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Faculty & Staff

Mr. Mootaz Koriem

Principal

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Mr. Mootaz Koriem holds a Master of Arts in English awarded from Arizona State University, and a Bachelor of Arts in Education and English awarded from Alexandria University. Before working as a full-time school administrator, he taught in three countries: the USA, Egypt, and KSA as a licensed teacher and as a licensed ESL/EFL (English as a Second/Foreign Language) instructor. Mr. Mootaz is a Georgia and Arizona certified teacher and has also earned a diploma in Education and Leadership Management from Notting Hill College in the UK. Mr. Mootaz is a firm believer, supporter, and promoter of Islamic Education and has been teaching in and leading Islamic schools for the past 20 years. He was born in Iowa and is a proud father of 3 children.

Ms. Fatima Abdelhaq

Lead Teacher/3rd Grade Homeroom

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Education:

 

Bio:

Ms. Fatima Abdelhaq has always been working towards raising educated and responsible Muslim generations, inshaAllah. She was born and raised in Palestine, completed her education in Palestine, and moved to the United States in September 1979. She has been working in the education field since 1994. She taught in Al-Urdonieh Secondary school, which adapted the American system curriculum, in Ramallah, Palestine from 1994-2002 as a 1st and 2nd grade science teacher. Additionally, Ms. Fatima taught 1st-8th Social Studies. In 2002 she joined the team of Noor Academy and taught 1st and 2nd grade. Currently she is teaching 3rd and 4th grade  (Language Arts, Math, and Science for third grade and Math for 4th grade). In the past, she has taught Computer, Islamic Studies, Arabic too for grades 1, 2, and 3. Currently she is the lead teacher and the AZELLA school coordinator. I was the Language Arts, Social Studies, Field Trips Committee Chair in addition to organizing the Science Fair event for two years. During those years of teaching, she attended workshops to enhance and strengthen my teaching strategies and skills. She has professional development in the following areas; Practical Strategies to help every student succeed with state standards in Reading Informational and non-fiction Skills. Training the unmotivated practical strategies for teaching the hard to reach students, practical strategies to Help every student to succeed with Common Core state standards and working successfully with difficult and disruptive Students. Boost Students Reading and Writing Skills with Exciting engaging literacy activities.Using Guided Math to help Students meet and Exceed State Math Standards. Writing Strategies that works, Practical Way to use six Traits and Mini Lessons in your Writing Instructions. Guided Reading Differentiated Using Small Groups Instructions.

Ms. Helena Chowdhury

1st Grade Homeroom

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Education:

M.A Fine Arts, University of Dhaka, Bangladesh

Bio:
Ms. Helena Chowdhury is currently teaching Language Arts, Math. Science, Social Studies, and Islamic Studies at Noor Academy of Arizona. A strong advocate for skill development, she involves her students in reading and writing with subject based stories, poems, letter writing, learning with fun, and her current projects are learning with puppets, and letting students help each other, strengthening their communication skills. In addition, she serves as the first grade homeroom teacher for Noor Academy of Arizona. She believes that she has motherly care for her students, without motherly care no one can be an early elementary teacher.

Ms. Rokeya Omar Agha

Arabic Teacher K-5th Grades

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Education:

B.S. Degree in Chemistry from The University of Mosul, Arabic as a Second Language Certification

Bio:

Rokeya Omar Agha is currently teaching KG – 8th grade Arabic at Noor Academy of Arizona in Tempe, Arizona. Mrs. Omar Agha has experience in teaching High School Chemistry in three different continents for a total of more than 30 years. She has also received numerous certificates from both online and on-site in the field of Arabic As a Second Language teaching programs through the Class Road curriculum from the University of California, San Bernardino. Due to her highly advanced abilities in instructing Arabic as a secondary language, Mrs. Omar Agha teaches Arabic to  K-8th grades students.  Mrs. Omar Agha makes up songs and catchy tunes for her students to be able to memorize certain words, letters. In addition, she is the Arabic Language Chairperson for Noor Academy of Arizona, a position that she has held from 2008 until present.

Dr. Suha Naush

P.E. Teacher K-8th

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Education: 

Ph.D in Physical Education: 2011-2014 University of Baghdad

Masters’s in Physical Education: 2004 – 2007 University of Baghdad 

Bachelor in Physical Education: 1995 – 2000 University of Baghdad

Bio:
Dr. Suha Naush was born and raised in Baghdad, Iraq. She graduated from the University of Baghdad with a PhD in Sports Medicine and Fitness in 2014. Prior to her graduation, she taught and trained gymnastics, volleyball, basketball, swimming, track & field, and soccer. Dr Suha also has a certificate in Medical Assisting with Phlebotomy. Her degrees allow her to train students for fitness as safely as possible. She has been at Noor Academy of Arizona since 2017 and has always loved the Islamic environment and attitudes of this school. 

Dr. Suha teaches P.E. for KG-8th and Computer Science for 1st-8th grade. Dr. Suha’s goal as a teacher is to make sure her students always walk awawy with useful knowledge at the end of the day. I find that it’s very important to establish a good relationship with all my students. I want them to feel comfortable with fitness and taking care of their bodies. By teaching my students sports and skills, it allows them to find an interest that they can pursue. I truly believe that it’s important for kids to use their energy wisely to promoto their health. I want my students to see my lessons as exciting and a way to get ride of any stress they are feeling.  

Ms. Jakia Chowdhury

2nd Grade Homeroom

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Education:
B.A. Degree in English Literature, National University of Bangladesh
Certification in Early Childhood and Education, Mesa Community College
Bio:
Ms. Jakia has been teaching at Noor Academy of Arizona since 2014. She has been working in the field of Early Childhood Education since 2012. She attended many trainings related to early education and has received certificates from different organizations including Arizona Department of Education. Mrs. Jakia worked in both public and private schools. Besides English language, Ms. Jakia can speak in Bangla and Urdu. She loves travelling and spending time with friends and family.
Working with the young children, is Ms. Jakia’s passion. She enjoys her every moment with the amazing students of Noor Academy of Arizona. She feels blessed being a part of this school. She dreams to go for a long journey along with Noor Academy of Arizona and help the young flower buds bloom as better Muslims.

Ms. Zahra Wako

Kindergarten Teacher

Education: 

B.A degree in Public Health and Health Education 

 
Bio:

Ms. Zahra brings a wealth of experience and a genuine enthusiasm for education to her role at our school. Her strong academic foundation, with a Bachelor’s degree in Public Health and Health Education from a private university in Minnesota, coupled with her ESL certification, has equipped her with a unique skillset to support students from diverse backgrounds.

Ms. Zahra is passionate about fostering a positive and inclusive learning environment that goes beyond academics. She is particularly drawn to institutions, like ours, that promote Islamic values and cultivate morals and akhlaq (Islamic ethics) in young minds. She believes this holistic approach is essential for nurturing well-rounded individuals who can contribute positively to society.

Currently a kindergarten teacher at Noor Academy, Ms. Zahra thrives on creating a stimulating and nurturing environment where young children can flourish. Her dedication extends beyond the classroom. Ms. Zahra is fluent in English, Oromo, and Amharic, which allows her to connect with multilingual students and families on a deeper level. She is a strong advocate for cultural awareness and believes in integrating students’ heritage into their learning experiences.

Ms. Zahra’s commitment to student success is evident in her collaborative approach. She actively seeks collaboration with colleagues and specialists to develop and implement effective learning strategies for all students.

A family-oriented person, Ms. Zahra is married with two children. We are thrilled to have Ms. Zahra is part of our school community and looks forward to her continued contributions to fostering a love of learning and Islamic values in our students.

 

Ms. Hajira Ijaz

Science Teacher 4th-8th Grades

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Education: 

M.A in Political Science – Bahauddin Zakariya University

B.A in Sociology and Education – Bahauddin Zakariya University

Bio:
Ms. Hajira has always been very emphatic about psychology and assisting individuals rise up and flourish by helping them build a strong foundation for their personal, and professional lives. She obtained her Masters in political science and Bachelors in Sociology and Education from Bahauddin Zakariya University in Multan, Pakistan. Afterwards she taught multiple classes (Social Studies, English, Urdu, Religious studies, Biology, Chemistry, Math) at the Science School in Multan. She also worked as a private tutor for 10 years. Ms. Hajira moved to the United States in March 2022 to join her husband here in the east valley and is planning to pursue a Ph.D. in Psychology at Arizona State University. Prior to joining Noor Academy, Ms. Hajira worked as a Lab Technician and assisted with food and water testing. Her interests include fashion, cooking, traveling, shopping, psychology, and spending time with family. 

 

Ms. Nadine Batrukh

Front Desk

Education: 
BA in Business Management and Journalism

 

Bio:
Ms. Nadine Batrukh holds a Bachelor Degree in Business Management and Journalism. She has completed her education in Palestine, and is fluent in Arabic and English. She has over seven years of experience working in many fields such as Law, Education sector and non- profit organizations as well. She worked as Principal’s Assistant for three years at Noor Academy of Arizona. She also worked as a Project Coordinator, Junior Staff Accountant, and Social Media Director. Her passion is helping and supporting students to succeed and achieve their goals. She was born and raised in Jerusalem, Palestine and has three beautiful kids.

 

Ms. Riham Hassan

HR & Accounting

Education: 
Master of Business Administration (MBA)
Bio:
Ms. Riham Hassan joined Noor Academy of AZ as HR/Accounting Administrator. She has diverse administrative experience for more than 15 years in the US and overseas. She has a master degree in Business Administration. Ms. Riham enjoys volunteering with non profit organizations. She is a Girl Scouts troop leader and likes how this program empowers girls and exposes them to leadership skills at an early age. Ms. Riham is married and mom of 3 children. She enjoys spending time with her family and traveling together.

Ms. Johem Saeed

Admission & Enrollment

Education: 
Associates in Arts, General Education
Bio:
Ms. Johem Saeed has always tied with working in the education field one way or another. She went from being a teacher assistant to a front desk admin at various schools/ colleges. In the past, she also taught Sunday school for kindergarten, and she truly enjoyed her time doing so. She also has a side business of doing makeup on the weekends which she enjoys a lot. Her hobbies include reading, baking/ cooking and exploring nature.

Ms. Antonika Wilson

4-8 Science & Art

Education: 
Master of Elementary Education

 

Bio:
Ms. Antonika (Amirah) has a very diverse teaching background. She has taught both nationally and internationally in public and private schools. She loves working with the youth and engaging in activities that will allow them to excel academically and emotionally. She is passionate about building good character and being a positive role model in the classroom. She believes that no student should be left behind; learning should be inclusive and engaging. She believes that students should be given the opportunity to explore different learning styles. 
 
She worked at Noor Academy for 3 years from 2019-2022. During that time, she built a beautiful relationship with students and parents. After a two year hiatus, she has returned to teach science (her favorite subject) and art to grades 4 through 8. She has a passion for discovery and exploration, so she is beyond excited to begin this journey. 
 
Ms. Antonika is a Michigan native. She enjoys traveling, spending time with her family. She is a foodie, but most of all….she loves football (Go BLUE) and is an ASU Alumni (Forks up!).

 

Ms. Ayesha Gheyasi

K-8 Quran Teacher

Education: 
College graduate – Hajar high school and College
Bio:
Ms. Ayesha Gheyasi is College graduate currently imparting her extensive knowledge as a Quran teacher for grades K-8 at Noor Academy of Arizona. Specializing in Quranic studies, Hadith, Fiqh, and Aqeedah, Ms. Gheyasi is dedicated to instilling a deep and comprehensive understanding of Islamic teachings in her students. Her teaching approach is both methodical and engaging, ensuring that each student grasps the spiritual, practical, and doctrinal aspects of their studies. Ms. Gheyasi’s innovative methods include interactive storytelling that brings Quranic narratives to life, creating dynamic learning materials to enhance comprehension, and fostering group discussions to encourage reflective and collaborative learning. Her current projects focus on making the study of religious texts engaging and accessible, as well as strengthening students’ ability to discuss and reflect on their beliefs. Beyond her role in the classroom, Ms. Gheyasi serves as a mentor, providing both academic guidance and personal support to her students. She believes that effective teaching goes beyond the curriculum, involving a nurturing and caring approach that supports the overall development of each child. Ms. Gheyasi is deeply committed to her role, viewing herself as both an educator and a guide in her students’ spiritual and intellectual journeys InshaALLAH.

Ms. Riham Hamouda

4-5 ELA Social & Islamic

Education: 

Bachelor of Arts in English Language and Literature

Bio:

Ms.Riham is a passionate, highly qualified teacher with more than 20 years in the teaching profession. She served as a Classroom Head Teacher for elementary and middle school both in the United States as well as overseas in Egypt. 
 
She is highly experienced in child education, lesson development/ planning and classroom management.
 
Ms. Riham has strong communication skills in both the English and Arabic languages that allow her to deliver ideas across effectively with both English and non-English speakers.

Fatma Abid

6-8 ELA, Social & Islamic

Education: 

Master’s in Journalism & Mass Communication from Arizona State University.

Bio:
Ms. Fatma is a journalist who graduated from Arizona State University in 2022. Alongside her journalism background, she has experience in teaching and education starting from when she was a student herself. Before being employed by Noor Academy, she worked as a substitute teacher for the Chandler Unified School District. She looks forward to utilizing her own experiences as a former Islamic School student to better help her serve as an Islamic School teacher In Shaa Allah. In her free time, Fatma enjoys spending time with her friends and family,  reading fictional books,  playing video games, and spending time with her cockatiel bird, Ruhi.

ABOUT THE SCHOOL

Noor Academy of Arizona is a K to 8th grade Islamic school in Tempe, AZ. Our Mission is to help and guide our children achieve their academic, spiritual, intellectual, physical, mental, emotional and social potentials to serve Allah (SWT).

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  • 1130 W 23rd St Tempe, AZ 85282
  • (480) 829-1443
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