Meet Zebo Shaazizova, a California‑based mostly educator whose journey from ESL pupil to classroom trainer has deeply formed the way in which she approaches studying, tradition, and connection. Drawing from her personal experiences as an immigrant, a Muslim girl, and a mom, Zebo is obsessed with creating inclusive areas the place college students really feel secure, seen, and curious in regards to the world round them.
You too can observe Zebo on Instagram.
Q: Are you able to share slightly about your journey from being an ESL pupil to changing into a trainer?
I got here to America in 2010 understanding no English in any respect—none. We arrived throughout summer season break, and when college began, I started ninth grade. After testing my English degree, the college positioned me in ESL lessons, and to today, I’m so grateful for that call.
I liked my ESL lessons. Being surrounded by college students from all around the world, sharing our cultures, languages, and studying collectively was one thing actually particular. It’s an expertise I nonetheless cherish.
As my English improved, I ultimately graduated from ESL. By my senior yr of highschool, I used to be taking common English lessons. Coming from understanding zero English to sitting in mainstream lessons was overwhelming, however it was additionally extremely rewarding.
I’ll always remember my first ESL trainer, Ms. O’Connor. She was robust, agency, and strict—however I liked that about her. Together with Ms. Tappu, they formed my journey in methods I’m nonetheless grateful for immediately. I’m even nonetheless in contact with them.
From being an ESL pupil to changing into a trainer myself, this journey will all the time have a particular place in my coronary heart.
Q: What does it imply to you to show whereas carrying hijab, and the way has that formed your expertise in your college neighborhood?
At first—I received’t lie—I overthought so much. I questioned what individuals would consider me due to my hijab, how I’d be handled, and whether or not I’d be accepted.
Earlier than changing into a trainer, I labored as a trainer assistant at my kids’s college, and that have modified the whole lot. From the start, the employees and neighborhood had been extremely welcoming, type, and supportive. I used to be handled similar to everybody else, whether or not I wore hijab or not.
That acceptance meant a lot to me. It made me really feel assured, proud, and cozy in who I’m. Now, as a trainer, I carry nothing however pleasure. I see my hijab as my crown—it represents who I’m, my values, and my power.
The scholars are utterly comfy with it. They’ve discovered about it, requested their questions, and now it’s only a regular a part of who their trainer is. Instructing whereas carrying hijab has proven me that illustration issues, acceptance issues, and that you could be absolutely your self whereas doing the work you’re keen on.
Q: You’re recognized for educating college students about Ramadan annually. What does that seem like throughout grade ranges?
Annually, I go to lecture rooms as a visitor speaker and educate college students about Ramadan and Eid in an age‑acceptable means. I create easy mini displays, adopted by fingers‑on actions like footage, songs, and discussions that match every grade degree.
I additionally put together Ramadan goodie baggage so the expertise feels joyful and memorable. The objective is all the time to make the lesson welcoming, enjoyable, and academic, whereas serving to college students perceive the that means behind Ramadan and Eid in an inclusive means.
Q: Why do you’re feeling it’s vital for all college students to study Ramadan?
Illustration and understanding matter. My kids often discovered about and obtained goodie baggage for different holidays at college, and I felt it was simply as vital for them—and their classmates—to see their very own tradition acknowledged too.
Instructing about Ramadan helps construct consciousness, respect, and appreciation for various cultures. It permits college students to grasp not simply the celebration however the that means behind it. By sharing our traditions, we create area for inclusion, empathy, and cultural understanding.
Q: Youngsters usually ask about your hijab. What sorts of questions do you get?
Firstly of the college yr, college students are normally very curious. Their questions are harmless and real like “What’s that factor in your head?” or “Why do you all the time put on that?” Some ask, “Do you’ve got hair?” or “Are you bald?”
My Particular Ed college students normally ask the funniest questions: “What’s that mysterious factor in your hair?” or “I can see your hair, yay!” if it’s peeking out. I additionally hear “Why don’t you ever present your hair?” or “Are you able to present me your hair?”
Q: How do you create a classroom atmosphere the place youngsters really feel secure asking questions?
I all the time think about the scholars’ ages and grade ranges earlier than answering. I hold my solutions child‑pleasant and concentrate on tradition and traditions slightly than going too deep into faith.
I take advantage of easy, actual‑life examples and attempt to make it enjoyable, typically turning it right into a story, a sport, or an exercise. When college students really feel comfy and revered, they really feel secure asking questions, and that’s how actual studying occurs.
Q: What message do you hope your college students take away from these conversations?
I hope they be taught that it’s OK to be curious and that variations ought to be revered, not feared. Everybody comes from a novel background, and people variations are one thing to be pleased with.
Most of all, I hope they be taught kindness, empathy, and that asking questions—when carried out with respect—is a ravishing strategy to be taught in regards to the world and the individuals in it.
Q: What recommendation would you give to lecturers who really feel not sure about discussing tradition or faith?
It’s OK to really feel not sure as a result of which means you care. You don’t have to know the whole lot or have the proper phrases. Begin small, keep age‑acceptable, and concentrate on tradition, traditions, and shared values like kindness and respect.
When lecturers mannequin openness and respect, college students be taught to do the identical.
Q: Anything you’d like individuals to know?
Instructing ought to be significant, joyful, and rooted in connection. We tackle many roles—listeners, counselors, protectors, supporters—and no matter function a baby wants, it’s vital to point out up.
I need my classroom to be an area the place college students really feel secure, pleased, and cared for. My tradition is one thing I’m deeply pleased with, and I’m all the time open to sharing it.
Each pupil is exclusive. I consider my college students just like the Dealer Joe’s flower part—full of various sorts of flowers. Each is gorgeous, every one is totally different, and every one deserves the care they should develop.
