Khaliqi - Middle School English Language Arts Teacher
Ms. Saaida holds a Bachelor's degree in English from George Mason University and a TESOL certificate from the International Language Institute in Washington D.C. She has taught Language Arts at Washington International Academy and taught ESL for 14 years at various language schools. She is also fluent in Farsi. Ms. Saaida is a passionate teacher who aims to instill the love of reading and language to diverse learners through engaging lessons and coursework.
Venus Hashemee - Middle School Science & Social Studies Teacher
Venus holds a Bachelor's degree in Journalism and Mass Communications with a concentration in Visual Communications from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.
She worked in Marketing and Communications during her corporate tenure. She took a hiatus from working to concentrate on raising her children. She got into teaching when she started teaching academic subjects to hifdh students at ADAMS Center. She also home schooled her own children for a couple of years.
Venus has always had a passion for learning and teaching. During her experience at ADAMS Center, she realized how easy it can be for students to fall through the cracks in the educational system. One of her goals is to ensure that all students are given equal opportunity for learning and understanding.
Nabila Hoda - Principal
Nabila holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting Information Systems from Virginia Tech and a Master’s Degree in Accountancy from The George Washington University and is currently pursuing a Master’s in Education.
She made a career switch to Education after working in corporate Accounting for many years. She has teaching certifications in Phonics, Creative Writing and Speech Therapy & Creative Drama. Nabila earned her Graduate Diploma in Education from the London Teacher Training College and went on to complete a Certificate of Teaching and Learning from Cambridge University. She also holds a certificate in Improving Math Instruction from Harvard University.
Nabila taught Middle School and High School Islamic Studies for 5 years at the ADAMS Center Saturday School and worked as an after-school tutor for Phonics and Arabic reading for children for several years before becoming an Early Childhood Education teacher at an Australian International School in Singapore. She was also a Lead Lecturer and Teacher Trainer at the GIG International School in Singapore for 3 years.
Nabila is a Parent & Child Life Coach. She is certified in Child Psychology, Mental Wellness of Children, The Positive Parenting Solutions Method and Neuro Linguistic Programming. With over 20 years of experience as an educator, she is dedicated to developing a love of learning in students and as Principal, is excited to share her expertise and give parents and teachers the tools they need to achieve this.
Shahmashood Raufi (Burhan) - Head of Tahfeedh Teacher
Shahmashood Raufi (Burhan) is a hifdh teacher and began his teaching career in high school. He memorized the Qur’an in 3.5 years, then attended Bayyinah’s Dream Program for 1 year and learned to speak fluent Fusha Arabic. After returning to Virginia, he worked at One Step Ahead for 1 year and soon became an owner the following year. Burhan not only has experience in teaching Qur’an but, is also an experienced administrator. His goal is to see his students become future leaders of the ummah.
Tania Mysorewala - Head of Administration
Tania Mysorewala is an accomplished school administrator with over 13 years of experience working with Islamic schools. She has a Bachelors of Business degree. She has been working with children for over 14 years and is dedicated to the social and emotional development of each child and her goal is to make sure that each child receives the best care and love that they all deserve.
Nousheen Qureshi - Administrative Assistant
Neshat Hafiz - Tahfeedh Teacher
Neshat Hafiz has been a Quran teacher for the past ten years. She attended Suffolk County Community College for two years and studied child psychology. In addition, she has taken courses such as Aqeedah, Arabic and Child Psychology at Islamic Online University, as well as completing courses in Quranic tajweed.
Neshat is passionate about working with children because it allows her to teach the Deen of Islam in a creative manner. She feels honored by being able to nurture and develop the young minds of the next generation. In her free time she loves to memorize the Quran, garden, and explore new places with her husband and three children.
Fatin El-Hajj - Tahfeedh Teacher
Fatin El-Hajj grew up in Southern Lebanon where she avidly began learning and memorizing the Quran in her early teens. In 1990 she relocated to the United States and subsequently became disconnected from her Quran teachers, interrupting her memorization goals.
In 1999 she enrolled at the Islamic Institution of Arabic Science in Fairfax to pursue further studies of the Quran and its sciences. The IIASA – a branch of Imam Muhammad bin Saud University in Riyadh – provided her unique opportunities to learn from world-class Quran teachers. Grateful to her tremendous mentors, Fatin completed memorizing the Quran in her twenties and was welcomed as a Quran teacher in the Northern Virginia community where she has been teaching for the last two decades. Soon she went on to receive her first Ijaza from Sheikh Mohammad Ar’raee and her second Ijaza from Sheikha Khadijaa Akyurt, with a chain of narration connected to the Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him.
Seeking more knowledge, in 2018, Fatin embarked on a path to memorize all ten Qira’at. Insha Allah, she hopes to remain on this path until she accomplishes her goal or meets Allah (swt).
While passionate about teaching the Quran, Fatin’s most beloved job is being a mother to her six children, who have grown into amazing young adults. During her free time, she pursues her many interests and hobbies. She has been an active volunteer with the Boy Scouts of America for over a decade, where she encourages and motivates Muslim youth to be model citizens. She has served as a troop chaplin, committee chair, and merit badge counselor with the Patriot District in Virginia. Some hobbies Fatin enjoys are hiking, camping, craft work, and gardening.
Nasreen Sbitan - Tahfeedh Teacher
Nasreen Sbitan was born in Jordan and obtained her Bachelor degree in Nutrition and Food Processing and a Master degree in Biology from Universities in Jordan. She has four years of teaching experience in Jordan.
She moved to the USA in 2003 with her husband and stayed home for a few years to raise her children. During this time Nasreen took many Quran and Tajweed classes. She is currently taking Quran and Tajweed classes at the American Quran Institute in Ohio and looking forward to obtaining an Ijazah, insha Allah. She pursued teaching when all of her children went to school because it brings her so much joy to watch students excel.
She has also been a substitute teacher at Loudoun County Public Schools. As a lead Quran teacher at Pearls Academy, Nasreen feels very lucky to work in an Islamic environment and with an amazing staff.
Hadeya Torbi - Tahfeedh Teacher
Hadeya grew up in Libya, earning a Bachelor’s of Science in Mining Engineering. After her arrival to the United States in 2009, she switched her focus to education, specifically Islamic education. Hadeya has over 12 years of teaching experience, and has completed certificates in Tajweed, Noorani, and Arabic. She is diligent and consistently goes the extra mile to ensure the success of her students.
Lina Samara - Tahfeedh Teacher
Lina Samara was born and raised in Jordan and received her Bachelor's Degree there. She also completed her Ijaazah certificate in 2008. Lina started teaching the Quran as a volunteer in Sunday school and has been a Tahfeedh teacher for the last two years at Pearls Academy. Lina has an enormous passion for the Arabic language and immense understanding of the Quran.
Shrouq Aldeeb - Tahfeedh Teacher
Shurooq Aldeeb was born in Jordan. She has a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration from Zarqa Private University. Additionally, she has taken Quran and Tajweed classes at the American Quran Institute in Ohio. Shurooq has been teaching Arabic and Quran for the past nine years at multiple Northern Virginia schools.
Eisha Akhtar - Tahfeedh Teacher
Eisha Akhtar obtained her Bachelors of Arts in Arabic from the University of Texas at Austin and her Masters of Arts in Islamic Studies from the University of London (SOAS). She also has a Certificate in Teaching English as a Second Language (CELTA) from Cambridge University. In order to further her educational experience, she pursued traditional Arabic studies abroad in Syria. Eisha has taught Quran and Arabic in various Islamic schools. She believes that through encouragement, praise, and appreciation, students will flourish in the classroom and develop a lifelong love of learning.
Abass Darab - Tahfeedh and Islamic Studies Teacher
Tahir Warrach - Tahfeedh Teacher
Hamna Iqbal - Tahfeedh Assistant
Razan Alsrouji - K - 5 Islamic Studies & Arabic Teacher
Razan Alsrouji came to the United States in 2006 from Syria and has greatly enjoyed her life here. She traveled to many states with her family, and decided to settle down in Virginia, which she describes as a great place to stay and raise her family. Razan has three lovely children, and does everything possible to ensure they grow up in a good and caring environment.
Razan holds a Master's Degree in Arabic Language Linguistics from the California University of Pennsylvania and a Master's in Islamic Art from the Islamic University of Minnesota. Ever since she was a child, she had great passion for teaching.
Razan is passionate about teaching and impacting the lives of students positively. She is highly committed to creating a conducive learning environment to help students improve their academic performance. She is also determined to help all students achieve their potential and mold them into responsible and ethical children who will have a positive impact on society.
Her hobbies include calligraphy, sewing, reading poems, and cooking. She also loves traveling, which has helped her gain knowledge about people around the world.
Asma Hassan - Kindergarten Teacher
Asma Hassan holds a Bachelor's degree in Child Development and Child Psychology. This is her 14th year as a teacher and eighth year as a Kindergarten teacher. In the past, she has also served as a second grade teacher and as a Creative Art Specialist. Her passion is to inspire her students to be lifelong learners and thrivers, with the help of Allah SWT. Her study in Child Development and Child Psychology help her create educational experiences, measure learning, and improve student motivation as an educator. She did her Masters in Interior Design and uses her expertise as an Interior Designer to make her classroom serve as a perfect place for children to grow. Asma's past experiences, mentors, co-teachers and her educational background have given her the tools and resources to help her students in the best way possible. She believes that every student is unique and learns at their own pace and her job as a teacher is to create a safe environment where kids explore, engage, learn, play, make memories and flourish academically, socially and emotionally. She feels very fortunate to work alongside experienced and dedicated staff at Pearls Academy!
Maha Ziedan Nasser - 1st Grade Teacher
Maha Zeidan Nasser has a track record of successful teaching and education reform, and has been teaching children of all ages for over a decade. She grew up in a family of teachers, which inspired her to take on tutoring and mentoring roles as early as 14 years of age.
She married at the age of 18 and moved from her homeland Lebanon to the USA. She graduated from George Mason University with a Bachelor’s degree in Science, with a concentration in Health Education. She began her teaching career at Creative Child Islamic School in 2013. She has a deep interest in helping children reach their academic goals using a holistic approach and positive reinforcement techniques to encourage positive behaviors and thriving growth. Her approach motivates children to learn naturally and creatively to be curious and inquisitive, and eventually be innovative in their adult lives.
Alimah Salim - 2nd Grade Teacher
Alimah Salim holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Health Services Administration from Florida International University and has professional certificates in Health Humanities and Artificial Intelligence.
Alimah has worked for 2 years as an Islamic Studies, Arabic and Quran teacher at the Islamic Movement of Florida School and has experience as an Academic tutor to students in Grades 2-8. She has a passion for nurturing young minds and inspiring Muslim students by integrating a Islamic teaching with Academic subjects. Alimah has relocated from Florida to join the Pearls Academy teaching team.
Myrna Tariah - 3rd Grade Teacher
Myrna Tariah has over 15 years of experience teaching in the United Kingdom public school system as well as 7 years at Islamic Saudi Academy in Virginia. Myrna’s educational background includes a Bachelor of Science degree, complemented by Certificates in Special Education and English as a Second Language. These qualifications enabled Myrna to effectively address diverse learning needs, ensuring that every individual receives the support and guidance necessary for their academic growth.
Myrna believes in nurturing independent learners and fostering high self-esteem in each student, preparing them for the challenges and experiences they will encounter in life.
Hadia Anees - 4th Grade Teacher
Hadia Anees has a Bachelor’s in Geography and Islamic Studies with a Minor in Home Economics and holds a Master’s in English. She has over 15 years of experience as an Educator where she has taught Elementary to College level students and has also worked as a Teacher Trainer. During her years of teaching, Hadia has earned multiple professional certifications in Education and was also awarded the Teacher of the Year Award in 2009.
Hadia Anees is a highly experienced teacher with a passion for holistic education. She aims to engage students in active learning through integrating all subject areas with Islamic Studies.
Amatullah Rubeel - 5th Grade Teacher
Amatullah Rubeel holds a Bachelor’s of Science degree in Financial Economics from Manchester Metropolitan University (UK) and has over a decade of teaching experience. Her career began in the financial sector in the UK, but after starting a family, she made change to education. Ms. Amatullah has served as a BSA Scout Leader, including as a Scoutmaster for a girls' troop, and earned her Wood Badge in London. Additionally, She is an experienced MUN coach, having trained students of various ages in Qatar ( Part of a homeschooling Coop). For the past two years, Ms. Amatullah taught 5th Grade at another Islamic school, where she became well-versed in the 5th grade curriculum. Amatullah Rubeel is currently pursuing Master’s in Curriculum and Instruction at George Washington University.
Sahar Asif - Middle School Math Teacher
Sahar Asif is a dedicated educator with 15 years of teaching experience. She holds a Bachelor's of Science in Math and Statistics, followed by a Master's in Economics and Math. Beginning her teaching journey in Pakistan at Lahore Grammar School, Sahar's passion for mathematics led her to instruct and motivate students across various levels, from middle school to advanced math concepts. She has held positions as an instructor and lead instructor at various Mathnasium locations in Northern Virginia. Her diverse experience includes teaching a wide range of math concepts, from foundational topics to advanced subjects like Calculus and statistics. She’s skilled in using different teaching approaches and techniques.
Throughout her career, Sahar has demonstrated a knack for employing diverse teaching approaches and techniques. She's adept at utilizing tools like Delta Math, IXL, Mathia, Kuta Software, and Blooket, adapting her methods to suit students' needs. Her commitment to student progress is evident in her use of varied assessment methods and the strategic adjustment of teaching strategies.
Sahar's teaching expertise extends to extracurricular math activities, where she has coordinated and supervised events that enhance students' engagement with math. With a proven track record of success, she's proficient at preparing students for competitive schools like AOS, AET, Thomas Jefferson, and other gifted programs, fostering strong STEM skills among her students.
As a freelancer, Sahar successfully runs her tutoring platform named "Tutoring Guru," where she finds fulfillment in helping students grasp challenging mathematical concepts and other high school subjects.
Her five-year tenure at Pearls Academy reflects her dedication to both her students' academic growth and the joy of witnessing their success in overcoming mathematical hurdles. With her engaging lesson plans, inclusion of technology, and real-life examples, Sahar creates a dynamic learning environment that encourages critical thinking and participation.
Sahar's impact extends to SAT and ACT preparation, assisting high school students in achieving their best scores. Her commitment to fostering a love for math while facilitating substantial academic growth makes Sahar Asif an outstanding educator who truly transforms students' learning experiences.
Saaida Khaliqi - Middle School English Language Arts Teacher
Saaida Khaliqi holds a Bachelor's degree in English with a concentration in Creative Writing from George Mason University and a TESOL certificate from the International Language Institute. She taught Language Arts at Washington International Academy and Al-Qalam Academy, and has nearly 15 years of experience teaching ESL at various language institutes in the area.
Saaida's appreciation for story-structure, grammar and linguistics began as a child in Falls Church where she was exposed to many different languages and cultures. She discovered her love for books in fifth grade after reading Wilson Rawls’ Where the Red Fern Grows. As a teacher, she hopes to instill in her students a deeper understanding of art of storytelling, confidence as they learn to command the language, and social emotional awareness as they engage with the written word.