Al Qalam Triangle Academy Team Members

Meet Our Team Members

Sr. Zainab Abdul-Qaabidh, MSEd, PhD(c)

Head of School

Sr. Maimuna Mahdi

MONTESSORI TEACHER

Sr. Maimuna received a BA in African Studies from the University of London, England. She was certified by the American Montessori Society in 1993 at the Primary (3-6) Level, and began her teaching career that year in Evanston, Illinois. She completed her training as an American Montessori Society Consultant in 2004. In 2010, she received her American Montessori Society Elementary Level I Credential. Maimuna taught in Montessori and Islamic Schools in the US and Saudi Arabia until 2019. She has worked in several Islamic schools in the US, including Al Fatih Academy in Virginia, Al Huda Academy in Durham, and briefly at Al Iman School in Raleigh. We are truly honored to have Sr. Maimuna on our team.

Sr. Meriem Bakour

MONTESSORI TEACHER

Sr. Meriem is excited to join Al Qalam Triangle Academy. With several years of experience in early childhood education, her focus is on fostering curiosity, independence, and creativity in young learners. The classroom is designed to be a nurturing space where children feel confident, loved, and eager to learn each day. 

Beyond teaching, Sr. Meriem’s interests include exploring new cultures, enjoying coffee, and working on creative projects. She looks forward to partner with families to support each child’s growth and development.

Sr. Zahira Zahid

ARABIC TEACHER

She hold a bachelor’s degree in Arabic Language and Literature from Cadi Ayyad University in Morocco. With over 15 years of experience teaching in elementary schools, she is passionate about creating a positive and inspiring learning environment for my students. 

Last year, she had the opportunity to work at AL-QALAM TRIANGLE ACADEMY, where I further enriched my teaching experience. 

Sr. Zohra Harizi

QURAN/ISLAMIC STUDIES

Sr Zohra was born and raised in Algeria (North Africa) where she received her education. She has been teaching since 1986. She has 20 years of experience as French language teacher in Middle School. She also has experience teaching Arabic, Quran, and Islamic Studies at various Sunday schools and at Al Huda Academy. She has Ijaza in Qaidah Nuraniyah.

Sr. Maimuna Mahdi

MONTESSORI TEACHER

Sr. Maimuna received a BA in African Studies from the University of London, England. She was certified by the American Montessori Society in 1993 at the Primary (3-6) Level, and began her teaching career that year in Evanston, Illinois. She completed her training as an American Montessori Society Consultant in 2004. In 2010, she received her American Montessori Society Elementary Level I Credential. Maimuna taught in Montessori and Islamic Schools in the US and Saudi Arabia until 2019. She has worked in several Islamic schools in the US, including Al Fatih Academy in Virginia, Al Huda Academy in Durham, and briefly at Al Iman School in Raleigh. We are truly honored to have Sr. Maimuna on our team.

Sr. Meriem Bakour

MONTESSORI TEACHER

Sr. Meriem is excited to join Al Qalam Triangle Academy. With several years of experience in early childhood education, her focus is on fostering curiosity, independence, and creativity in young learners. The classroom is designed to be a nurturing space where children feel confident, loved, and eager to learn each day. 

Beyond teaching, Sr. Meriem’s interests include exploring new cultures, enjoying coffee, and working on creative projects. She looks forward to partner with families to support each child’s growth and development.

Sr. Zahira Zahid

ARABIC TEACHER

She hold a bachelor’s degree in Arabic Language and Literature from Cadi Ayyad University in Morocco. With over 15 years of experience teaching in elementary schools, she is passionate about creating a positive and inspiring learning environment for my students. 

Last year, she had the opportunity to work at AL-QALAM TRIANGLE ACADEMY, where I further enriched my teaching experience. 

Sr. Zohra Harizi

QURAN/ISLAMIC STUDIES

Sr Zohra was born and raised in Algeria (North Africa) where she received her education. She has been teaching since 1986. She has 20 years of experience as French language teacher in Middle School. She also has experience teaching Arabic, Quran, and Islamic Studies at various Sunday schools and at Al Huda Academy. She has Ijaza in Qaidah Nuraniyah.

Sr. Ahlam Nahdi

KINDERGARTEN TEACHER

Sr. Ahlam is honored to join AQTA as the Lead Kindergarten teacher. She has over 10 years of experience teaching young children in Tanzania, where she also owns and manages her school. Working with little ones has always been a source of joy for her, as she believes that early education is the foundation for both academic success and good character.

Although she is new to teaching in the United States, she is eager to learn, adapt, and grow. Sr. Ahlam values patience, kindness, and respect in the classroom and strives to create a nurturing environment where children feel loved, confident, and motivated to learn.

She hopes to contribute her experiences, creativity, and passion for teaching to help our students develop both their academic skills and their Islamic manners (adab). I am also committed to working closely with colleagues and parents to support each child’s success.

Sr. Fatima Shaikh

FIRST GRADE TEACHER

Fatima Shaikh is an early childhood educator with five years of experience, including three years at Al Huda School as a floater and substitute, and two years as a First Grade Lead Teacher. She holds a diploma and associate degree in Early Childhood Education, along with certificates in Preschool Foundations, Infant and Toddler Care, School-Age Development, and Early Childhood Education. Fatima is currently pursuing her bachelor’s in Early Childhood Education with a concentration in Child Development and Family Relations.

Sr. Joni Johnston

THIRD GRADE TEACHER

Sr. Joni’s professional background is in child development and the health sciences. She has an Associate’s degree in Child Development and Natural Sciences, a B.S. degree in Early Childhood Studies, and is currently pursuing her Master’s degree in Special Education, with an emphasis on differentiated teaching strategies.   

 

Sr. Joni has been teaching elementary students for over 15 years and is still amazed by all the things she learns from them daily in the classroom setting!

Sr. Jesmin Begum

Instructional Assistants

Sr. Khedidja Taoui

Instructional Assistants

Sr. Ruqayyah Shaikh

Instructional Assistants

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