My name is Nicole Mitchell. This is my sixth year teaching at G.L.I.S.  In all, I have 13 years of teaching experience. I received my teaching degree from Michigan State University and began my teaching career with the Maryland Public School Systems. I have two children who attend the East Lansing Public Schools.  In my spare time, I enjoy taking nice, long walks and taking group fitness classes at the gym. My family and I love to take road trips, especially to New York City and North Carolina.

Mitchell@school.lansingislam.com      

Trained as a medical doctor, Raghda Khatib is very knowledgeable in Islam and Arabic, including a certificate of Tajweed of Qur'an. Prior to joining the Islamic School, Raghda has several years of experience of teaching. Raghda will teach Islamic studies for  5th, 6th, 7th and 8th classes and Arabic for higher level. She will also teach Quran for upper grade. 

Khatib@school.lansingislam.com

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! 

Elsadek@school.lansingislam.com

 My name is Rania Aborashed. I am honored and excited to be teaching Arabic  at GLIS. I have been lucky to be part of the school community since its establishment. I have taught Arabic and Quran for more than 7 years and was the librarian for 5 years. I earned a bachelor’s degree in Arabic Language and Culture and master’s in Arabic Language and Linguistics from California University of Pennsylvania. As a passionate Arabic teacher, I believe that students learn the language by using it. I like to bring innovation to the classroom to make language learning meaningful for my students. I have high expectations for all my students and look forward to an exciting and fun filled year!

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

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.

Ali@school.lansingislam.com

My name is Naseebah Ikram, and I grew up in Jackson, Michigan. I am excited to teach at the Greater Lansing Islamic School (GLIS)! After substitute teaching at GLIS and Michigan Islamic Academy in Ann Arbor, I found my love for teaching, and that's when I decided to attend the University of Michigan - Ann Arbor. I obtained my Master's in Education. During my time at the University of Michigan, I worked with fifth graders. I try to make learning an enjoyable experience for all my students through my teaching. I enjoy spending my free time with family and friends. I also love doing puzzles!  

Ikram@school.lansingislam.com

My name is Farah Siddiqi. I hold a Bachelor's degree in Natural Sciences from the University of Punjab and a Master's degree in Biological Science from University of Arid Agriculture Rawalpindi, Pakistan. With extensive lab experience in bacterial resistance and stem cell research, I have had my research paper published in the Journal of Biological Sciences. Over the past decade, I have taught Biology and Science at reputed schools in Islamabad, Pakistan. During the COVID-19 pandemic, I also had the opportunity to engage in online tutoring. My teaching experience has allowed me to develop a strength in building strong connections with my students. In my free time, I enjoy cooking different cuisines for my family and traveling around the world . Currently, I am focused on developing innovative teaching methods to make science accessible and enjoyable for all my students. 

siddiqi@school.lansingislam.com

My name is Daniyal Nawaz. This is my 5th year teaching art at GLIS. I have been married for 10 years to my Husband ,Awais. We have two beautiful boys Ayaan and Azlan I love spending time with my family and bake when I am free. I have a bachelors degree in psychology. Before moving to US, I used to teach in two different primary schools in England.  I have also worked as  An assessment associate at University of Cambridge. I love teaching because I like working with young children and help them achieve best in their lives.

siddiqi@school.lansingislam.com

My name is Dion-Anthony Culpepper G.L.I.S.’s Physical Education Teacher K-8 Grades. I am a life long Martial Artist, and Athletic Enthusiast. I am a huge proponent of Physical Activity & Team Sports and the advantages participation in such activities bring. Instruction focus’s on fitness and body mastery, sportsmanship, teamwork and participation. I aim to make the Greater Lansing Islamic School’s Physical Education Program the best in the State of Michigan (to start ). I believe there is an athlete inside everyone just waiting to find their niche. My Motto: “We Will Either Find a Way, or Make One”.  (Hannibal Barca )   

Sondos ElHachim

PE teacher grade 6-8 (Girls)