Engaging Muslim Students in Public Schools

What educators have said about Engaging Muslim Students in Public Schools...

This training was absolutely phenomenal! I feel like a veil has been lifted when it comes to my understanding of Muslim students. Everything makes sense now! I wish I would have attended this training in college before I ever began teaching. This should be a requirement for every single teacher who has Muslim students in their classroom!"
- Jeffery W., Burnsville High School ESL Teacher.

WOW! As a 25 year teaching veteran, I am amazed that no one has ever taught me these things before! The nuances of teaching Muslim students in a public school setting - so may things make more sense ! The workshop was intense - so much packed into one day - but well worth it! Every district with even the tiniest Muslim population should offer this to their teachers!"
- Shannon M. - Science Teacher, New Albany-Plain Local School District

I found this training exceptionally interesting and helpful. My insight into the lives of my Muslim students has been expanded tremendously. I am much better equipped to understand, accommodate and connect with them. The session has inspired me to explore the Muslim faith and supporting Muslim students in more depth. I appreciated the recommended books and resources. I look forward to sharing the information I learned with my colleagues and implementing new practices at my school. - Julie Horning, Counselor, New-Albany Plain Local Schools

I've been serving Muslim students and families for 7 years now, and I fervently wish I could go back in time and get this training before I started. It was SO HELPFUL to understand places where our US schooling system may be at odds with Islamic beliefs, how to better accommodate prayer for students and families, and how to make classroom learning structures a better fit for education that many of our students are already receiving at weekend religious schools, to name a few. I feel much more culturally competent when it comes to providing support and education to my Muslim students and their families after taking this training. It was one of the best professional developments I have ever received in my 7 years as an educator.
- Joseph D., Biology Teacher - Cleveland STEM High School, Seattle Public Schools

We in the caucasian western world must attend trainings such as this. This presentation was well executed, perfect for teachers of Muslim students, and enlightening in ways that build emapthy, tolerance, understanding, and appreciation of the Islamic religion and culture. Attending this training was a powerful day! - Ben Arthurs, English Teacher, New-Albany Plain Local Schools

As a cultural liaison that advocates for families I felt such joy taking this online training with the staff at my school. Finally! A training that clearly communicates and presents everything Muslim parents have wanted their children’s educators to know. I saw this open so many people’s eyes and give them so many positive actions to take. I am grateful for this training and advise all public school educators to take it.
- Burhan Farah, Parent Volunteer Coordinator, Seattle Public Schools, Denny Middle School

The training, "Engaging Muslim Students in Public Schools", was fantastic! I came away with so much new knowledge about the history, customs and day-to-day mindfulness that is needed to be a Muslim in America. I highly recommend this training for anyone who comes in contact with Muslim students in the school setting or anyone else that just wants to learn more information about these amazing people. - Jennifer Boyden, Hs English Teacher - New Lexington Schools

I found this training to be a piece that I needed in looking at a missing link in the work that I have been doing with our school environment. This brought connection, a-ha, and validation to building a stronger relational approach with our students and families.I wish I would have had this training five years ago when our school community went through an influx of refugee students and trying to support and understand the needs and experiences bringing brought to the whole school experience."
- Bridget H., Principal, Robbinsdale Public Schools

Every single minute of this training was meaningful information and conversation; even after an all-day event with nearly 20 pages of notes, I was disappointed it was over, and wishing we had more time."
- Kate H. - Worthington City Schools

Engaging Muslim Students in Public Schools was one of the best professional developments I've ever been to. I thought I knew a lot about the cultural backgrounds of my students, and I was hesitant to spend money on a course that I felt like I knew a fair amount about. But, I walked away from this training with a much deeper understanding of my students, and how I can support and empower them academically in my classroom. I would recommend this course to every teacher, administrator, and staff that works with Muslim students."
- Mark R., Teacher - Minneapolis Public Schools

Engaging Muslim Students in Public Schools is an engrossing training that can benefit teachers from all backgrounds and experience levels. The amount of insight and detail that is offered throughout the session is impressive both in breadth and depth. As our schools change, and our students' needs change with them, every teacher should consider how to engage and serve them well. This training helps you do exactly that."
- Benjamin M., - Metro Schools College Prep

Michael Abraham was extremely informative, providing historical perspective/understandings along with many practical ways I can consider my Muslim students' faith, values, interests. There were many simple ways presented to enhance my instructional practices and connection with them and their parents. Overall, this training has certainly increased my understanding and empathy for Islamic culture, Muslim families and my students. Just this week so far, simply greeting many of my students in Arabic and sharing a few Islamic phrases increased connection and student engagement. - Mike Carney, Biology Teacher, Hilliard City Schools

This was a day full of learning from small adjustments to the thinking I had coming in, to major ideas of how I could change my instruction and social-emotional support for Muslim students. After attending this workshop, I am excited to go back to my building and help support our school-wide development in building positive relationships with our Muslim families and students and to be more inclusive of authentic and nuanced Muslim perspectives in instruction."
- Katie R., Continuous Improvement Coach, Kennedy Elementary School, Mankato Public Schools

The learning from this seminar and the explicit connections to key beliefs of Muslims in the public school context really helped me understand the perspective of the families I serve. - Amy Eyerman, 4th Grade Teacher, Westerville City Schools

I found that this training exceeded my expectations. I was fascinated to learn so much about Muslim culture and the history of Muslim people in the States. I came away from this training with new insights and tools that will be useful for me as a teacher in my behavior and communication with both students and families. Michael teaches in a very objective way that does not judge individual or culture but instead clearly states facts and anecdotes with the objective of bridging cultural understanding and improving the educational experience for Muslim students and their teachers."
- Cindy C., Reading Specialist, Vista View Elementary

This training was very informative and easy to understand. Every moment was packed with valuable information that I can use right away to make my classroom and school more inclusive for Muslim families. - Heather Olsen, ELL Specialist, New Albany Plain Local Schools

This training was insightful as it was engaging. Despite working with a Muslim student population for several years, I was shocked at how much practical information I was able to take away from this training."
- Josh P. - Teacher, Banaadir Academy.

I have to say this was one of the most relevant and immediately useful trainings I've been to. Plus it gave me a lot to think about, about specific students that act or react in certain ways. I hope I can convince some of the classroom teachers to attend one of your trainings soon!

Mr. Abraham provided the participants with a broad but understandable look at the Islam faith and how the core values relate to students in public school settings. We heard practical solutions to working with Muslim students that are also just plain good strategies for all students. Thank you new insights and new ideas and for broadening my world view! - Jeff N. - Principal, Burnsville Public Schoola

Learning about the dual existence that Muslim students go through when they arrive at a Western World school was an eye-opener. It will take practice to implement some of the strategies that I learned in this seminar, but I know that I will have a better year with my Muslim students."
- Ann G. - Teacher, Westerville City Schools

At this training, I learned so much about Islam in general and Minnesota's Muslim and Somali populations. The training covered big-picture facts and background information but also pointed out nuances within Muslim culture and how those give rise to cultural clashes for my Muslim students and their parents. I have a better functional understanding of the foundation of Islam and its role in my students' lives and feel more confident in my ability to provide a responsive curriculum that will engage all students. Thank you for a great day of applicable learning!”
- Alyssa J. - English Teacher, Eden Prairie High School

This training was very helpful in understanding the mindset of Muslim students with regard to their identity and offers ways to enrich our learning environment and build trust with our Muslim students. Abraham bridges two worlds with ease and objectivity while clearly keeping students at the center."
- Theresa B. - ESL Teacher St. Louis Park Public Schools

This conference was a wonderful, eye-opening training that allowed me to learn about the Muslim culture, and how to be supportive of families and students in the public schools. The information was presented well, and in a non-judgmental and non-confrontational manner. I felt comfortable asking questions and being an active learner in this course."
- Briana M., Speech Pathologist, Osseo Public Schools

I felt that this training should be mandatory for all teachers servicing the immediate twin cities area."
- Patricia G., Equity Specialist - Robbinsdale Public Schools

I wasn't sure how in-depth this training would be, and I was happy with how detailed Mr. Abraham was in the history of Muslims in the United States, the different reasons for immigration, and how culture and the Muslim faith can cause miscommunication between schools and family. His research and experience were direct, clear, and so informative because of that. I was grateful that we could ask him any question to better understand our students and their families. I especially appreciated the additional packet of academic research, book excerpts, and additional texts to further explore how to support Muslim students."
- Erin N, Social Studies Teacher - New Albany-Plain Local School District

I attended the October presentation of Teaching Muslim Students lead by Michael Abraham. During this presentation I was impressed with Michael's passion, knowledge, and insight into teaching students who are Muslim. He provided useful tools and strategies to support culturally relevant texts and resources for Muslim students as well as tools to support cultural understanding and tolerance for all. I was provided new and insightful insights into the life and culture of many of my students, and this insight has expanded my understanding of my students and has positively impacted my instruction. I recommend this training to those who want to either understand their Muslim students better, or to those who want to increase engagement and understanding for their students. It is a great training that enriched my own understanding of my students as well as my instruction."
- Mary B. SPED Teacher Autism Specialist at Vista View Elementary School ISD 191

"All teachers want to know about appropriate ways to make Muslim students feel welcome in schools. Michael Abraham's well researched workshops give teachers the information they need to interact with Muslim students and their families in a mutually respectful manner."
- Ann Mabbott, Ph.D. ESL Program Coordinator at Hamline University School of Education

This training helped me understand the cultural push and pull that goes on internally inside of Muslim students, what their family experience is like as far as role models, and had an awesome book list that I immediately purchased for my classroom!"
- Emily N., 4th Grade Teacher Edina Public Schools

This training answered the question of why professional development intended to better engage our Somali students so often falls short. When Islamic tenets and beliefs are unknown to educators and left out of culturally responsive training and practice we will continue to misunderstand our Somali students."
- Stephanie W. - Teacher, Rochester Public Schools

I truly appreciated this training. It can be hard to know where to seek information about Islam and how the faith impacts our students in public schools, and I feel like Abraham did a thorough job of providing background knowledge, while also making educational connections. In the few weeks after the training, I have already been able to apply some of the things I learned, which has helped my relationships with my Muslim students. I would recommend this training to any educator who works with Muslim students.
- Moriah S., SPED Paraprofessional St. Louis Park Middle School

Michael Abraham's seminar was one of the best professional development classes I've taken in a while. His lecture was filled with valuable information that left me thinking about how I can better serve my students and get more family involvement. Additionally, he demonstrated strategies that I could take back to my classroom right away, and he provided a list of resources and books that can be used for teaching as well as titles that can be added to the classroom library."
- Shannon C., San Islo Elementary School, Seattle Public Schools

This training was thorough, engaging, and immediately applicable to our work in schools. Michael was clear and detailed and provided great explanations and recommendations for how to help our Muslim students progress and achieve to the highest level."
- Erin H., Speech Pathologist, Anoka-Hennepin School District

I really appreciated the training, it gave me insight into the history of the Muslim community in the US and particularly Minnesota. I also valued the pedagogical tools that I acquired from the seminar, I believe they will be helpful for me moving forward with both Muslim students, as well as non-Muslim students.”
- English Teacher, Eden Prairie High School

The historical context in which the material is presented helps provide a deeper understanding of systematic and structural habits of mind; this, in turn, allows for a more comprehensive approach to supporting Muslim students and families in public schools."
- Katie D., Kindergarten Teacher, Mounds View Public Schools

This is one of the most inspiring workshops I've attended in a long time. It was filled with open and honest advice on how to communicate with all students."
- Crystal S, ESL Teacher, Edina Public Schools

This training was so eye opening. We were given practical knowledge that at least begins to help teachers understand the dual world Muslim students are living in."
- Kristin H., Social Studies Teacher, Mound View High School

This was the training I have been looking for for years! You don't know what you don't know until someone tells you, and I know that this training will enrich my teaching of, relationships with, and understanding of my Muslim and Somali students."
- Lisa K. - Teacher, Bloomington Public Schools

This training was so insightful. I learned so many facts that I never knew. I think is training is needed for anyone who works in education. I appreciate that as a Christian there were many topics that were similar to me. - Latalia Peppers, Paraprofessional, Reynoldsburgh City Schools

I appreciated hearing about the roadblocks, and the internal struggles our Muslim students go through on a daily basis in our education system. I walked away with great ideas on how minimize these battles and how to help better fit education into the lives of our Muslim families, which is a high priority for everyone involved."
- Candice L. - Teacher, Wayzata Public Schools

This year we invited Michael Abraham to speak at our school on how to build relationships with our Somali/Muslim students. He was well received by all staff and really helped us to bridge the gap between our students home life and school. After his presentation multiple teachers approached me about wanting to know more about his upcoming trainings, one hour was just not enough to fully grasp and understand the culture of the Islamic community. One teacher even complimented him by saying, "I have learned more in this one hour PD about our Somali/Muslim students than I have learned in my three years here as a teacher.". The insight Michael gave into our students culture was invaluable and I would definitely recommend his training!"
-Mariah J., ESL Teacher at Minnesota Math and Science Academy Charter School

I was very happy to have learned so much in such a short period of time. I appreciated the background information on Islam as well as the more specific information about Somali culture. The lecture was engaging and the class' questions were always answered thoroughly. There was a wide array of information spanning from elementary to post secondary, in every subject area, and a book list."
- Teacher at Harding High School with St. Paul Public Schools

I took away so much from this training. I learned more about the Muslim culture and I learned strategies on how to adapt my teaching to fit their learning style as well as strategies to connect with them. A wonderful course that every teacher should take!"
- Ashly M. - Teacher with Burnsville Public Schools

Honestly, it was the best training. It was great to understand the insights of the history of Muslim immigrants and culture."
- ESL Teacher, St. Cloud Public Schools

This training opened my eyes to things I knew very little about. I feel more equipped to ask culturally appropriate questions and approach families and students in new ways!"
- Caroline D. - Educator, Robbinsdale Public Schools

I have had Muslim students in my class since I began teaching, about 10 years ago. I have always enjoyed meeting the parents and building relationships with them and their children. Hearing about Islam brought new understanding to ways to build even better relationships. I loved hearing about life in a Mosque and Dugsi. This information has helped me understand my Muslim students' lives away from school. This conference was well worth it!"
- 3rd Grade Teacher, Anoka Hennepin Public Schools

This seminar was really helpful for me. I haven't been well educated in the Islamic faith or some of the dominant ethnic cultures that follow Islam, and all of the information was well presented and will help me build relationships with my Muslim students in the future. I recommend this to all public school teachers. Michael and Qorina were wonderful about leaving room for questions and offering thoughtful responses.
- English Teacher, Eden Prairie Public Schools

This seminar was very helpful. It gave me some basic knowledge about Muslim culture and language. I was recently in a study group to learn about Islam which included three sessions led by a representative from MAPS, Muslim Association of Puget Sound, but it wasn't geared for teachers. This provided ways I can connect with students and their families. There are also takeaways about what not to do as a school, which I'll share with my colleagues."
- Leann O., Teacher, Edmonds School District

The Engaging Muslim Students in Public Schools training was extremely helpful in my understanding of the cultural background that students may have, and I feel like I can now communicate better with families and be conscious of how my demeanor can affect their learning. Thank you for the insight!"
- Teacher, Rochester Public Schools

After the training I had conversations with my students about what I learned. They LIT up with excitement that I was interested and learned about Islam.”
- Melinda B. - Teacher - Media Center Specialist, Minnetonka Public Schools

I walked away feeling better equipped to build relationships and make connections with my Muslim students."
- Carrie L., Professional Development and Resource Teacher, Wayzata Public Schools.

Through organized and informative content, I gained valuable insight into the Muslim culture.
- Kim R., 5th grade teacher, Hopkins Public Schools.

During the training I had many "aha!" moments relating to specific students. Certain interactions or sets of behaviors now made more sense to me. Understanding clears the way for true relationships and communication!”
- Chris W. - Art Teacher, St. Anthony Public Schools.

This workshop was amazingly informative! The 6 hours I spent here were valuable and worthy of my time. Michael is extremely eloquent and clear, uses precise language, and gives gentle suggestions that your school could use in preparing for Muslim students and their needs."
- Sandra H. - Teacher, High View Middle School

This is exactly the kind of training I was looking for! I learned so much about the history and meaning of Islam, the Muslim community within the Twin Cities, and better ways that I can build relationships and most effectively teach my Muslim students. I walked away with so much more knowledge and understanding. I hope that more teachers at my school are able to attend future seminars."
- Jennifer L., 3rd Grade Teacher, Seven Hills Preparatory Academy

Mr. Abraham is a living testimony as to how the Muslim children can embrace two cultures and be successful with their teacher's help. He is a good teacher who will teach you different topics about Muslims, such as ESL lessons, History, and behavior."
- Irma L., Bilingual Assistant, Seattle Public Schools

I was very impressed with the historical background and recommendations provided by Mr. Abraham. He is knowledgeable in many areas and is able to break pertinent information into meaningful and practical strategies to assist Muslim students. He opened my eyes to subtle behaviors or connotations that may inadvertently provide dissonance for a Muslim student."
- Anonymous Submission

Everyone should hear Mr. Abraham's presentation. We all need to learn about other cultures and religions to overcome ignorance and ethnocentrism. Our students are impressionable and need understanding teachers. Mr. Abraham shares beneficial strategies to help students feel accepted and understood."
- Brigitte S., 3rd Grade Teacher, Seven Hills Preparatory Academy

I wish I'd had this before I'd started teaching - I've started implementing some things right away and will restructure expectations/procedures next year!"
- Jenn D., Teacher, Rochester Public Schools

I have worked with Muslim students for the past 8 years and this training was more thorough and informative than any professional development that has been provided by my school district."
- Andrea P., School Psychologist, Faribault Public Schools

I learned several insights into muslim culture and reasons behind the What? and the Why? I loved the book recommendations.”
- Nicola H., Elementary Teacher Eden Prairie Public Schools

Engaging Muslim Students, gave me a better perspective on many Muslim family's evening schedules. I hope to use this new found insight to better meet the need of the families we serve."
- Early Childhood and Family Educator, Hopkins Public Schools

I walked away quite enlightened on many details surrounding the daily practice of Islam, including prayer and everyday social language and how small changes in lexicon can make a huge difference."
- Jennifer A., Teacher, Kent-Meridian High School, Kent Public Schools

Fabulous training! I was filled with knowledge and information and the speakers didn't mind all of our crazy questions!" - Stephanie L. - Teacher, Rochester Public Schools

The presenter kept my attention throughout the entire program. Topics were clear, concise and beneficial; the transition between topics was fluid; and the practical advice in understanding and dealing with Muslim students was enlightening."
- Amatullah B., Hennepin Schools

This was the most in-depth training I have received on Muslim students and families! I am excited to see the benefits of the different tools and understanding I have gained!"
- Teacher, Highview Middle School

I found this training to be very informative and eye-opening! After leaving, I have a much better understanding of the Muslim culture and more ways to build relationships with my Muslim students."
- Jennifer H., 2nd Grade Teacher, Rochester Public Schools

This training was so clear and gave me a lot of new insights into what to consider when teaching my Muslim students.
- Paula K. - Teacher, Robbinsdale Public Schools

The Engaging Muslim Students in Public Schools training was extremely helpful in my understanding of the cultural background that students may have, and I feel like I can now communicate better with families and be conscious of how my demeanor can affect their learning. Thank you for the insight!"
- Rochester Public Schools Teacher.

This training involved 6 hours of listening and taking notes. Most of the time, I would not have enjoyed this. However, this training had me riveted and listening every minute. The topic was so very interesting and useful. The presenter was a master at his craft, personable, likeable and knowledgeable. Thank you."
- Cheryl M., - Teacher, Century High School, Rochester Public Schools

Eye opening, forget what you see on tv or books normally extremes. Tapping into known learning styles/experiences will help learning in the classroom. The breakdown of learning in the way textbooks are written are unintuitive and expects leaps of knowledge/thought. Slow and steady wins the race."
- Eric D, Program Coordinator, University of Washington / GEAR UP Achievers

Great content & well organized. I appreciated having a female Muslim's perspective as well!!"
- ESL Teacher at Coon Rapids High School with Anoka Hennepin Public Schools.

This training is unlike anything else I have ever attended; I found the insight into Islam very interesting and enlightening."
- Nicole R., Special Education Teacher, Seattle Public Schools

I got a lot of information that will help me proactively support my Somali students."
- Erik G. - Teacher, Edina Public Schools

Fabulous training! I was filled with knowledge and information and the speakers didn't mind all of our crazy questions!"
- Stephanie L. Teacher, Rochester Public Schools

An extremely informative training about Muslims, a continually growing culture that most of us teachers do not know much about. Thank you for the wealth of new information!"
- Morag C., Kent-Meridian High School, Kent School District

The trainer made the information very easy to understand and it was very interesting. I learned so much about Muslim students."
- Teacher, Wing Luke Elementary School, Seattle Public Schools

I thought the presenters did an amazing job presenting the information and making it useful and accessible!"
- Alison O., Teacher, Robbinsdale Area Schools

The presenter was very well spoken and knowledgeable of Muslim students in public schools. We left with many ideas of how to carry this information to our schools and staff - Nuha A., Dublin Schools, Billingual Aide

This training opened my eyes to many of the small things about being a teacher of Muslim students."
- Cheryll H., Social Studies Teacher - Dayton Public Schools

Thank you for this training! It was interesting, insightful, and inspiring.”
- Mary F. - Youth Serving Youth Supervisor, Edina Public Schools