Meet Zebo Shaazizova, a California‑primarily based educator whose journey from ESL pupil to classroom trainer has deeply formed the way in which she approaches studying, tradition, and connection. Drawing from her personal experiences as an immigrant, a Muslim girl, and a mom, Zebo is enthusiastic about creating inclusive areas the place college students really feel protected, seen, and curious in regards to the world round them.
You can too comply with Zebo on Instagram.
Q: Are you able to share just a little about your journey from being an ESL pupil to turning into a trainer?
I got here to America in 2010 understanding no English in any respect—none. We arrived throughout summer time break, and when faculty began, I started ninth grade. After testing my English stage, the varsity positioned me in ESL lessons, and to today, I’m so grateful for that call.
I beloved my ESL lessons. Being surrounded by college students from all around the world, sharing our cultures, languages, and studying collectively was one thing really particular. It’s an expertise I nonetheless cherish.
As my English improved, I ultimately graduated from ESL. By my senior 12 months of highschool, I used to be taking common English lessons. Coming from understanding zero English to sitting in mainstream lessons was overwhelming, but it surely was additionally extremely rewarding.
I’ll always remember my first ESL trainer, Ms. O’Connor. She was robust, agency, and strict—however I beloved that about her. Together with Ms. Tappu, they formed my journey in methods I’m nonetheless grateful for right this moment. I’m even nonetheless in contact with them.
From being an ESL pupil to turning into a trainer myself, this journey will all the time have a particular place in my coronary heart.
Q: What does it imply to you to show whereas sporting hijab, and the way has that formed your expertise in your faculty neighborhood?
At first—I gained’t lie—I overthought quite a bit. I questioned what folks would consider me due to my hijab, how I might be handled, and whether or not I might be accepted.
Earlier than turning into a trainer, I labored as a trainer assistant at my kids’s faculty, and that have modified every thing. From the start, the employees and neighborhood have been extremely welcoming, sort, and supportive. I used to be handled similar to everybody else, whether or not I wore hijab or not.
That acceptance meant a lot to me. It made me really feel assured, proud, and comfy in who I’m. Now, as a trainer, I carry nothing however satisfaction. I see my hijab as my crown—it represents who I’m, my values, and my power.
The scholars are utterly comfy with it. They’ve realized about it, requested their questions, and now it’s only a regular a part of who their trainer is. Educating whereas sporting hijab has proven me that illustration issues, acceptance issues, and that you could be absolutely your self whereas doing the work you’re keen on.
Q: You’re recognized for educating college students about Ramadan every year. What does that seem like throughout grade ranges?
Annually, I go to lecture rooms as a visitor speaker and train college students about Ramadan and Eid in an age‑applicable means. I create easy mini shows, adopted by palms‑on actions like photos, songs, and discussions that match every grade stage.
I additionally put together Ramadan goodie baggage so the expertise feels joyful and memorable. The aim is all the time to make the lesson welcoming, enjoyable, and academic, whereas serving to college students perceive the that means behind Ramadan and Eid in an inclusive means.
Q: Why do you’re feeling it’s essential for all college students to find out about Ramadan?
Illustration and understanding matter. My kids commonly realized about and obtained goodie baggage for different holidays in school, and I felt it was simply as essential for them—and their classmates—to see their very own tradition acknowledged too.
Educating about Ramadan helps construct consciousness, respect, and appreciation for various cultures. It permits college students to grasp not simply the celebration however the that means behind it. By sharing our traditions, we create area for inclusion, empathy, and cultural understanding.
Q: Children typically ask about your hijab. What sorts of questions do you get?
Originally of the varsity 12 months, college students are often very curious. Their questions are harmless and real like “What’s that factor in your head?” or “Why do you all the time put on that?” Some ask, “Do you’ve gotten hair?” or “Are you bald?”
My Particular Ed college students often ask the funniest questions: “What’s that mysterious factor in your hair?” or “I can see your hair, yay!” if it’s peeking out. I additionally hear “Why don’t you ever present your hair?” or “Are you able to present me your hair?”
Q: How do you create a classroom surroundings the place children really feel protected asking questions?
I all the time think about the scholars’ ages and grade ranges earlier than answering. I hold my solutions child‑pleasant and concentrate on tradition and traditions fairly than going too deep into faith.
I take advantage of easy, actual‑life examples and attempt to make it enjoyable, typically turning it right into a story, a sport, or an exercise. When college students really feel comfy and revered, they really feel protected asking questions, and that’s how actual studying occurs.
Q: What message do you hope your college students take away from these conversations?
I hope they be taught that it’s OK to be curious and that variations ought to be revered, not feared. Everybody comes from a novel background, and people variations are one thing to be happy with.
Most of all, I hope they be taught kindness, empathy, and that asking questions—when finished with respect—is a good looking solution to be taught in regards to the world and the folks in it.
Q: What recommendation would you give to academics who really feel not sure about discussing tradition or faith?
It’s OK to really feel not sure as a result of meaning you care. You don’t must know every thing or have the proper phrases. Begin small, keep age‑applicable, and concentrate on tradition, traditions, and shared values like kindness and respect.
When academics mannequin openness and respect, college students be taught to do the identical.
Q: The rest you’d like folks to know?
Educating ought to be significant, joyful, and rooted in connection. We tackle many roles—listeners, counselors, protectors, supporters—and no matter position a baby wants, it’s essential to indicate up.
I would like my classroom to be an area the place college students really feel protected, blissful, and cared for. My tradition is one thing I’m deeply happy with, and I’m all the time open to sharing it.
Each pupil is exclusive. I consider my college students just like the Dealer Joe’s flower part—full of various sorts of flowers. Each is gorgeous, every one is completely different, and every one deserves the care they should develop.
For extra trainer tales like this, make sure to subscribe to our newsletters to seek out out once they’re posted!
Trending Merchandise
Juvale 12 Pack No Spill Paint Cups With Lids for Kids, Arts and Crafts Supplies for Classrooms (4 Colors, 3 x 3 In) – Paint Water Cup – No Mess Painting for Toddlers
Paper Mate Clearpoint Mechanical Pencils, 0.7mm HB #2 Pencils, Assorted Barrel Colors, 6 Count – For Teacher, Office, School Supplies, Drawing, Drafting
Ticonderoga® Pastel Pencils, #2 Soft, Assorted Colors, Pack of 10 Pencils
Zebra Pen Z-Grip Retractable Ballpoint Pen, Smooth-Flowing Black Ink, 1.0mm Medium Point, School Supplies, Teacher Supplies, and Office Supplies, 18-Pack (22218)
Bostitch Office Personal Electric Pencil Sharpener, Powerful Stall-Free Motor, High Capacity Shavings Tray, Blue
