Burhan Academy

Faculty and Staff

The only way for us to achieve the best results in implementing our vision is to curate a team with the highest and most qualified educators. And to maintain academic excellence, we have decided to establish an educational board with academic and educational veterans. 

• Principal – Dr. Ashraf Arafat: Born in Gaza, Palestine, Dr. Ashraf, earned his Masters and Doctorate degrees in the U.S. He has a Ph.D. in educational leadership and certification from Harvard Graduate School of Education. He has dedicated his career to advancing the educational experiences of diverse learners, guided by the Islamic principle that seeking knowledge is a sacred duty. He also has several years of experience as an Islamic School Principal in the U.S.

• School Administrator – Kiran Ansari: Ms. Kiran has an MBA and 25 years of experience working with various educational and Islamic organizations in the United States. She has been raising her family of three children in Elgin for the last 13 years and is well-connected to the local community. Her extensive and relevant experience with content creation, marketing, social media, writing, and community outreach will in sha Allah be an asset to Burhan Academy. 

• Early Education Director: Nancy Beal, M.Ed:
  

  Ms. Nancy is a State Licensed Child Care Director with Level 3 certification. She has more than 25 years of experience with early and secondary education. She has a B.A. in Early Childhood Education and an M. Ed in Curriculum and Instruction. She has run her own childcare center for more than 13 years and has delivered successful training programs across diverse educational industries.

• Preschool Teacher – Sufia Haque: Ms. Sufia is a licensed elementary educator and a certified intervention specialist. She graduated with a major in Elementary Education and has more than 6 years of experience teaching at schools in Lombard, Palatine, and Elgin. She has worked in specialized classrooms and enjoys using technology to create digital materials to support learning. We are looking forward to seeing what Ms. Haque has planned for our students.

• Pre-K Teacher – Wafaa Zabadneh: Ms. Wafaa has more than 7 years of teaching experience at Islamic schools. She holds a master’s degree from Benedictine University. She is also fluent in Arabic and a great public speaker. She is an energetic and enthusiastic educator who is looking forward to setting up her classroom and welcoming students at Burhan Academy very soon, in sha Allah.

• Athletics Director/ Physical Education Teacher – Cliff Paul: Coach Cliff is certified by the NCAA, USA Basketball, and Jr. NBA. He has been the Head Coach for Illinois HoopStars and Power Through Basketball. He has led sports programming for preschool through high school and has also worked with professional adult players. He is looking forward to conducting interactive P.E. classes and introducing Burhan Academy students to a variety of sports, in sha Allah. 

• Kindergarten Teacher – Walaa Zabadneh: Ms. Walaa is a certified teacher who graduated from UIC with a degree in Education. She has experience teaching Math, Science, ELA, Islamic Studies, and Quran to students in Kindergarten through 6th Grade. She is passionate about creating a positive and engaging learning environment in Islamic schools. We are excited to add such an enthusiastic member to the Burhan Academy staff.

• 1st Grade Teacher – Heba Gaafer: Ms. Heba has more than 12 years of teaching experience at various grade levels. She has served as a Department Head at a large local Islamic school. She has also worked in schools using American, International Baccalaureate, and British school systems. She establishes a great rapport with children and communicates effectively with parents. Burhan Academy students will be in good hands with Ms. Gaafer, in sha Allah.

• 2nd Grade Teacher – Mr. Hisham Arafat – With a degree in Education from the University of Utah, Mr. Hisham is a dedicated educator with more than a decade of experience teaching diverse age groups and subjects. His main area of expertise is designing engaging curricula for ELA and Social Studies from elementary to high school. He has also led athletic programs, judged Spelling Bees, and is proficient in integrating technology in the classroom to engage students in innovative ways. 

• 3rd Grade Teacher – Sophia Latifi: Mrs. Latifi has a master’s degree in mathematics for elementary teachers and a bachelor’s degree in elementary education and Sociology. She has 35 years of teaching experience both in Chicago public schools and suburban Islamic schools. She believes that the classroom should be set up to stimulate each student’s unique learning style.

• Islamic Studies & Quranic Arabic Teacher – Shaykh Muhammad Bilal –
  

  Shaykh Bilal began his Islamic studies at Jamia Al-Hussnain and went on to complete his master’s in Islamic studies at the renowned Jamia Darul Uloom Karachi. He has taught Arabic reading and writing to students of various ages and is especially passionate about the Arabic language and Islamic theology (ʿAqīdah). He is committed to cultivating a deep connection to the deen and a strong foundation in traditional Islamic knowledge. He also serves as the resident scholar at Masjid Al Wajidi. 

• Head of Security – Devin Tolver: Burhan Academy has enlisted Ultimate Response Consultants to oversee security services on campus. URC will implement a comprehensive security plan ensuring the protection of students, faculty, and staff. URC will also coordinate with local law enforcement for increased surveillance. Focusing on maintaining a visible security presence through patrols and access control, URC is committed to creating a safe learning environment at Burhan Academy, in sha Allah.

New Teachers for 2025-26

• 3rd Grade Teacher – Ms. Aaih Omar: Ms. Aaih is a passionate educator with over 13 years of teaching experience in Islamic schools across the US. She holds a degree in Elementary Education from Benedictine University, with endorsements in MS Biological, Physical, and General Science. She has a Professional Educator License (PEL). Ms. Aaih has served as a third-grade team lead and has mentored new teachers, supporting professional growth and collaboration. She has administered WIDA testing to support English Language Learners and has made extensive use of the Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) to address the diverse academic and behavioral needs of her students.

  Throughout her career, Ms. Aaih has been recognized for her student-centered and innovative teaching methods. Her classroom was featured at the ISNA Education Forum, showcasing her dedication to creating engaging, nurturing, and effective learning environments. She incorporates Islamic values into her teaching to foster moral development, character building, and a sense of spiritual identity in her students. Passionate about inspiring young minds, Ms. Aaih strives to cultivate a love of learning, curiosity, and confidence in every student she teaches.

• Middle School Teacher – Mr. Abdullah Felten: Mr. Felten completed his bachelor’s in biology/secondary education at Benedictine University. He has taught a variety of high school sciences in Kuwait for 7 years. He completed his M.Ed in International Education Administration from Endicott College based in Massachusetts at their Thailand campus. He holds a professional educators license in Illinois as well as a Learning Behavior Specialist I endorsement through the University of St. Francis. He has tutored Biology, Chemistry and Anatomy/Physiology at Elgin Community College for the past 7 years, alongside running his honey farming business, Felten Farms. He studies at Darul Qasim College and has completed their Shaykh al-Hind program. As a professional educator, Mr. Felten looks for ways to create a student-centered learning environment which caters to creativity through cooperation and the development of future skills necessary for success. His goals at Burhan Academy are to nurture children’s enthusiasm towards learning and create a positive place for education through the lens of Islam. 

• Arabic & Quran Teacher – Ms. Omaima Mahmoud. Ms. Omaima is a dedicated educator with over three decades of experience teaching Arabic, Quran, and Islamic Studies to students of all ages. She has taught in both full-time Islamic schools and weekend programs. She brings a strong background in curriculum development, classroom management, and bilingual instruction.

  She holds a bachelor’s degree in Arabic Language and Islamic Studies from Ain Shams University in Cairo, Egypt, and is certified in the Al-Nuraniyyah method for Quran instruction. She has guided hundreds of students in mastering Arabic in various regional dialects. She specializes in blending traditional teaching methods with modern, student-centered pedagogy—emphasizing grammar, vocabulary, cultural context, and real-world application. Her mission is to make Arabic accessible, engaging, and meaningful for learners of all backgrounds and levels. Beyond the classroom, she has played an active role in curriculum development, teacher training, and Arabic language proficiency assessments. She also holds director credentials in early childhood education. She is a firm believer in the power of language as a bridge for understanding, growth, and cross-cultural exchange—and remains committed to lifelong learning. 

• 1st Grade Teacher – Ms. Aisha Siyadath: Ms. Aisha is a licensed teacher who graduated from Northeastern Illinois University with a degree in Elementary Education. She has experience teaching in a 1^st Grade classroom, as well as 7 years in an Islamic school. She has also earned an ‘Alimah degree which allows her to integrate Islamic values into her teaching. She is excited to join the 1st Grade team and looks forward to creating a classroom that students enjoy coming to every day.
• Pre-K Teacher – Ms. Insia Khan: Ms. Insia has been working with children in various capacities for over a decade. She has worked in Early Childhood, taught Sunday School, and organized youth programs. Most recently, she has worked in the youth department of a large and busy library where she paired her love of early literacy and working with children. Her teaching style is to encourage students to explore and be curious. Her goal as an Early Childhood educator is to nurture a lifelong love of learning and set them up with a strong foundation that they can build upon.
• 4th Grade Teacher – Mrs. Amna Awan: Ms. Amna brings over 15 years of teaching experience in both Islamic and public schools, working across a wide range of grade levels. She holds a degree in Elementary Education from Northeastern Illinois University and is a certified teacher for grades K–9, with an endorsement in Linguistics. Throughout her career, Ms. Amna has demonstrated a strong commitment to educational excellence and has taken on leadership roles, including serving as an Elementary Lead for grades K–2. In this role, she guided curriculum planning, mentored fellow educators, and promoted effective team collaboration.
  

  Ms. Amna is passionate about creating a nurturing and inclusive classroom environment where every child feels safe, respected, and encouraged to grow. She thoughtfully incorporates Islamic values into her teaching, helping students build strong moral character, develop empathy, and maintain a sense of spiritual identity alongside academic achievement.

  Her teaching philosophy is centered on building trusting relationships, encouraging a lifelong love for learning, and recognizing the unique strengths and potential of every student. With her rich experience, compassionate approach, and dedication to holistic education, Ms. Amna is honored to be a part of the Burhan Academy community and looks forward to supporting students and families—In sha Allah.

• Kindergarten Teacher – Mrs. Jessica Felten: Ms. Jessica is a Special Needs teacher with ten years of experience in both South African and International schools using South African, British and American curricula.  She has taught in South Africa, the United Kingdom and Kuwait. She holds a Bachelor of Education degree:  Foundation Phase and a Post Graduate Advanced Certificate in Education (ACE) – Special Educational Needs – Remedial Education.  In addition, she holds her Honors in Education, (B. Ed. Hons). She is a firm believer in active student participation in order for her lessons to be successful. She believes this helps students in acquiring and remembering what is being taught.  She likes her lessons to be ‘hands-on’ so students are able to learn effective communication skills, teamwork, how to share and delegate tasks, develop critical thinking skills, and independence through ‘doing’.  Her character traits such as patience, compassion, and dedication are vital in making her lessons a successful experience for everyone involved.
• 2nd Grade Teacher – Ms. Amna Dar: With nearly 12 years of experience across both public and private school settings, she brings a strong foundation in inclusive instruction, curriculum development, and data-informed practices. She holds dual
  bachelor’s degrees in Business Administration and Education from the University of Toronto, an Illinois Professional Educator License (from K–9), and has completed the Advanced Qualification Special Education Specialist program from the University of Toronto, along with postgraduate studies in Business Analysis from Purdue University. As a former Lower Elementary Department Head, Ms. Dar facilitated Professional Learning Communities (PLCs), mentored new teachers, ensured vertical curriculum alignment, and collaborated with data analyst from Chicago Public Schools (CPS) to analyze student
  achievement trends and develop strategic growth plans. She has implemented the Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) framework to help students successfully transition across tiers and has worked closely with District 45 reading specialist to support English Language Learners through scaffolded and culturally responsive instruction. She has also served as a cooperating teacher for multiple universities across the Chicagoland area, supporting clinical teaching experiences and promoting reflective, evidence-based instructional practices among student teachers. Rooted in Islamic values, Ms. Dar is committed to designing culturally responsive curriculum that affirms the lived experiences of Muslim students and nurtures their academic, emotional, and spiritual growth.