Embedded Files
Aza ElmobarakEarly Pre-K Homeroom teacher
I'm Aza Elmobarak, and I have been a GLIS member for eight years. Since I’ve started, I had the wonderful opportunity to work with the children in Pre-K and explore their curiosity.
Before working here at GLIS, I had some experience working in different childcare settings; one of them being an organization accredited by NAEYC (National Association for the Education of Young Children) where I worked as a lead teacher for four years. Working in those settings helped teach me special ways to better connect with kids to help expand their learning minds.
I’m glad to be the home room teacher for Early Pre-K at GLIS
Khadra Ali
Teacher Assistant
Masarat SayeedHomeroomPre-Kindergarten teacher
My name is Masarat Sayeed. I am a Montessori Certified Teacher. I believe that children are natural learners. When given an opportunity and freedom to choose from a well prepared environment, children can teach themselves. My goal in Pre-K is to create an environment that drives children to learning where they can learn while having fun, Insha’Allah.
sayeed@school.lansingislam.com
Eman MohamedTeacher AssistantPre-Kindergarten
Tryanti Abdulrahman
Kindergarten
Homeroom teacher
My name is Tryanti Abdulrahman. I hold a bachelor’s degree in English education from Gorontalo State University in Indonesia, an M.A. in Multicultural Education, and a Ph.D. in Reading and Literacy in Early and Middle Childhood Education from The Ohio State University. I have been teaching for nearly 15 years, working with both young children—from Pre-K to 3rd grade—and university students, particularly teacher candidates in Indonesia. In the United States, I have served as a teacher, tutor, and volunteer in ESL programs for immigrant and refugee communities and in children’s reading specialist initiatives across Ohio and Michigan. I also have experience as both an assistant teacher and lead teacher in a Pre-K classroom in Michigan.
My teaching philosophy is rooted in culturally responsive pedagogy. I strive to create a classroom environment where every child feels valued, seen, and respected—an inclusive space that celebrates students’ identities and encourages them to learn with confidence and curiosity. My research and publications have explored early childhood teacher professional development, cross-cultural children’s literacy and language learning experiences, and the representation of Muslim characters in children’s picture books in the U.S. I love sharing books with children through interactive reading and small group guided reading. With my background in reading and literacy, I am passionate about helping children develop strong language skills and meaningful connections to books from the very beginning.
Mirvat Aly
Kindergarten
Arabic teacher
Mirvat had been a staff member of the school when it first opened way back in 1996. She taught Preschool, Arabic, and was a teacher’s aide. Mirvat is a very kind and caring person who we are pleased to have working with our students.
Samantha DavisFirst Grade Homeroom teacher
My name is Samantha Davis , I completed my Bachelor of Science in Education, Elementary Emphasis in 2009 from Central Michigan University, Mount Pleasant. As a highly qualified teacher, my objective is to use my experience and education to positively motivate students and create lifelong learners.
Davis@school.lansingislam.com
Sadia AkhtarTeacher AssistantFirst Grade
I am Sadia Akhtar, and I have Bachelors degree in pure sciences, Chemistry, Botany, and Zoology I completed my Master Degree in Political Science from university of Peshawar, Pakistan. I am mother of two kids, my son Shaheer and daughter Zareesh. I enjoy my spare time with my family.
Zainab AliSecond Grade Homeroom teacher
My name is Zainab Ali, and I have been an educator for over 15 years. With a background in early childhood education, I previously served as the pre-k teacher at GLIS. I took a brief hiatus from GLIS to further my education through the Teacher Preparation Program at Michigan State University, which included a yearlong internship in a 4th grade classroom in Grand Ledge.
I am thrilled to return to GLIS and am looking forward to working with my second-grade students this year! My teaching philosophy centers around the importance of connecting with students and demonstrating the relevance of everyday learning in their lives.
Kin Hussein
Teacher AssistantSecond Grade
Jamie TorreyThird Grade Homeroom teacher
My name is Jamie Torrey and this is my fiftheenth year teaching at GLIS. I teach the core subjects in 3rd grade. I have been married for six years to my husband, Andrew. We have a 4 year old son, Jackson, who keeps us very busy. I went to college at Saginaw Valley State University and finished my master’s degree at Mary Grove College. I have one brother named Justin and a sister named Ashley. My sister lives in Los Angeles, California and my brother lives in Bay City, Mi. In my free time I enjoy spending time with my son, traveling, and shopping.
Samaa Ali
Teacher Assistant
Third grade
Karen Elsadek
Fourth Grade
Homeroom Teacher
My name is Karen Elsadek and I've taught a variety of classes at GLIS, from Kindergarten to 8th grade, as well as serving as principal for 8 years. Before teaching at GLIS, I taught for nearly 20 years in Vermont in a one room school. I taught K - 8 all subjects. I received my bachelor's degree in education from the University of Vermont and my master's in educational administration from Michigan State University. I love teaching and working with children and especially enjoy teaching mathematics. In my free time, I enjoy reading and crocheting. Insha'Allah it will be a fun and rewarding year!
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