I studied in a public school then a Catholic school, only to become a full time Islamic school teacher for two years. Just putting it out there - I have utmost respect for all my teachers, colleagues and students. I had a great time with them and I am what I am because of them. Not to say that they were perfect. No on is perfect, and it is futile to seek perfection in others when we have numerous deficiencies of our own.
This disclaimer aside, today I want to share (and hopefully let off some steam) about my experience as an Islamic School Teacher. What could you expect if you are applying? What should do you once you are in?
I personally feel that my faith as a Muslim flourishes when I am in a faith based community. More than anything, I wanted to be in an environment where everything transmitted faith, so my own faith could find new roots and grow. From the way the school phone is answered to dress rehearsal schedule for graduation, from how meals were sold during bake sale in the cafeteria to how students greeted each other: I wanted to see the teachings of Islam reflect in my surroundings. Granted this was NOT the case, Islamic schools are only as religious as you are. In other words, every single teacher on campus must pour in her passions and fields of expertise to excite Islamic practises in her students.
Most Islamic schools treat Islam as a body of knowledge to be studied, narrowing it into historical moments, teachings and figures. Being Muslim is far too dynamic to be revealed or understood in a course. It's about living justly, loving tenderly, walking humbly with Allah, every step of our lives.
Alhamdulillah ala kuli haal, I got the opportunity to sacrifice my prep, my lunch ... my washroom breaks to implicitly impact the cirruciulum, morning assemblies, counselling sessions, hallway conversations, dismal time period - so Islam may resonate more deeply with the students. Yes, Islamic school teachers have to go out on a limb, A LOT - if they want to show students the tangible joy, wisdom and blessings of Islam each day; the prayerful process to discern challenges and options, and the authentic awareness of the nearness and friendship of Allah.
For this, I had to relearn my own faith. The lessons I learned as a child about Islam were not robust enough to bring meaning to the students. As a teacher, I had to relearn who Allah is and encounter anew the treasures of our religion. Moreover, I had to be enthusiastic about Islam. Without any pretence on my part, my students had to see that I had a real religious calling and that it made me happy. I had to show them that Islam did not set me back but gave me all the material and emotional success I have.
I had to model the teachings of Islam, like forgiveness, charity, second chances, smiling, and patience, for students to see Islam works, not just in speeches and sermons but also in my professional and personal life. At the same time, I had to solicit feedback from the students. I had to make a conscious effort to make them feel comfortable. Only when I reserved all judgements and announced an open door policy, did the students feel safe to address me with their questions and concerns. Alhamdulilah this not only increased student voice but also student interest in Islam.
Honestly, this is the hardest, most rewarding thing I have ever done. There are days I cried. I wanted to quit. There are days I didn't want to come home. Nights when I couldn't sleep and nights I would dream about school. I had to fight it from taking over my life. If you already have children, imagine parenting 200 kids at a time. It is not easy but it is the best, the most craziest thing I ever did.
This disclaimer aside, today I want to share (and hopefully let off some steam) about my experience as an Islamic School Teacher. What could you expect if you are applying? What should do you once you are in?
I personally feel that my faith as a Muslim flourishes when I am in a faith based community. More than anything, I wanted to be in an environment where everything transmitted faith, so my own faith could find new roots and grow. From the way the school phone is answered to dress rehearsal schedule for graduation, from how meals were sold during bake sale in the cafeteria to how students greeted each other: I wanted to see the teachings of Islam reflect in my surroundings. Granted this was NOT the case, Islamic schools are only as religious as you are. In other words, every single teacher on campus must pour in her passions and fields of expertise to excite Islamic practises in her students.
Most Islamic schools treat Islam as a body of knowledge to be studied, narrowing it into historical moments, teachings and figures. Being Muslim is far too dynamic to be revealed or understood in a course. It's about living justly, loving tenderly, walking humbly with Allah, every step of our lives.
Alhamdulillah ala kuli haal, I got the opportunity to sacrifice my prep, my lunch ... my washroom breaks to implicitly impact the cirruciulum, morning assemblies, counselling sessions, hallway conversations, dismal time period - so Islam may resonate more deeply with the students. Yes, Islamic school teachers have to go out on a limb, A LOT - if they want to show students the tangible joy, wisdom and blessings of Islam each day; the prayerful process to discern challenges and options, and the authentic awareness of the nearness and friendship of Allah.
For this, I had to relearn my own faith. The lessons I learned as a child about Islam were not robust enough to bring meaning to the students. As a teacher, I had to relearn who Allah is and encounter anew the treasures of our religion. Moreover, I had to be enthusiastic about Islam. Without any pretence on my part, my students had to see that I had a real religious calling and that it made me happy. I had to show them that Islam did not set me back but gave me all the material and emotional success I have.
I had to model the teachings of Islam, like forgiveness, charity, second chances, smiling, and patience, for students to see Islam works, not just in speeches and sermons but also in my professional and personal life. At the same time, I had to solicit feedback from the students. I had to make a conscious effort to make them feel comfortable. Only when I reserved all judgements and announced an open door policy, did the students feel safe to address me with their questions and concerns. Alhamdulilah this not only increased student voice but also student interest in Islam.
Honestly, this is the hardest, most rewarding thing I have ever done. There are days I cried. I wanted to quit. There are days I didn't want to come home. Nights when I couldn't sleep and nights I would dream about school. I had to fight it from taking over my life. If you already have children, imagine parenting 200 kids at a time. It is not easy but it is the best, the most craziest thing I ever did.
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