Q: What did you do this summer?
A: We decided to take the plunge and travel back home to visit relatives... back home for me is Iraq, so it was quite a trek but we made in and out of Baghdad relativlely easily and had a great time!
Q: Are you ready to come back to school?
A: Definitely! I had a relaxing summer, and now I am excited to meet my new group of students and begin a fresh new year. I am also super excited to be teaching a new grade this year.
Q: How long have you been teaching?
A: This is the start of my tenth year at Jordan Middle School. During the past nine years, I taught sixth grade.
Q: What do you enjoy about teaching?
A: I love my students, interacting with them, learning from them and observing the funny and interesting things they do and say. I also like the challenge of trying to teach content in an interesting and effective way. I am constantly challenged by my job - it is never easy, but I am never bored.
Q: What was your favorite subject in school?
A: I loved all subjects, I'm serious! I was one of those students loved everything about school. If I had to pick a subject though, I would say my favorite was math. There is nothing like coming to the end of a really hard math problem with a correct solution.
Q: Where did you go to college and what was your major?
A: I went to Mills College for my Bachelor's Degree in Chemistry and San Jose State for my teaching credential and Master's Degree in Instructional Technology.
Q: How long have you been married? Do you have kids?
A: I have been married since 1998. I have one son, Ali, and he was born on June 22, 2000 and one daughter, Yasmeen, born March 26, 2005.
Q: What type of activities do your family and you do together for fun?
A: With my kids, we enjoy going to the library, hiking, or the movies.
Q: Where you born in the United States?
A: No, I was born in Baghdad, Iraq. My parents decided to immigrate to the United States when I was only 4 years old and I have lived here ever since.
Q: What are some of your hobbies?
A: In my spare time, I enjoy reading non-fiction, kayaking, and scrapbooking, though it has been a looong time since I have had time to scrapbook.
Q: What is your favorite movie?
A: Oh, I love movies, but I don't have one favorite movie. Some of my favorites include: The Sixth Sense, Great Expectations and The Hours.
Q: What is your favorite TV Show?
A: LOST, I love the twists and turns.
Q: Do you play a musical instrument?
A: No, I never learned how to play an instrument. I always wish I had though.
**If you have a question for me that you would like to add to the Q&A above, please ask me and I would love to post your question and my answer!