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Montessori is a unique, child-centered approach to learning based on the teachings of Dr. Maria Montessori. It emphasizes the complete development of a child – academically, emotionally, socially, and physically – through individualized instruction guided by the child’s own interests.
In a Montessori school, children learn by working independently with the many materials available in the classroom. Children progress according to their developmental stage and needs with support from teachers. Within the boundaries of order and respect, children have the freedom to explore their environment.
Montessori teachers are required to undergo a certification program in which they study Montessori philosophy and child development. Moreover, they receive thorough instruction and training about how to present each of the special materials used in a Montessori classroom to their students. At Unity Academy of Chicago, our head teachers are fully certified and qualified to lead the classroom.
The Montessori teacher facilitates classroom activity while allowing students to pursue their passions and develop their natural love for learning. The teacher carefully prepares the classroom and guides students from one activity to the next. After observing and assessing each child’s ability and unique interests, she presents developmentally appropriate lessons in the classical subject areas, namely, Practical Life, Sensorial, Mathematics, Language, and Cultural Studies.
Each classroom environment has a head teacher and an assistant. The head teacher is fully responsible for guiding the children and observing them. In addition, there is often a third teacher present to facilitate Quran/Arabic learning.
The Montessori classroom is arranged with the child in mind. It is neatly organized with sensory materials and tools specially designed to promote a hands-on approach to learning. All furniture is child-sized to promote their sense of independence and self-confidence.
A mixed age level classroom provides advantages to the students for many reasons. Younger students observe and learn from the older students while older students demonstrate empathy and leadership skills in assisting the younger students. As with siblings, working closely with others who are not of the same age promotes bonds of brotherhood while cultivating valuable social skills.
The Montessori method uses little or no electronic technology as part of the educational experience for the student. The early developmental period is a sensory time when the child can better gather information through concrete experiences. In the Elementary program, students have moderate access to technology for research purposes. Additionally, the Quran/Arabic teacher may utilize technology to assist students in correctly learning Arabic pronunciation and for memorizing Quran.
Montessori methods inculcate the qualities of independence, self-discipline, concentration, and a joy for learning in a child. Montessori children are known for their ability to adapt to different situations. Because they are encouraged to make decisions from the start, they become confident problem-solvers. Their experience with older and younger classmates equips them with good communication skills and the qualities of empathy and leadership.
Yes, we require our students to be fully trained by the start of the school year. In emergency situations, our teaching staff is available to provide assistance.
Upon arrival, children are welcomed by a teacher. After putting their bag and outdoor shoes away, they assemble for recitation of the Quran and supplications. They sit down for line time where the teacher engages them with stories, anecdotes, and reflections. Children then have a work period with the teacher guiding and presenting lessons to individuals or small groups. They concentrate on works from different areas of the classroom including Practical Life, Sensorial, Language, Math, and Cultural Studies. Children also receive individual or small group Quran and Arabic instruction during the work period. They are free to help themselves to a prepared healthy snack at any time in the morning. In the Primary class, after the morning work period, half-day students are dismissed, and the remaining students have a break for lunch and recess. Our full-day students continue with another work cycle in the afternoon while younger students take a nap. Similarly, in the Elementary class, there is an afternoon work period following a break for prayer, lunch, and recess. The day concludes with cleaning and rearranging the prepared environment.
In order to facilitate a smooth flow of learning for the child, our Montessori programs are offered for five consecutive days. A child taken in and out of school does not have the same advantage of pursuing their budding interests.
Students take turns bringing in healthy snacks to share with their class. Allergy or other dietary restrictions should be communicated at the time of registration. For the convenience of our parents and to provide healthy meals to our children, we have arranged an optional school lunch program.
Our students have daily lessons in Quran and Arabic. Our qualified teacher assesses each child at the start of the year and then works with each child individually and in small groups based on ability. In the Primary program, parents can expect their children to memorize several chapters of the Quran and gain letter recognition while making progress towards reading the Quran. They also learn basic Arabic vocabulary. In the Elementary Program, children work towards fluent reading, memorization of additional chapters, and building a foundation for comprehension.
In keeping with the Montessori philosophy, Unity Academy of Chicago nurtures the spiritual development of our students. Religious instruction is based on guidance from the Glorious Quran and the teachings of Prophet Muhammad (s) and his pure family (as). We strive to develop an Islamic mindset by integrating values and practices in each student’s works and routines. This approach enhances the traditional Montessori approach for a more wholesome education of the child.
Yes, Unity Academy of Chicago follows a rolling admissions schedule. This means that we are able to accept an age appropriate child into our classroom at any time during the year, provided there is still an available spot. Because the Montessori method is individualized, new students will be able to easily adapt to the classroom environment with minimal disruption to our current students. Tuition will be prorated for new students.
Our school is committed to adding a new grade each year through the final year of Upper Elementary, which corresponds to sixth grade. In pursuit of our mission, our school board is actively developing plans beyond sixth grade.
Unity Academy of Chicago welcomes all interested families to apply for admission regardless of their ability to pay the full tuition. Our school offers financial aid to assist families in making education affordable. Financial assistance may vary in amount and is based on the need or financial status of the family, the number of requests received, and the amount of financial aid funds that are available for a given school year. Financial aid may be applied for at any time before or after the admissions process. To ensure complete privacy, we use a third-party organization called BeneFAQ to help us accurately and fairly assess a family’s ability to pay.
Role: Administrator
Education: M.A. in International Broadcast Journalism
Certification: Montessori Basics Certificate, Midwest Montessori Teacher Training Center
Personal information
Ramalah Raza has a broad educational background ranging from Media Studies to Pharmacy. She has made three documentaries about human rights. Ramalah has also been an active member of the Commission on the Status of Women under the United Nations, where she delivered presentations about Iraqi and Pakistani women’s status.
Ramalah has three young children. She believes that children are powerful beings, especially when they have a prepared environment to enhance and explore their young minds. She enjoys working with children and loves to spend time with her family.
Role: Arabic and Quran Assistant Teacher
Education: B.A. in Arabic Literature, Lebanese University
Certification: Montessori Basics Certificate, Midwest Montessori Teacher Training Center
Personal information
Hasna has over ten years of experience teaching Arabic and Quran tajweed to primary school students. She believes each student is unique and should be given special attention to build their confidence and character. Hasna has been actively involved in the Baitulilm community as a Sunday School teacher where she helped develop the Arabic curriculum.
Hasna is a mother of four children. In her free time, she enjoys reading, nature photography, gardening, and home décor.
Role: Primary Lead Teacher
Education: M.A. in Psychology, Karachi University
Certification: Early Childhood Credential, Midwest Montessori Teacher Training Center
Personal information
Shaheen Qaisar taught 3–6 year-old children at Montessori Academy of North Hoffman (MANH) for 13 years. She helped children of different ages to hone their Math and English skills at Kumon after-school program. She has nine years of international teaching experience from Pakistan Airforce School, Islamabad.
Her greatest joy in teaching comes from helping students learn how to learn, thus creating lifelong learners.
Shaheen enjoys cooking and eating from a variety of cuisines, reading books, tending to her garden and traveling. She can speak several languages: English, Urdu, Farsi, and a little French. She has a daughter who is married and lives in Boston.
Education: B.S. (NED University Karachi), M.S. Mechanical Engineering (Wayne State University)
Personal information
Sajjad Zaidi has been an active member of the Baitul Ilm community since 2006 and has 16 years of experience in Engineering, Business, and Project Management. Br. Sajjad has also been serving as vice principal of Baitul Ilm Sunday School for the past several years.
He and his wife have three children, ages 13, 9 and 2. In his spare time, he enjoys playing cricket, table tennis and traveling with his family.
Speciality: B.S in Finance and J.D. International Comparative Law
Personal information
Sister Mariam Fadel has been an educator for the last 22 years in Saudi Arabia, Namibia, Lebanon, and the United States. Her experience ranges from elementary through middle school. Currently, she is a middle school science and math teacher at Elgin Academy. Mariam organizes many enriching programs for her students in order to broaden their minds in a safe environment. Her community-building initiative continues to be one of her many passions. Another one is cooking gourmet international dinners to share with her friends and family.
Mariam and her husband, Ihab Nasser, have two sons Ali (23) and Adel (19).
Education: B.S in Finance (Siena College), J.D. International Comparative Law (DePaul University College of Law)
Personal information
Heena Musabji has been a part of the Baitul Ilm community from the very beginning serving as a volunteer, Sunday school teacher, and board member. Heena has over 15 years of experience as an attorney working in the areas of international human rights, civil rights, immigration and public interest law. She is the co-founder and Director of Development of the Pro Bono Network, a legal aid non-profit that provides civil legal assistance to those in dire need.
Heena is currently on the board of the school District 181 Foundation, and previously served on the board at West Suburban Montessori School. Her children spent over 10 years in the Montessori school environment, and her family is a firm believer in its philosophy. She and her family enjoy cooking, traveling, and spending time outdoors together.
Role: Principal
Education: B.A. in History, Cornell University
M.A.T. Social Studies, University of South Carolina
Certification: Candidate for the Montessori Leadership and Administration Credential, Seton Montessori Institute
Personal information
Minhaj Arastu is a History teacher by training with 25 years of experience in classroom and leadership roles, in the US and in India. Most recently, Minhaj helped found Focus High School, a group of three schools in Hyderabad that aims to provide International Baccalaureate (IB) education that is accessible to children of all backgrounds.
He was active in the masjid community of Columbia, SC. He published a community directory and helped found a chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR).
Minhaj has two children. He enjoys carpentry, running, and reading.
Education: B.A. (Northwestern University), M.B.A (University of Michigan)
Personal information
Jawad Hussain has over 15 years of experience in financial services and analysis with a focus on credit analysis. He has been part of the Baitul Ilm community since its inception, taught at Baitulilm's weekend Islamic school since 2002 and is currently the Chairman of the Board of Directors at Baitul Ilm Academy.
He and his wife have four children and in his spare time enjoys tennis, reading and community building.
Speciality: M.A. in English Literature (Punjab University Pakistan)
Education:: Primary Montessori Teacher Certification (Midwest Montessori Teachers Training Center)
Elementary I & II Teacher Certification (Midwest Montessori Teachers Training Center)
Personal information
Sister Saba Haider has worked for 27 years at Montessori Academy of North Hoffman as an assistant teacher for 1 year, lead primary teacher for 5 years, elementary directress for 21 years, along with coordinating the elementary program for six years.
She has conducted parent seminars, served on the steering committee for the school's self-study, organized school events, and served on the American Montessori Society's accreditation team. The Montessori Philosophy has been instilled in her as a child attending Montessori early education and has been a part of who she is ever since. She has been a partner with parents in guiding their children's social, emotional, and educational needs and development.
She has three children and soon-to-be grandmother insha Allah. She enjoys reading, gardening, home decor, and traveling.
Education: B.B.A. and Masters in Accounting (University of Texas at Austin)
Personal information
Hasnain Jiwani has over 12 years of experience in M&A consulting and corporate finance. He has been part of the Chicagoland Muslim community for the last several years and has taught at various weekend Islamic schools.
He and his wife have two daughters and in his spare time enjoys cricket, hiking and reading.
Education: B.S. Chemical Engineering (University of Houston), M.B.A (Depaul University)
Personal information
Jaffer Syed has over 25 years of experience in engineering, business and operations management, and has worked in various industries. He has been part of the Baitul Ilm community since 2001 and has taught in its Sunday school in its formative years. He also owned and was lead instructor at a Kumon center.
Br Jaffer and his wife, who is a preschool teacher, have three daughters. He enjoys working on volunteer projects together with his family, playing a variety of sports and travelling.
Education: B.A. (Northwestern University), M.B.A (Harvard University)
Personal information
Abbas Kanji has over 20 years of experience in investment advisory and direct investments with a focus on real estate investments. He has been part of the Baitul Ilm community since its inception and has taught in various weekend Islamic schools across the United States for the past 20 years.
He and his wife have two children and in his spare time enjoys skiing, tennis and travelling.
Personal information
Hujjatul Islam Maulana Faezi is a senior theologian and patron of the Unity Academy of Chicago.
Maulana Faezi was the President of the Islamic Theological Seminary of North America at Medina, NY from 1988 to 1998 . Many of his students are now renowned scholars.
He moved to the Chicago area in 1998 with a dream to establish a model Islamic community.
He has organized a knowledge-based community by the name of Baitul Ilm, with the aim of building a seminary, school, and many other institutions to serve the multiple needs of our growing community.
Maulana Faezi is best known for his exemplary discipline, and dynamic and visionary leadership. Maulana Faezi enjoys serving his local community and mentoring young scholars around the world.
Role: Lower Elementary Assistant Teacher
Education: B.A. in Economics, University of Chicago
Certification: Montessori Basics Certificate, Midwest Montessori Teacher Training Center
Personal information
Saiyeda Hussain steps into the classroom as an Assistant Teacher in her second year at Unity Academy of Chicago. During the last 10 years, she has gained valuable teaching experience as a homeschooler and Sunday School teacher. She has helped to organize and assisted in many Baitulilm-sponsored events, such as Muharram workshops, Ramadan summer camps, Sunday School science fairs, and mother-daughter programs. At Unity Academy, she is grateful to be part of a compassionate, belief-centric environment that values a strong work ethic and promotes a joy for learning.
Saiyeda is the mother of 4 children. In her spare time, she enjoys reading, baking, and spending time with her family.
Role: Arabic and Quran Teacher
Education: B.S. in Chemistry for Secondary Education, University of Baghdad
Certification: Candidate for the Early Childhood Credential, Midwest Montessori Teacher Training Center
Personal information
Zainab has fourteen years of teaching experience and is a certified substitute teacher with the Illinois Board of Education. She was an active member of an Islamic homeschool group in the Chicago area in which she taught classes in various subjects and grades for over seven years. Zainab also taught Arabic and Islamic studies at a local Islamic school for two years. She is an active member of the Baitulilm community and has been a Sunday School teacher for the last 13 years.
Zainab Albaghdadi is a mother of three children. She enjoys gardening, nature walks, and reading.
Role: Primary Assistant Teacher
Education: B.S. in Biology (summa cum laude), University of Massachusetts
Certification: Montessori Paraprofessional Certificate, Seton Montessori Institute
Personal information
Fatema Kanji has over six years of experience as a Montessori assistant teacher working most recently at Rose Hall Montessori and the Montessori Academy of North Hoffman (MANH). She also spent two years as an assistant teacher at River Garden Montessori, an Islamic Montessori school. Prior to teaching in the Montessori environment, Fatema helped establish the Mom & Tot class at Baitulilm Academy. Fatema loves connecting with each child and especially loves watching children make discoveries and grow in their confidence and independence.
She is a mother of two teenage children. Fatema’s hobbies include traveling, reading and spending time with her family.
Role: Lower Elementary Lead Teacher
Education: M.A. in English Literature, Punjab University 1993
Certification: Early Childhood Credential, Midwest Montessori Teacher Training Center 1997
Elementary I & II Credential, Midwest Montessori Teacher Training Center E1 2002 combined certification Elementary I & II 2018
Personal information
Having attended a primary Montessori school from an early age, Saba Haider was steeped in Montessori philosophy. She worked for 27 years at Montessori Academy of North Hoffman (MANH) as an assistant teacher for one year, lead primary teacher for five years and an elementary teacher for 21 years, along with coordinating the elementary program for six years.
She has conducted parent seminars and workshops on various topics such as:
She served on the steering committee for the school's self-study and organized school events such as elocution night. She served on the American Montessori Society's accreditation team. Saba has been a partner with parents in guiding their children's social, emotional, and educational needs and development.
Despite years of experience, she believes that learning is an exercise necessary for one’s mind and professional growth regardless of age. For this reason, she strives to expand her Montessori knowledge by attending conferences, staying up to date on the latest research, accumulating continued education credit hours, and being a receptive team member.
Saba has three children and is a grandmother. She enjoys reading, gardening, home decor, and traveling.