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Fellow Biographies 2007-2008

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Algeria

Saliha Halitim, English Teacher
Lycee Merzougui Allaoua
Setif, Algeria
(Population of Setif: 230,000)
U.S. Host University:
Southeast Missouri State University
Saliha Halitim has been teaching English at the secondary school level since 1992. Her students are between 15 and 19 years of age. On average, there are forty or more students in her classes. Saliha also teaches English literature to university students. She recently received a Qualification in Language Teaching (QuiLT) certificate from the Vermont-based School for International Training, after one year of training in her hometown. Saliha obtained a bachelor’s degree from Ferhat Abbas University in 1992 and her hobbies include reading and watching American movies. She wants to participate in ILEP in order to contribute to the development of English-language teaching in her country.

Aicha Seghirate, English Teacher
Technicum Houari Mahfoud
Ouled Yaich, Algeria (Population of Ouled Yaich: 55,700)
U.S. Host University: Georgia Southern University
Aicha Seghirate has been teaching English at a coeducational secondary school for the past 17 years. Her students are between 15 and 17 years of age and on average, there are 35 students in her classes. Aicha is an active coordinator teacher, always trying to provide help and assistance to other teachers. She received a bachelor’s degree in translation and interpretation in Arabic, French and English from the University of Algiers in 1978. Aicha is married with four children and her hobbies include swimming and surfing the Internet. Her main objective for participating in ILEP is to enhance her proficiency in teaching and her knowledge of the English language to better respond to her students’ needs.

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Bangladesh

Syeda Nasrin Akhter, Principal and English Teacher
BAF Shaheen English Medium School
Dhaka, Bangladesh
(Population of Dhaka: 11,900,000)
U.S. Host University:
Georgia Southern University
Syeda Nasrin Akhter has been serving as both principal and English-language teacher at an Air Force-run English medium school for the past 16 years. Her primary job responsibilities include maintaining excellent standards of academic and co-curricular activities at her school as well as teaching secondary-level classes. On average, there are about 30 students between 14 and 16 years of age in her classes. Nasrin is also interested and involved in curriculum development and teacher training at her school. She holds a master’s degree in English literature from the University of Dhaka. She is happily married with a daughter and her pastimes include a wide range of activities such as reading, traveling and surfing the Internet. Nasrin’s objectives for participating in ILEP include enhancing her communicative teaching skills and accumulating new ideas and techniques for imparting knowledge to the young learners of Bangladesh.
 
Sharmin Akther, English Teacher
Abdur Rahman Government Girls School
Chittagong, Bangladesh (Population of Chittagong: 2,500,000)
U.S. Host University: Kent State University
Sharmin Akther began her teaching career in 1991 at a government high school for girls. Her students are between 14 and 16 years of age. She plays an active role in developing the cultural interests and knowledge of her students. Sharmin received bachelor’s and master’s degrees from the University of Chittagong. She also received a bachelor’s of English language teaching from Open University of Bangladesh. She is married with two grown-up sons and she enjoys traveling. Ms. Akther’s objective for participating in ILEP is to learn about teaching methodologies from different countries that can be implemented in her country.

Swapan Kumar Biswas, Math Teacher
St. Joseph Higher Secondary School
Dhaka, Bangladesh (Population of Dhaka: 11,900,000)
U.S. Host University: Southeast Missouri State University
Swapan Biswas has been teaching math at St. Joseph Higher Secondary School for eight years. His students’ are between the ages of 14 and 18. He has completed honor’s and master’s degrees in Mathematics, a master’s in English, and a bachelor’s in Education. He would eventually like to complete an M. Phil and Ph.D. He has been teaching for almost 15 years and has written an English language version of a math book for higher secondary students. He likes reading, singing, and playing games. He is married. Swapan’s primary objective for participating in ILEP is to develop his teaching skills and share them in an international atmosphere. He wishes to learn more about new teaching methods and classroom management.

Alak Chakraborty, English Teacher
BEPZA Public School and College
Chittagong, Bangladesh (Population of Chittagong: 2,500,000)
U.S. Host University: Georgia Southern University
Mr. Chakraborty has been teaching English literature and language for the past five years. His students are between 14 and 18 years of age and on average there are 50 students in his class. He was born in Cox’s Bazar, an area of Bangladesh famous for the world’s longest sea beach. Mr. Chakraborty received his honor’s degree in English from the University of Calcutta and his master’s degree from the University of Dhaka. He is married with a son. He likes to sing and has an interest in theatre. His primary interest in ILEP is to explore new methodologies that encourage students to be more assertive in the classroom.

Mehnaz Tazeen Choudhury, English Teacher
Sunnydale School
Dhaka, Bangladesh (Population of Dhaka: 11,900,000)
U.S. Host University: Kent State University
Mehnaz Choudhury has been teaching English language for over 15 years. She has been teaching at her present school since 1998. On average she has 25 students in her class. Her students are 15 to 16 years old. She completed her honor’s and master’s degrees in English from Dhaka University. She is also currently working on a master’s degree in English Language Teaching from Presidency University in Dhaka. She is single. She loves animals and has two cats and a monkey. She likes to listen to music and read books. Mehnaz wants to participate in the ILEP program so that she can improve her teaching skills and learn to better motivate her students.

Uttom Halder, English and Science Teacher
St. Joseph Higher Secondary School
Dhaka, Bangladesh (Population of Dhaka: 11,900,000)
U.S. Host University: Georgia Southern University
Uttom Halder has been teaching English and Science at St. Joseph Higher Secondary School for five years. He has an International Diploma and an Advanced Diploma in computer studies from NCC Education in the UK and as a result he also teaches computer at his high school. His students are 10 to 16 years old. Uttom is involved in the Language Club and Scout Movement. He likes traveling. Through ILEP he wishes to learn about international communication and cross-cultural activities, as well as modern techniques of teaching and classroom management.

Fahmida Sharmin, Economics Teacher
Sir John Wilson School
Dhaka, Bangladesh (Population of Dhaka: 11,900,000)
U.S. Host University: Kent State University
Fahmida Sharmin has been teaching at Sir John Wilson School for the past ten years. She teaches Economics to classes 9 and 10. She received her master’s degree in Economics from Dhaka University in 1988. Fahmida is married and has three children. She is also actively involved in the Impact Foundation, which works to reduce poverty in Bangladesh. After completing the ILEP program, Fahmida hopes to be better equipped with modern methodology and effective classroom management tools, in order to prepare lesson plans that are well-suited to multiple intelligences.

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Egypt

Ashraf Mahmoud Abdalla, English Teacher
El-Khosous Secondary School for Girls
El-Khosous, Egypt
(Population of El-Khosous: 1,500,000)
U.S. Host University:
Kent State University
Ashraf Abdalla has been teaching at a government school for girls for the past six years. His students are between the ages of 16 and 18 and he has an average class size of 45 students. He is also a teacher trainer at his school. Ashraf received a bachelor’s degree from Ain Shams University in English Language. His hobbies are reading and swimming. His main goal for participating in ILEP is to develop a curriculum that engages learners to inquire about the causes, the effects, and the potential solutions to current global issues.

Mousheira Awad Ebrahim AboGhalia, English Teacher
Hassan Abo Bakr Experimental Language School
Qu’yub, Egypt (Population of Qu’yub: 550,000)
U.S. Host University: Southeast Missouri State University
Mousheira AboGhalia has been teaching English for 12 years. Her students are between 13 and 15 years of age and there are 40 students in her classes. Mousheira received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Education from Banha University in 1996 and a professional diploma from the same university. She is married with a six year old boy.

Wael Abouzeid, English Teacher
Agriculture Secondary School for Boys
Alexandria, Egypt (Population of Alexandria: 3,500,000)
U.S. Host University: Kent State University
Wael Abouzeid has been teaching English at a public secondary school for about twelve years. He also teaches adults after finishing his work at the secondary school. He earned a bachelor’s degree in English from the Faculty of Al-Alsun in 1995. Wael is looking forward to his participation on the ILEP program in order to learn new methodologies.

Mohamad Bassyouni, English Teacher
Manhal El Marefa Secondary School
Alexandria, Egypt (Population of Alexandria: 3,500,000)
U.S. Host University: Kent State University
Mohamed Bassyuoni has been teaching English at a government school for the past 13 years. His students range from age 14 to 16 years old and his average class size is 45.  Mohamed received his bachelor’s degree from Alexandria University in English and Education. He is married with two young sons and his hobbies include football and reading. His primary objective for participating in ILEP is to explore new methodologies for engaging students in an active classroom setting.

Mohamed El Naggar, English Teacher
El Orman Experimental Language School
Giza (Cairo metro area), Egypt (Population of Cairo: 17,800,000)
U.S. Host University: Georgia Southern University
Mohamed El Naggar has been teaching English as a Foreign Language for about ten years at the secondary level. He has received his bachelor’s degree in Education at Lang Tanta University and has completed a teacher development course in TEFL at the University of Edinburgh, Moray House School of Education.  Mohamed teaches students between the ages of 12 and 18, with about 45 students in a class. He also presents educational programming on television. Mohamed is married with two young daughters.

Hesham Ghanem, Science Teacher
El-Amal Deaf and Hard of Hearing Preparatory/Secondary School of Damanhour
Damanhour, Egypt (Population of Damanhour: 760,300)
U.S. Host University: Southeast Missouri State University
Hesham Ghanem has been teaching science at a public secondary school for the deaf and hard of hearing for the past five years. His students are between the ages of 17 and 20 and on average there are 18 students in his classes. Mr. Ghanem received a bachelor’s degree in Science Teaching from Alexandria University in 1992 and a master’s degree in Curriculum and Methods of Teaching Science in 2004. Hesham enjoys surfing the internet and reading.

Ismail Ramadan, English Teacher
Dr. Hassan Abass Experimental Language School
Alexandria, Egypt (Population of Alexandria: 3,500,000)
U.S. Host University: Georgia Southern University
Ismail Ramadan has been teaching English at a government school since 1984. His students are between the ages of 15 and 17 and on average there are 40 students in his class. Ismail also teaches English to adults after his work at the government school. He is married with four kids and his hobbies include walking, fixing things, and inventing. One of his objectives for ILEP is to find new techniques and methods to make his students enthusiastic and motivated to love learning the English language.

Iman Ibrahim, Biology Teacher
Elnaggar Experimental Secondary School
Alexandria, Egypt (Population of Alexandria: 3,500,000)
U.S. Host University: Southeast Missouri State University
Iman Zakaria has been teaching Biology at Elnaggar Experimental Secondary School for girls for the past 14 years. Her students are between 14 and 16 years old, and on average there are 30 students in her class. Iman is a very active member of her school board where she has played a role in putting on the annual school play. She is also a member of the Omanaa Board, a committee that creates many of the school rules and regulations. Iman received a bachelor’s degree in Science & Education from Alexandria University in 1981 and diploma certificates in Education and Education Quality in 1983 and 2006. Iman is married with one young son and her hobbies include reading and travelling. Her primary objective for participating in ILEP is to improve teaching methods in her school.

Ahmed Abdelhakim Abdel Hady, English Teacher
Damanhour Industrial Secondary School
Behera, Egypt (Population of Behera: 4,000,000)
U.S. Host University: Kent State University
For the past five years, Ahmed Abdelhakim Abdel Hady has been teaching English at a public secondary school for boys. The age of his students ranges from 14 to 16 years old, and on average there are 35 students in his class. Ahmed is an active member of his school and community and has started up an educational volunteer center for promoting students’ literacy. Ahmed received a bachelor’s degree in English from Alexandria University in 1999 and a certificate in teaching for students with special needs from the same university. Ahmed is single and has four sisters. His hobbies include exercising and surfing the internet. His primary objective for participating in ILEP is to learn how to cope with the latest modern technologies and methodologies that lead to effective, good, and enjoyable learning—“not just to learning that depends on keeping information in short-term memory for the exam sheet.”

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India

Reena Alfred, Biology Teacher
Alpha Matriculation Higher Secondary School
Chennai, India (Population of Chennai: 4,200,000)
U.S. Host University: Southeast Missouri State University
Reena Alfred is the head of the Biology Department and has been a teacher for the past 18 years. Ms. Alfred received a master’s degree in Zoology from the University of Madras and a bachelor’s degree in Education from Annamalai University. She teaches students between the ages of 15 and 17 and her class size is 50 students on average. Reena is married with two children and her hobbies include listening to music, reading books and cooking. Her main objective for participating in ILEP is to learn new teaching methodologies and strategies which would help in active learning.

Ajayakumar Aroli Veetil, Math Teacher
Panchayath Higher Secondary School
Kannur, India (Population of Kannur: 2,250,700)
U.S. Host University: Southeast Missouri State University
Ajayakumar Aroli Veetil has been teaching Mathematics and Theatre activities at Panchayat Higher Secondary School for 24 years. His students range in age from 12 to 15 years old and he has an average of 45 students in each class. Ajayakumar received a bachelor’s degree in Mathematics at S.N. College Kannur, a master’s degree in Education from Madras University, and a second master’s degree in Sociology from Madurai Kamaraj University. He is married with two children, aged 15 and 17, and his wife is a primary school teacher. His main hobbies include theatre and music. His objectives for participating in ILEP include acquiring knowledge in modern methodologies about fitting technology into the classroom.

Shaji Choorapuzhayil, Economics Teacher
Lourdes Matha Higher Secondary School
Kottayam, India (Population of Kottayam: 1,950,600)
U.S. Host University: Kent State University
Shaji Choorapuzhayil has been teaching Economics at a government-aided secondary school for six years. He has an average class size of 50 students ranging from ages 15 to 17. He is also the secretary of the Parent Teacher Committee at his school and is an active member of many school clubs like the Language Club and Entrepreneurship Development Club. He received a bachelor’s degree in Economics from North Eastern Hill University in 1995. Shaji is single and enjoys the theatre and reading in his spare time. His goal while participating on ILEP is to modernize his methodologies.

Harikrishna Dambe, Biology Teacher/Academic Coordinator
Little Rock Indian School
Brahmavar, India (Population of Brahmavar: 50,000)
U.S. Host University: Southeast Missouri State University
Harikrishna Dambe has been teaching Biology and Zoology at Little Rock Indian School for 14 years. His students are between 16 and 18 years old and his average class size is 30 students. He is also the coordinator of the School Teacher Enrichment Project which organizes seminars and other professional development activities for teachers. He has a bachelor’s degree in Education and a master’s degree in Science. Harikrishna is married and has one son. His primary objective for participating in ILEP is to enhance his leadership qualities. 

Boby Jose, Physics Teacher
Sacred Heart Convent Girls Higher Secondary School
Thrissur, India (Population of Thrissur: 2,950,400)
U.S. Host University: Southeast Missouri State University
Boby Jose has been teaching Physics at the secondary level for seven years. Her students are between the ages of 15 and 17 years old and her average class size is 50 students. She is active in her school as part of the examination committee, student welfare board, and she offers counseling services to students. Boby received her master’s degree in Physics from Bangalore University in 1997. She is married and has one son and her hobbies include reading, listening to music, and yoga. Her primary objective for participating in ILEP is to learn more about continuous evaluation and grading systems.

Anitha Kamaladevi, Chemistry Teacher
Trivandrum International School
Trivandrum, India (Population of Trivandrum: 745,000)
U.S. Host University: Southeast Missouri State University
Anitha Kamaladevi has been teaching Chemistry at Trivandrum International School for the past 12 years. Her students are between 14 and 18 years old and her average class size is 25 students. She has also conducted science fairs and other activities at her school. Anitha is married and has two children.

Tom Kalappurayil Mathew, Biology Teacher
St. Xavier’s Vocational Higher Secondary School
Kottayam, India (Population of Kottayam: 1,950,600)
U.S. Host University: Southeast Missouri State University
Tom Kalappurayil Mathew has been teaching Biology at a government-aided secondary school for the past six years. He teaches students between the ages of 16 and 18 and his classes have on average 27 students. He has been heavily involved in creating a positive relationship between the school and community through various organizations like the National Service Scheme. Tom received his bachelor’s degree in Education from Kannur University and his master’s degree in Zoology from Mahatma Ghandi University, Kottayam. He is married with two children and his hobbies include traveling, reading, cooking and playing games. Mr. Kalappurayil is participating in ILEP in order to improve his performance as a teacher and to bring new ideas back to his school.

Rakesh Ramachandran, English Teacher
SRKGVM Higher Secondary School
Thrissur, India (Population of Thrissur: 2,950,400)
U.S. Host University: Georgia Southern University
Rakesh Ramachandran has been teaching English Language and Literature at Sri Rama Gurukula Vidyamandir Higher Secondary School for 9 years. His students range from age 14 to 17 years old and he has about 50 students per class. He received both his bachelor’s and master’s degrees at Calicut University. Mr. Ramachandran is married and has one daughter. He also has a passion for innovation and empowerment and his main objective for participating on ILEP is to empower his students using new methodologies learned in the U.S.

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Ernofalina, English Teacher
SMAN 8 Secondary School
Pekanbaru, Indonesia (Population of Pekanbaru: 754,500)
U.S. Host University: Georgia Southern University
Ernofalina has been teaching English as a Foreign Language at a state secondary school for the past nine years. Her students’ ages range from 14 to 16 years old, and there are around 35 students in her class. Besides teaching, Ernofalina also plays the role of student advisor. Ernofalina received a degree in English Language Teaching from Teachers College in Padang in 1994 and master’s degree in the same subject from Indonesia University of Education in Bandung in 2006. Ernofalina is single and her hobbies are cooking and internet browsing. Her primary objective for participating in ILEP is to explore fruitful ideas on techniques and methodologies in English Language Teaching.

Tri Wahyuni Floriasti, English Teacher
SMKN 6 Mataram (Vocational High School)
Mataram-NTB Indonesia (Population of Mataram: 300,800)
U.S. Host University: Georgia Southern University
Tri Wahyuni Floriasti has been teaching English for nine years. The age of her students ranges from 15 to 16 years old, on average there are 35 students in her class. She is also a senior member in the MEDIA, a student newspaper alumni organization. She monitors activities of MEDIA and participates in meetings. She also participates in the local Muslim women’s organization. Ms. Floriasti received a bachelor’s degree from Mataram University in 2003. She is married with one son. Her hobbies include reading, swimming, and dancing. Her primary objective for participating in ILEP is to explore new methodologies for engaging students.

Nuraini Ibrahim, English Teacher
Secondary School (SMA Negeri 1 Darul Imarah)
Banda Aceh, Indonesia (Population of Banda Aceh: 400,000)
U.S. Host University: Kent State University
Nuraini Ibrahim has been employed in the civil government as an English teacher at SMU Neg 1 Darul Imarah since 1998. Her students are between 15 and 17 years old and on average there are 40 students in each class. She is one of the school’s development staff, collaborating with students’ parents to improve students’ abilities as well as participating in tutoring teachers in Aceh Besar. Nuraini received her magisterial degree in English from State University Malang, East Java in 2005. She is married with two young daughters; her hobby is reading. Her primary objective in participating in ILEP is to enrich her knowledge of teaching methodologies and strategies as well as curriculum writing to apply in the classroom.

Nurhalis M. Lauselang, English Teacher
SMP Negeri 1 Parigi
Parigi, Indonesia (Population of Parigi: 42,000)
U.S. Host University: Kent State University
For the past seven years, Nurhalis Lauselang has been teaching English at state secondary schools for students aged 13 to 15 years old. On average, there are 43 students in each class. Nurhalis is also an active headmaster assistant in school development programs, a manager in the school’s radio station, and a volunteer in an NGO for empowering women victims of violence. Nurhalis received his S1 degree in English teaching from Tadulako University in 1997 and worked for the provincial office of education from 1998 - 2003. Nurhalis plays many popular sports and his hobbies include camping and watching movies. Nurhalis is married with two daughters, ages 5 and 3, and his wife teaches English at the same school. His primary objective for participating in ILEP is to explore new instructional technologies (including media) for classroom activities and for independent learning activities.

Mukhamad Nurochman, English Teacher
Al Azhar Islamic Senior High School 1
Jakarta, Indonesia (Population of Jakarta: 12,000,000)
U.S. Host University: Georgia Southern University
Mukhamad Nurochman has been teaching English as a foreign language at Al Azhar Islamic Senior High School for more than ten years. His students are 15 to 17 years old with around 32 students in each class. He is active in a forum for teachers from schools in South Jakarta and was chosen to be in charge of a teacher training development program. Mukhamad graduated from IKIP (Institute of Teaching Training and Teaching Sciences) in Yogyakarta, Indonesia, in 1997. He likes jogging, swimming, playing chess, and watching football. He is married and has a four-year-old daughter and a one-year-old son. His objective for participating in ILEP is to improve his teaching methods with some innovative teaching materials and to build and maintain a relationship between schools or universities in the U.S. and Indonesia.

Linda Pindaswara, English Teacher
Sekolah Menengah Pertama Negeri 3 Soreang
Bandung, Indonesia (Population of Bandung: 2,500,900)
U.S. Host University: Georgia Southern University
Linda Pindaswara has been teaching English at two public schools for the last seven years. Her students are between the ages of 14 and 18 and she has about 45 students in her classes. Ms. Pindaswara received her bachelor’s degree in English from Bandung Institute of Teaching Training Education in 1998. She is married with one son and her hobbies include singing and listening to music.

Alce Aneke Seke, English Teacher
SMA Negeri 2 Manado
Manado, Indonesia (Population of Manado: 417,000)
U.S. Host University: Georgia Southern University
Alce Aneke Seke has been teaching English and Tourism for the past 11 years in two different kinds of schools, both a vocational and general school. Her students range in age from 15 to 18 years old, and on average there are 40 students in class. She is active in provincial schools as a local adjudicator in English debating. Alce also teaches at two tourism colleges in her city. She received her bachelor’s degree in English Education from Manado State University in 2003 after completing her diploma at the Hotel and Tourism Institute in Bandung. She is single and likes reading, particularly the newspaper. Alce’s primary objective for participating in ILEP is to learn how to design school curriculum, learn more about education management, and help develop educational quality as well as human resources in her home country.

Suharyadi, English Teacher
SMA Negeri 3/Secondary School 3 Malang
Malang, Indonesia (Population of Malang: 2,400,000)
U.S. Host University: Kent State University
Suharyadi has been teaching English at a public secondary school for boys and girls for more than five years. The age of his students ranges from 15 to 17 years old, and on average there are 37 students in his class. Suharyadi is an active member of the iEARN (International Education and Resource Network) organization in Indonesia, a non-profit organization that helps teachers and young people use the internet and other new technology for collaborative projects. He received a bachelor’s degree in English language education and a teaching certificate from State University of Malang. Suharyadi is married with one young son. His hobbies include reading, writing, and playing badminton. His primary objective for participating in ILEP is to explore new methodologies for engaging students in a more participatory and active classroom setting.

Isna Shobirin, English Teacher
Taruna Nusantara Secondary School
Magelang, Indonesia (Population of Magelang: 1,200,000)
U.S. Host University: Kent State University
Isna Shobirin has been teaching at his secondary school for four years. The age of his students ranges from 14 to 17 years old with an average of 35 students in each class. Isna is in charge of academic affairs in the Magelang English Teachers’ Organization. He is also busy raising funds for his school’s teacher corps. Isna received his undergraduate degree from Diponegoro University in Semarang Central Java in 2000. He is married and has a 3-and-a-half year old child. His hobbies are reading, travelling, surfing the internet, watching movies, and jogging. His main objective for participating in ILEP is to improve his knowledge on teaching methodologies, curriculum development, and the use of the internet in varied classroom settings.

Siti Zulaikhah, English Teacher
SMAN 1 Majene
Majene, Indonesia (Population of Majene: 3,700)
U.S. Host University: Southeastern Missouri State University
Siti Zulaikhah had been teaching English at a state junior high school for six years before transferring to a state senior high school in 2005. The age of her students ranges from 15 to 16 years old, and on average there are 36 students in her class. Zulaikhah is an active member of the teacher working group in her regency. She received a bachelor’s degree in English from Makassar State University in 1996 and a certificate in teaching methods from the same university. Zulaikhah is single. Her hobbies are reading and cooking and her primary objective for participating in ILEP is to learn new methodologies for engaging students in a more active classroom.

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Jordan

Dema Al Mahadeen, English Teacher
Bateer Secondary School
Karak, Jordan (Population of Karak: 200,000)
U.S. Host University: Georgia Southern University
Dema Al Mahadeen has been teaching English language at a local school for girls for the past five years. The age of her students ranges from 13 to 17 years old, and on average there are 25 students in her class. Deema received a bachelor’s degree in English language and literature from Mu’ta University in 1996. Dema is a divorced woman with one daughter. Her primary objective for participating in ILEP is to explore new methodologies and to enhance her knowledge and language.

Khaled Al Qattawi, English Teacher
Zarqa Preparatory Boys School No. 2
Zarqa, Jordan (Population of Zarqa: 800,000)
U.S. Host University: Georgia State University
Khaled Qattawi has been teaching English in UNRWA (United Nations Relief and Works Agency) schools for seven years. The age of his students range from 13 to 16 years old, and on average there are 35 students in his class. Khaled is also the school counselor. Khaled received a bachelor’s degree in English language and literature from Zarqa Private University in 2000 and a certificate in Education Psychology from E.D.C UNRWA in 2003. Khaled is married and his hobbies include football (soccer) and reading. His primary objective for participating in ILEP is to acquire new teaching methodologies in order to “show future generations that knowledge and education are solutions for many of their problems.”

Ra’ad Muneer Tawfeeq Haddad, Physics Teacher
The Pioneer Center for Bright Students
Irbid, Jordan (Population of Irbid: 800,000)
U.S. Host University: Southeast Missouri State University
Ra’ad Haddad has been teaching Physics at the Pioneer Center for Bright Students for the past 11 years. He has an average of 21 students in his classes from 14 to 17 years old. Ra’ad received his bachelor’s degree in Physics from Yarmouk University in 1992. His primary objective for participating in ILEP is to explore new methodologies for engaging his students.

Mamoun Al Zoubi, English Teacher
Albuweideh Secondary School
Ramtha, Jordan (Population of Ramtha: 135,000)
U.S. Host University: Kent State University
Mamoun Al Zoubi has been teaching English for eight years. His students are between 16 and 18 years old. Mamoun has been involved in many volunteer activities such as maintaining public sites and teaching the elderly. These service experiences have enhanced his commitment to the community and to his job as a teacher. Mamoun received a bachelor’s degree in English language from Yarmouk University in 1999 and a master’s degree in English literature from the same university in 2003. He enjoys running and bodybuilding. He believes that ILEP will give him further knowledge about his field.

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Lebanon

Joyce Mitri, English Teacher
Andre Nahas Public Secondary School for Girls
El Mina (Tripoli area), Lebanon (Population of El Mina-Tripoli: 500,000)
U.S. Host University: Kent State University
Joyce Mitri has been teaching at a public secondary school for the past nine years. The age of her students ranges from 14 to 19 and on average she has 35 students in her class. Joyce is also an engaged citizen in her community through volunteer work with the International Lions Organization and other local organizations. She enjoys drawing, especially faces and nature. She likes to read and enjoys traveling as a way to understand other cultures. She is single yet has a caring family. Her main reason for participating in ILEP is to improve her abilities as a teacher.

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Mary Chan, English Teacher
Puterijaya Secondary School
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia (Population of Kuala Lumpur: 6,900,000)
U.S. Host University: Kent State University
Mary Chan has been in the teaching profession for 22 years. She currently teaches English in an all-girls government school. Her students are between 14 to 18 years old. Mary has been the chief examiner for the Malaysian university English test exam for the past six years. She is also actively involved in coaching her students in parliamentary style debates, elocution contests, dramas, and public speaking, and has adjudicated these competitions for many years. Mary is currently pursuing her Ph.D. in Education. She holds a master’s degree in education, a bachelor’s degree in education, and a diploma in education—all from the University of Malaya. Armed with the knowledge and exposure to ILEP, she hopes to “arrest the drastic deterioration of English proficiency amongst secondary school students.”

Harbans Kaur Sarjit Singh, English Teacher
SMK Cheras Jaya
Balakong, Malaysia (Population of Balakong: 78,200)
U.S. Host University: Southeast Missouri State University
Harbans Singh has been teaching English language and Mathematics in the present government secondary school since it opened in July 2000. The age of her students ranges from 15 to 17 years old and there are about 35 students in her class. She received a bachelor’s degree in English in 1998 and her master’s in 2001. Ms. Singh’s objective for participating in ILEP is to learn new methods to make her lessons interesting so that her students will be more active.

Paraminder Singh, Science and Moral Studies Teacher
SMK Cheras Perdana
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia (Population of Kuala Lumpur: 6, 900,000)
U.S. Host University: Southeast Missouri State University
Paraminder Singh is currently teaching Science and Moral Studies in a secondary school, and has been for 13 years. The students are 16 to 18 years old and there are about 40 students in his class. He was awarded a teaching certificate from the government teaching college in 1982 and an advanced teaching certificate in TESL in 1989. He received a bachelor’s degree with honors in Biology in 1995 and a master’s degree in Moral Studies in 1999. He has written numerous workbooks in science and moral studies, including a science textbook that is currently in use. His primary aim is to discover new techniques and methodologies in multimedia materials.

Yuen San Tham, English Teacher
SMK Dolok Lokman
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia (Population of Kuala Lumpur: 6,900,000)
U.S. Host University: Georgia Southern University
Yuen San Tham has been teaching English language and literature at a government secondary school for the past nine years. Her students range from 16 to 19 years old and she has an average of 40 students in her class. She is “an excellent discipline mistress” and is actively involved with school activities. Sarah is married with a daughter and a son. Her hobbies are reading. During the ILEP program, Sarah hopes to learn how to improve the learning of weaker students.

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Morocco

Noureddine Boutahar, English Teacher
Lycee Abdellah Guennoun
Khemisset, Morocco (Population of Khemisset: 145,000)
U.S. Host University: Kent State University
Noureddine Boutahar has been teaching English language at public schools for girls and boys for the past 21 years. The age of his students in 15 to 19 and on average there are 30 students in his class. He is currently teaching in class as well as designing remedial lessons for broadcast on the Moroccan Arrabia TV channel. He received his teaching diploma in 1986 from the Teacher Training School in Soussi, Rabat, Morocco. He is married with two daughters and his hobbies include soccer, swimming, reading, and surfing the web. His primary objective for participating in ILEP is to learn ways to help his students develop new and effective learning styles to become good world citizens.

Mohamed Feddal, English Teacher
Hassan II High School
Tetouan, Morocco (Population of Tetouan: 350,000)
U.S. Host University: Georgia Southern University
Mohamed Feddal has been teaching English to 10th, 11th, and 12th graders at Hassan II public high school and at the American Language Center of Tetouan for the past 20 years. He is an active member at both schools in coaching chess tournaments and presenting and discussing American movies with his students. He received a bachelor’s degree in English from Rabat Mohamed V University in 1982 and a certificate in teaching methods from Tetouan Academy. Mohamed is single and his hobbies include fishing and playing soccer. His primary objectives for participating in ILEP are to explore new ESL/EFL methodologies and to improve his skills in curriculum writing and using computers in the teaching and learning process.

Abdelkrim Hilali, English Teacher
Sed Ben Elouidane School
Afourer-Azilal, Morocco (Population of Afourer-Azilal: 9,600)
U.S. Host University: Southeast Missouri State University
Abdelkrim Hilali has been teaching English at a high school since he graduated from the University of Meknes. His students range in age from 16 to 20 years and on average there are about 37 students in his class. He participates actively in his school’s sports and cultural clubs; he is married and a father to one son. He likes cinema and sports. During the ILEP program, Mr. Hilali intends to develop his expertise and awareness in the field of teaching, and to acquire more leadership skills.

Saida Ouechkifi, English Teacher
Imam Chadili High School
Chefchaouen, Morocco (Population of Chefchaouen: 35,000)
U.S. Host University: Georgia Southern University
Saida Ouechkifi teaches English to students 14 to 16 years old. She is involved in a counseling center in her school that deals with different students’ problems. She also works with associations to promote the role of women in society. She is single and her hobbies include reading, travelling, and theatre. Her primary objective for participating in ILEP is to learn more about teaching in order to bring something new to her colleagues and students.

Ghizlane Razak, English Teacher
Agricultural Secondary School
Casablanca, Morocco (Population of Casablanca: 3,800,000)
U.S. Host University: Kent State University
Ghizlane Razak has been teaching English at the Agricultural school for five years. The age of her students ranges from 16 to 18 years old, and on average there are 30 students in her class. She is also in charge of female boarders on the school’s campus. This enables her to encourage female students from rural areas to continue their studies. This year she supervised 41 female students. Ghizlane received a bachelor’s degree in English from Hassan II University in 2002 and a certificate in teaching methods from the superior teacher training institute in Rabat. Her hobbies include traveling, reading, and dancing. Her objectives for ILEP are to enrich her skills, and to establish and maintain positive relationships.

Abdesalam Zouita, English Teacher
Mohamed 5 High School
Laayoune, Morocco (Population of Laayoune: 188, 000)
U.S. Host University: Kent State University
Abdesalam Zouita has been teaching English literature and language at a public secondary school for boys for the past 15 years. The age of his students ranges from 16 to 21 years old, and on average there are 45 students in his class. Abdesalam is an active member of the Moroccan Association of Teachers of English through which he has played a role in promoting teaching English in the area. Abdesalam received a bachelor’s degree in 1998. He is married with three children: two girls and one boy. His hobbies include jogging, reading, sports, and technology. His primary objective for participating in ILEP is to explore new methodologies for engaging students in a more participatory and active classroom setting. He is concerned with sharing methodologies of teaching English with colleagues from different countries. He is interested in exploring ways to incorporate conflict resolution and diplomatic communication skills in English curriculum and he is eager to develop alternative assessment tools based on ICT.

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Tunisia

Malika Hammami, English Teacher
Hedi Belhassine Basic School
Jendouba, Tunisia (Population of Jendouba: 400,000)
U.S. Host University: Georgia Southern University
Malika Hammami has been teaching general and ESP English for the past eight years. The age of her students at the basic level ranges from 13 to 16 years. On average there are 35 students in her class. Malika has received a bachelor’s degree in English from Manouba University in 1999 and has been attending pedagogical workshops regularly. Malika is single; her hobbies include music and horse riding. Her primary objective during ILEP is to learn about the latest developments in TEFL.