Faculty & Staff

Mr. Mootaz Koriem

Principal

Mr. Mootaz Koriem holds a Master of Arts in English awarded from Arizona State University, and a Bachelor of Arts in Education and English awarded from Alexandria University. Before working as a full-time school administrator, he taught in three countries: the USA, Egypt, and KSA as a licensed teacher and as a licensed ESL/EFL (English as a Second/Foreign Language) instructor. Mr. Mootaz is a Georgia and Arizona certified teacher and has also earned a diploma in Education and Leadership Management from Notting Hill College in the UK. Mr. Mootaz is a firm believer, supporter, and promoter of Islamic Education and has been teaching in and leading Islamic schools for the past 20 years. He was born in Iowa and is a proud father of 3 children.

Ms. Fatima Abdelhaq

3rd Grade Homeroom

Education:

 

Bio:

Ms. Fatima Abdelhaq has always been working towards raising educated and responsible Muslim generations, inshaAllah. She was born and raised in Palestine, completed her education in Palestine, and moved to the United States in September 1979. She has been working in the education field since 1994. She taught in Al-Urdonieh Secondary school, which adapted the American system curriculum, in Ramallah, Palestine from 1994-2002 as a 1st and 2nd grade science teacher. Additionally, Ms. Fatima taught 1st-8th Social Studies. In 2002 she joined the team of Noor Academy and taught 1st and 2nd grade. Currently she is teaching 3rd and 4th grade  (Language Arts, Math, and Science for third grade and Math for 4th grade). In the past, she has taught Computer, Islamic Studies, Arabic too for grades 1, 2, and 3. Currently she is the lead teacher and the AZELLA school coordinator. I was the Language Arts, Social Studies, Field Trips Committee Chair in addition to organizing the Science Fair event for two years. During those years of teaching, she attended workshops to enhance and strengthen my teaching strategies and skills. She has professional development in the following areas; Practical Strategies to help every student succeed with state standards in Reading Informational and non-fiction Skills. Training the unmotivated practical strategies for teaching the hard to reach students, practical strategies to Help every student to succeed with Common Core state standards and working successfully with difficult and disruptive Students. Boost Students Reading and Writing Skills with Exciting engaging literacy activities.Using Guided Math to help Students meet and Exceed State Math Standards. Writing Strategies that works, Practical Way to use six Traits and Mini Lessons in your Writing Instructions. Guided Reading Differentiated Using Small Groups Instructions.

Ms. Helena Chowdhury

Art Teacher & Admin Assistant

Education:

M.A Fine Arts, University of Dhaka, Bangladesh

Bio:
Ms. Helena Chowdhury is currently teaching Language Arts, Math. Science, Social Studies, and Islamic Studies at Noor Academy of Arizona. A strong advocate for skill development, she involves her students in reading and writing with subject based stories, poems, letter writing, learning with fun, and her current projects are learning with puppets, and letting students help each other, strengthening their communication skills. In addition, she serves as the first grade homeroom teacher for Noor Academy of Arizona. She believes that she has motherly care for her students, without motherly care no one can be an early elementary teacher.

Ms. Rokeya Omar Agha

Arabic Teacher K-5th Grades

Education:

B.S. Degree in Chemistry from The University of Mosul, Arabic as a Second Language Certification

Bio:

Rokeya Omar Agha is currently teaching KG – 8th grade Arabic at Noor Academy of Arizona in Tempe, Arizona. Mrs. Omar Agha has experience in teaching High School Chemistry in three different continents for a total of more than 30 years. She has also received numerous certificates from both online and on-site in the field of Arabic As a Second Language teaching programs through the Class Road curriculum from the University of California, San Bernardino. Due to her highly advanced abilities in instructing Arabic as a secondary language, Mrs. Omar Agha teaches Arabic to  K-8th grades students.  Mrs. Omar Agha makes up songs and catchy tunes for her students to be able to memorize certain words, letters. In addition, she is the Arabic Language Chairperson for Noor Academy of Arizona, a position that she has held from 2008 until present.

Ms. Zainab Aldarraji

P.E. & Arabic Teacher

Education: 
Bio:
Ms. Zainab Aldarraji is a law school graduate with a passion for education and community service. She has served in other Islamic schools as a substitute teacher in Pre-K and daycare. Mrs. Zainab joined NAA this year as PE & Arabic teacher. Her children attend Noor Academy of Arizona, where she continues to be an engaged and supportive parent. 

Ms. Jakia Chowdhury

2nd Grade Homeroom

Education:
B.A. Degree in English Literature, National University of Bangladesh
Certification in Early Childhood and Education, Mesa Community College
Bio:
Ms. Jakia has been teaching at Noor Academy of Arizona since 2014. She has been working in the field of Early Childhood Education since 2012. She attended many trainings related to early education and has received certificates from different organizations including Arizona Department of Education. Mrs. Jakia worked in both public and private schools. Besides English language, Ms. Jakia can speak in Bangla and Urdu. She loves travelling and spending time with friends and family.
Working with the young children, is Ms. Jakia’s passion. She enjoys her every moment with the amazing students of Noor Academy of Arizona. She feels blessed being a part of this school. She dreams to go for a long journey along with Noor Academy of Arizona and help the young flower buds bloom as better Muslims.

Ms. Zahra Wako

1st Grade Homeroom

Education: 

B.A degree in Public Health and Health Education 

 
Bio:

Ms. Zahra brings a wealth of experience and a genuine enthusiasm for education to her role at our school. Her strong academic foundation, with a Bachelor’s degree in Public Health and Health Education from a private university in Minnesota, coupled with her ESL certification, has equipped her with a unique skillset to support students from diverse backgrounds.

Ms. Zahra is passionate about fostering a positive and inclusive learning environment that goes beyond academics. She is particularly drawn to institutions, like ours, that promote Islamic values and cultivate morals and akhlaq (Islamic ethics) in young minds. She believes this holistic approach is essential for nurturing well-rounded individuals who can contribute positively to society.

Currently a kindergarten teacher at Noor Academy, Ms. Zahra thrives on creating a stimulating and nurturing environment where young children can flourish. Her dedication extends beyond the classroom. Ms. Zahra is fluent in English, Oromo, and Amharic, which allows her to connect with multilingual students and families on a deeper level. She is a strong advocate for cultural awareness and believes in integrating students’ heritage into their learning experiences.

Ms. Zahra’s commitment to student success is evident in her collaborative approach. She actively seeks collaboration with colleagues and specialists to develop and implement effective learning strategies for all students.

A family-oriented person, Ms. Zahra is married with two children. We are thrilled to have Ms. Zahra is part of our school community and looks forward to her continued contributions to fostering a love of learning and Islamic values in our students.

 

Ms. Hajira Ijaz

Math Teacher 4th-8th Grades

Education: 

M.A in Political Science – Bahauddin Zakariya University

B.A in Sociology and Education – Bahauddin Zakariya University

Bio:
Ms. Hajira has always been very emphatic about psychology and assisting individuals rise up and flourish by helping them build a strong foundation for their personal, and professional lives. She obtained her Masters in political science and Bachelors in Sociology and Education from Bahauddin Zakariya University in Multan, Pakistan. Afterwards she taught multiple classes (Social Studies, English, Urdu, Religious studies, Biology, Chemistry, Math) at the Science School in Multan. She also worked as a private tutor for 10 years. Ms. Hajira moved to the United States in March 2022 to join her husband here in the east valley and is planning to pursue a Ph.D. in Psychology at Arizona State University. Prior to joining Noor Academy, Ms. Hajira worked as a Lab Technician and assisted with food and water testing. Her interests include fashion, cooking, traveling, shopping, psychology, and spending time with family. 

 

Ms. Farhana Salam

Front Desk

Education: Bachelor of Arts & Master of Social Science
 
Bio:
 Farhana Salam is a dedicated educator with over two decades of experience in primary and elementary
education. She is highly skilled in curriculum design, differentiated instruction, and creating inclusive
learning environments that nurture diverse learners. Farhana effectively integrates technology into the
classroom to enhance student engagement and achievement. Having recently transitioned to the United
States, she continues to apply her passion for teaching and student development in new roles that
support learning, inclusion, and community engagement.

Ms. Riham Hassan

HR & Accounting

Education: 
Master of Business Administration (MBA)
Bio:
Ms. Riham Hassan joined Noor Academy of AZ as HR/Accounting Administrator. She has diverse administrative experience for more than 15 years in the US and overseas. She has a master degree in Business Administration. Ms. Riham enjoys volunteering with non profit organizations. She is a Girl Scouts troop leader and likes how this program empowers girls and exposes them to leadership skills at an early age. Ms. Riham is married and mom of 3 children. She enjoys spending time with her family and traveling together.

Ms. Ayesha Gheyasi

K-8 Quran Teacher

Education: 
College graduate – Hajar high school and College
Bio:
Ms. Ayesha Gheyasi is College graduate currently imparting her extensive knowledge as a Quran teacher for grades K-8 at Noor Academy of Arizona. Specializing in Quranic studies, Hadith, Fiqh, and Aqeedah, Ms. Gheyasi is dedicated to instilling a deep and comprehensive understanding of Islamic teachings in her students. Her teaching approach is both methodical and engaging, ensuring that each student grasps the spiritual, practical, and doctrinal aspects of their studies. Ms. Gheyasi’s innovative methods include interactive storytelling that brings Quranic narratives to life, creating dynamic learning materials to enhance comprehension, and fostering group discussions to encourage reflective and collaborative learning. Her current projects focus on making the study of religious texts engaging and accessible, as well as strengthening students’ ability to discuss and reflect on their beliefs. Beyond her role in the classroom, Ms. Gheyasi serves as a mentor, providing both academic guidance and personal support to her students. She believes that effective teaching goes beyond the curriculum, involving a nurturing and caring approach that supports the overall development of each child. Ms. Gheyasi is deeply committed to her role, viewing herself as both an educator and a guide in her students’ spiritual and intellectual journeys InshaALLAH.
 
 
 

Ms. Antonika Wilson

4-8 Science & Academic Coordinator

Education: 
Master of Elementary Education

 

Bio:
Ms. Antonika (Amirah) has a very diverse teaching background. She has taught both nationally and internationally in public and private schools. She loves working with the youth and engaging in activities that will allow them to excel academically and emotionally. She is passionate about building good character and being a positive role model in the classroom. She believes that no student should be left behind; learning should be inclusive and engaging. She believes that students should be given the opportunity to explore different learning styles. 
 
She worked at Noor Academy for 3 years from 2019-2022. During that time, she built a beautiful relationship with students and parents. After a two year hiatus, she has returned to teach science (her favorite subject) and art to grades 4 through 8. She has a passion for discovery and exploration, so she is beyond excited to begin this journey. 
 
Ms. Antonika is a Michigan native. She enjoys traveling, spending time with her family. She is a foodie, but most of all….she loves football (Go BLUE) and is an ASU Alumni (Forks up!).

 

Ms. Madeline

Middle School ELA, Social & Islamic Teacher

Education: 
 B.A in International Business

 

Bio:
Ms. Maddie is a new teacher who graduated from the University of Memphis in 2022 with a bachelor’s degree in International Business. She has a strong love for learning and bringing real-world experiences into the classroom. Before transitioning into education, she worked in transportation management and is excited to begin this new chapter as a teacher. Ms. Maddie enjoys traveling, trying new coffee shops, and spending time with her husband and her cat, Shukar. 

 

Ms. Riham Hamouda

Elementary ELA, Social & Islamic Teacher

Education: 
Master of Business Administration (MBA)
Bio:
Ms. Riham Hassan joined Noor Academy of AZ as HR/Accounting Administrator. She has diverse administrative experience for more than 15 years in the US and overseas. She has a master degree in Business Administration. Ms. Riham enjoys volunteering with non profit organizations. She is a Girl Scouts troop leader and likes how this program empowers girls and exposes them to leadership skills at an early age. Ms. Riham is married and mom of 3 children. She enjoys spending time with her family and traveling together.

Ms. Nida Tanveer

KG Homeroom

Education: 
B.A in Textile Management
 
Bio:
holds a degree in Textile management and brings with her a strong passion for teaching. With five years of experience as a middle school math teacher, she is no stranger to the field of education.   She also holds a Cambridge professional development qualification (PDQ) in teaching with digital technologies.  After teaching at one of the most well-known schools in Arizona, Mrs. Tanveer felt a strong desire to give back to the Islamic community by teaching at Noor Academy. 
 
 
 

Ms. Hatice (Ozi)

Pre-K Teacher

Education: 
B. A. Elementary Education  
Bio: