Welcome to ‘Meet the Teacher’ where our lovely staff at the Lady Nafisa school introduce themselves and share their experiences on what it’s like being an educator at an independent girls school.
Meet Ust Tanzina who is Head of Art…
So let’s get started and meet the teacher!
Tell us a little bit about yourself, what you teach and how long you have been a teacher?
Assalamu alaikum, I’m ustadha Tanzina and I teach Art, I have been teaching for 6 years.
When and why did you decide you wanted to become a teacher?
I am a qualified Architect and love all things creative. In my previous employment I had the opportunity to teach children architecture through community workshops/programmes and that experience of transferring skills and nurturing talent lead me to pursue a teaching career. I got the opportunity to teach Art at LNS part time. I loved the experience so much that I decided to undertake PGCE to have a better understanding of teaching and learning outcomes. I haven’t look backed since!
How would you define a great lesson?
The perfect Art lesson would be one that produced diverse outcomes. A lesson should encourage students to be creative! They should be able to make decisions about the scale on which they work, the materials they use, even whether they want to work alone or as part of a group. These simple steps encourage a growth mindset, increase cognitive skills and independent learning.
What do you enjoy about teaching at an all girls school?
Working in a girls school is very rewarding. You have the opportunity to nurture young minds, provide a safe Islamic environment and encourage the girls to pursue any desired career. Working in LNS is a unique experience. We are like a big extended family and have immense respect for one another.
If you could only give one piece of advice to a student what would it be?
Allow yourself to be curious. There is so much to learn that “isn’t on the test”. Qualifications will get you to the interview but experience and passion will get you further.
What would be your dream school trip?
My dream school trip will be to Palestine/Jerusalem, to soak up all the cultural and religious experience. The Islamic architecture is an added bonus!
What do you enjoy doing in your spare time?
In my spare time I love to read, draw and travel.
If you weren’t a teacher what other profession do you think you would choose?
I have been fortunate to pursue my chosen career as an Architect and now an Art teacher. So I am living the dream! Alhumdulliah!
What did you want to be when you were a child?
I always wanted to be an artist or do something creative! It defines who I am and that always makes me happy!
What’s your favourite inspirational quote?
“What is destined will reach you, even if it is underneath two mountains. What is not destined, will not reach you, even if it is between your two lips!”
-Umar bin al Khattab (RA)
And finally, what does education mean to you?
Education fosters growth mindset, decision making skills and critical thinking.
Thank you so much to Ust Tanzina for sharing your time with us. Join us next month and see who will be telling us their story.
