Our Faculty & Staff
Qualified Educators
Our teachers:
Combine a strong educational background with a deep commitment to nurturing young minds.
Create dynamic learning engagements that integrate Islamic teachings into subjects such as mathematics, science, language arts, and social studies.
Educational Philosophy
Faith-Centered Education Our primary aim is to foster a strong connection with Allah (God) in our students' lives. We believe that a faith-centered education provides a moral compass that guides individuals to make ethical decisions, seek knowledge, and serve humanity with compassion and justice.
Character Development Beyond academics, we emphasize the development of strong character. We teach the values of honesty, integrity, humility, and empathy, instilling in our students a sense of responsibility toward themselves and their communities.
Leadership Skills As an Islamic leadership school, we believe in cultivating the next generation of leaders who will positively impact society. Our curriculum includes leadership development programs and opportunities for students to assume leadership roles within our school community.
Pedagogical Leadership Team
Hagar Aboubakr
Hagar Aboubakr is a lifelong learner and educator of over 20 years. She is passionate about holistic teaching and learning that is accommodating individual needs and learning styles. She has particular interests in concept-based teaching and learning, the inquiry classroom, tactile learning methods, literacy, and fostering learner agency. She considers herself a reflective, lifelong learner and inquirer!
Ms. Aboubakr first pursued her studies in Education in 1996 in order to work towards the Islamic School cause and support young Muslim learners in their upbringing and development as American Muslims. She first earned her Elementary Teaching Certification from the University of Massachusetts-Boston, where she completed their Undergraduate Teacher Certification Program and earned her B.A. in English literature. She then went on to earn her Masters in Education from the University of Massachusetts-Boston. When she moved to Maryland years later, she pursued and earned her Maryland State Teaching Certification as well.
Ms. Aboubakr has over 20 years of experience with working children in various capacities and contexts including classroom & school settings, working with homeschooling families, and working for professional education services & teaching private classes. She has 5 years of experience in school administration and leadership, including experience as an IB Primary Years Program Coordinator where she conducted professional development for teachers, supported & coached teachers in their pedagogical practices and teaching craft, and collaborated with other educators in curriculum design. This will be her 8th year with Tarbiyah Academy and working within the IB program.
Ms. Aboubakr is eager and excited to continue on the journey of fostering profound learning experiences in the classroom for all children, and to work with families and parents to create a meaningful partnership that serves the authentic learning experiences of our young learners. Contact her via email at hagaraboubakr@tarbiyahacademy.org.
Shabana Ahmed
Quranic Studies Faculty
Ms. Wafa Al-Numri (24 years of classroom teaching experience)
KG & 1st Grade Arabic, Quran, Islamic Studies Teacher
Ms. Wafa Al-Numri (24 years of classroom teaching experience)
My name is Wafa Al Numri, and I am deeply dedicated to Islamic education. My journey began in the early '90s in Yemen, where I studied Qur’an Tajweed and Arabic. I hold a Master’s degree in Arabic Language from Sana'a University and a Bachelor’s degree in Islamic Studies and Arabic Language. I have over twenty years of experience teaching Islamic Studies, Arabic, and Quran in various educational settings. This is my 6th year teaching at Tarbiyah Academy. I have cultivated a passion for guiding students through the rich traditions of Islamic knowledge and values. My teaching experience includes working with diverse age groups. I have enjoyed helping children develop a profound understanding of Islamic teachings. I am committed to fostering a stimulating and supportive learning environment that promotes curiosity and spiritual growth. I believe in creating an engaging classroom with hand-on activities. I am passionate about teaching Tajweed using collaborative and innovative methods to enhance students’ Tajweed articulation. My approach to Arabic includes creative techniques for dictation and vocabulary. My Islamic Studies lessons are designed to encourage critical thinking and provide practical guidelines for students both inside and outside the classroom. My hobbies outside the classroom include listening to Islamic nasheeds, taking long walks, traveling, and spending time with my family and friends. May Allah bless our team efforts to create the next generation of Muslim leaders.
Mr. Khalid King
My name is Khalid King, I am from New York City but was born here in Maryland. My parents converted to Islam when I was five years old and moved my family to the Middle East. I lived in the middle east for 17 years where I finished memorization of the Quran and became fluent in the Arabic Language. Alhamdulillah, I was able to get my certification for completing the book of Allah along with several books of Hadith. I have been teaching the Quran, Seerah, and the basics of Arabic since the age of seventeen.Currently, I am studying to obtain my BA and certification in special education. I ask Allah to make it easy and bless me in this. As someone who has started teaching at a young age, I believe teaching is the duty of all Muslims as the followers of prophet Muhammed (PBUH). I love the challenge of finding new ways to connect with our youth and show them the beauty of learning. Teaching is my calling, and I take joy and pride in every aspect of it. I ask Allah to allow me to continue teaching and benefiting those around me and allow them to do the same for me, Ameen"
Some of my Hobbies: sports, reading, writing poetry, baking, and movies.
Ms. Azza Elashrawy (18 years of classroom teaching experience)
My name is Azza El Ashry, and I am currently in my second year at Tarbiyah Academy, where I have experienced significant personal growth and learning. This journey has been deeply enriching, allowing me the opportunity to teach Quran and Islamic Studies to middle school students. I hold an Ijazah in Quran recitation in the Riwaya of Hafs An Asim. With over 19 years of experience, I have taught Quran recitation, Islamic Studies, and Arabic to both children and adults. My teaching experience includes positions at Manarah Islamic Academy in Whitehall, PA, where I taught Islamic Studies and Arabic. I also led the weekly Quran Halaqa for sisters and served as the head instructor for the Quran Summer Intensive at Al-Maqasid. Additionally, I taught Arabic at Northampton Community College.
Teaching the Quran to people of all ages has been the most fulfilling aspect of my career. I am passionate about helping our community raise children who not only love the Book of Allah but also live by its teachings. In my free time, I enjoy spending time with my children and grandchildren, taking walks, and connecting with nature.
Khadija Elbahbah
My name is Khadija Elbahbah, and I have dedicated over 12 years of my career to teaching at Alhuda School. During my time there, I have had the privilege of contributing to a nurturing and spiritually enriching environment. This experience has greatly influenced both my professional skills and my personal spiritual growth. I hold a master’s degree in education Curriculum and Instruction from Liberty University, which has equipped me with an understanding of curriculum design and instructional strategies. This education has been instrumental in helping me create engaging and effective learning experiences for my students. On a personal note, I am blessed with three wonderful children—two boys and a girl, aged 19, 15, and 8. Balancing my professional and family life has been incredibly rewarding and has enriched my teaching practice.
Kamal Soror
My name is Kamal Soror. I am originally from Egypt. For the past 19 years I have been teaching Qur'aan and Arabic after graduating from Al Azhar University and I specialized in Islamic Culture. I worked at the Al Awqaf Ministry for 27 years as an Imam. My favorite hobbies are spending time with my family, taking long walks in the parks and along the beaches. My favorite park is Centennial park, and I enjoy going to Ocean City when there is nobody around.
Arabic Studies Faculty
Ms. Shorouq Naser (3 years of classroom teaching experience)
Outside of my professional life, I enjoy horseback riding and swimming in my free time. I reside in Howard County with my husband and am grateful to be the parent of two wonderful children.
Ms. Mona Abdelazim
As an Arabic support teacher, I hold a bachelor’s degree in accounting, but my true passion lies in teaching children. Having been born and raised in Saudi Arabia, I possess a solid foundation in Arabic and Quran. With four years of experience teaching Arabic and Quran, I thoroughly enjoy working with kids.
Since my family relocated to the United States in 2018, my ambition has been to serve as a role model for future generations of Muslim Americans. I am committed to instilling a strong Islamic foundation in young minds, enabling them to take pride in their faith and become compassionate leaders, insha’Allah. Beyond the classroom, I enjoy walking, cycling, and drawing. I eagerly look forward to working with your children and embarking on an exciting journey this year.
PYP Faculty
Ms.Safeah Alrowhany (MSDE certified teacher)
My name is Safeah Alrowhany (Mrs. A) and this is my second year as a first-grade homeroom teacher at Tarbiyah Academy. I am a mother of three children, one of which is a current 3rd grade student at TA. My family and I moved to Maryland from California around 9 years ago and have been a part of this great community for a couple of years now. I completed my associate degree in social and behavioral science in 2015. In 2021, I earned my bachelor's in psychology through the University of Maryland Baltimore County, and in May of 2023, I completed my master's degree in teaching elementary education along with my teacher certification in elementary education (1st-6th). As both a mother and an educator, I deeply appreciate the vital role teachers play in nurturing children’s social, emotional, and academic growth. Alhemdulilah, having these two perspectives has allowed me to see teaching from a unique angle, where my goal is to always provide my students with meaningful and enriching learning experiences. My approach is grounded in sincerity, compassion, clarity, and flexibility, aiming to support each student’s development in a well-rounded and thoughtful way. With that, I am enthusiastic about this new school year and the new experiences and memories I will get to build with my students, their families and the TA family inshaAllah!
Ms.Debby Rashed (in process, MSDE certification)
I was born and raised in Maryland and have been teaching for over 12 years. I hold a BA in Elementary Education (with a Science Major) and an AA in Early Childhood Education. Currently, I am pursuing my master’s degree in Curriculum and Development. Throughout my career, I have taught grades 1-8 across all subjects. My hobbies include traveling, skiing, and writing fiction stories. I am a caring individual, always eager to help those in need. I understand the importance of using instructional strategies that appropriately address the diverse learning styles and needs of my students, which fuels my passion for teaching at Tarbiyah Academy. Understanding each student’s dominant learning style is crucial for planning instruction that leverages their strengths to enhance academic development. As a teacher, I strive to instill a passion for learning in my students within an encouraging and positive environment. By developing relationships that are honest, open, and respectful, I ensure that students feel accepted for who they are. This is my 6th year at Tarbiyah Academy, and I continue to be committed to fostering an environment where every child can thrive academically and personally.
Ms. Ambreen Hussain (23 years classroom teaching experience)
Tasneem Odeh
Heba Kamal
My name is Heba Kamal and I have been in the field of education for 15 years. I graduated from Iowa State University with a bachelor's degree in elementary education and obtained my master's degree in educational leadership from University of Michigan-Dearborn.
Alhamdulilah, I am certified as a teacher and an administrator. I have experience teaching grade 5 (all core subjects) for six years and grade 8 (language arts and social studies) for three years. I also have experience serving as vice principal for two years and as principal for four years.
I am excited to return to the classroom and pursue my passion of teaching, inspiring, and empowering young minds! As an educator, my goal is to be an advocate for each child and to help them develop as upright, conscientious, and productive young Muslims.
I enjoy reading, spending time with family, and being creative. I recently moved to Maryland and look forward to exploring all that it has to offer!
MYP Faculty
Ms. Nabila Zerarka (MSDE certified teacher, 15 years of classroom teaching experience)
Middle School Social Studies and 8th grade ELA Teacher
Ms. Nabila Zerarka (MSDE certified teacher, 15 years of classroom teaching experience)
Bio forthcoming...
Ms. Ateya Arozullah (MSDE certified teacher; 16 years of experience in classrooms/school admin)
Middle School Design Teacher (renamed MYP course, formerly “Inquiry and Skills”)
Ms. Ateya Arozullah (MSDE certified teacher; 16 years of experience in classrooms/school admin)
My name is Ateya Arozullah and I am excited to start my 2nd year at TA and my 22nd year in education. I will be returning to Tarbiyah Academy as the Science and Design teacher for middle school. I hold a bachelor's degree in microbiology from the University of Maryland and a master's degree in the Art of Teaching from Johns Hopkins University. I currently hold an Advanced Maryland State teaching certificate for grades 7-12 Biology. Over the years, I have worked with students in grades KG-12 teaching various science courses including Earth Science, Life Science, Physical Science, Biology and Environmental Science. I have had the opportunity to teach at Al-Rahmah, Baltimore County, and Montgomery County schools. In addition to teaching, I have served as PTS president and Board of Education member at PGMA and ISB. I also served as Principal at ICCL Academy in Laurel. I am thrilled to be back in the classroom expanding the minds of our next generation of leaders. We will be exploring a new inquiry-based science curriculum this year. Thru this hands-on curriculum I hope to ignite a passion for appreciating the depth of Allah’s magnificent creations. In Design class students will use Engineering skills to solve real-world issues. I also aim to further build my students' relationship with the ultimate designer Allah (SWT).
Ms. Abeer Zaki (MSDE certified teacher; 8 years of classroom teaching experience)
Middle School 6th and 7th ELA Teacher
Ms. Abeer Zaki (MSDE certified teacher; 8 years of classroom teaching experience)
I’m so happy to be working with your children as their MYP English Language Arts teacher, insha’Allah!
Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of guiding students to refine their ability to express themselves through language. It has been a true pleasure watching your children grow and develop these essential skills last year, and I am glad I now have the opportunity to continue building on that foundation insha’Allah.
I hold a BA in English Literature from Ain Shams University and a BA in Marketing from the American University in Cairo. My passion for teaching was solidified during my time as a tutor, leading me to pursue a Master’s Degree in Education from the University of Maryland, College Park. Since then, I’ve dedicated my career to supporting English language learners and have been fortunate to work with such talented and inspiring students here at our school.
When I’m not in the classroom, you can find me indulging in dark chocolate, doodling on my iPad, or spending quality time with my family.