Meet Zebo Shaazizova, a California‑based mostly educator whose journey from ESL pupil to classroom trainer has deeply formed the best way she approaches studying, tradition, and connection. Drawing from her personal experiences as an immigrant, a Muslim girl, and a mom, Zebo is enthusiastic about creating inclusive areas the place college students really feel protected, seen, and curious concerning the world round them.
You too can observe Zebo on Instagram.
Q: Are you able to share somewhat about your journey from being an ESL pupil to turning into a trainer?
I got here to America in 2010 realizing no English in any respect—none. We arrived throughout summer time break, and when faculty began, I started ninth grade. After testing my English stage, the college positioned me in ESL lessons, and to at the present time, I’m so grateful for that call.
I cherished my ESL lessons. Being surrounded by college students from all around the world, sharing our cultures, languages, and studying collectively was one thing really particular. It’s an expertise I nonetheless cherish.
As my English improved, I finally graduated from ESL. By my senior 12 months of highschool, I used to be taking common English lessons. Coming from realizing 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 cherished that about her. Together with Ms. Tappu, they formed my journey in methods I’m nonetheless grateful for at present. I’m even nonetheless in contact with them.
From being an ESL pupil to turning 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 sporting hijab, and the way has that formed your expertise in your faculty neighborhood?
At first—I gained’t lie—I overthought quite a bit. 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 turning into a trainer, I labored as a trainer assistant at my youngsters’s faculty, and that have modified every part. From the start, the employees and neighborhood had been extremely welcoming, sort, and supportive. I used to be handled identical 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 delight. I see my hijab as my crown—it represents who I’m, my values, and my energy.
The scholars are utterly snug with it. They’ve realized about it, requested their questions, and now it’s only a regular a part of who their trainer is. Educating whereas sporting hijab has proven me that illustration issues, acceptance issues, and you could be absolutely your self whereas doing the work you like.
Q: You’re identified for instructing college students about Ramadan annually. What does that seem like throughout grade ranges?
Every year, I go to school rooms as a visitor speaker and train college students about Ramadan and Eid in an age‑acceptable means. I create easy mini displays, adopted by arms‑on actions like photos, songs, and discussions that match every grade stage.
I additionally put together Ramadan goodie luggage 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 essential for all college students to find out about Ramadan?
Illustration and understanding matter. My youngsters usually realized about and obtained goodie luggage for different holidays in school, and I felt it was simply as essential for them—and their classmates—to see their very own tradition acknowledged too.
Educating 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: Children usually ask about your hijab. What sorts of questions do you get?
Firstly of the college 12 months, college students are often 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 could have hair?” or “Are you bald?”
My Particular Ed college students often 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 surroundings the place youngsters really feel protected asking questions?
I all the time contemplate the scholars’ ages and grade ranges earlier than answering. I hold my solutions child‑pleasant and deal with tradition and traditions somewhat than going too deep into faith.
I exploit easy, actual‑life examples and attempt to make it enjoyable, generally turning it right into a story, a recreation, or an exercise. When college students really feel snug and revered, they really feel protected 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 study that it’s OK to be curious and that variations must be revered, not feared. Everybody comes from a singular background, and people variations are one thing to be pleased with.
Most of all, I hope they study kindness, empathy, and that asking questions—when finished with respect—is a wonderful option to study concerning the world and the individuals in it.
Q: What recommendation would you give to academics 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 every part or have the right phrases. Begin small, keep age‑acceptable, and deal with tradition, traditions, and shared values like kindness and respect.
When academics mannequin openness and respect, college students study to do the identical.
Q: Anything you’d like individuals to know?
Educating must be significant, joyful, and rooted in connection. We tackle many roles—listeners, counselors, protectors, supporters—and no matter function a toddler wants, it’s essential to point out up.
I need my classroom to be an area the place college students really feel protected, completely satisfied, 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. Every one is gorgeous, each is totally different, and each deserves the care they should develop.
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