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Recap of the 26th ISNA Education Forum: Bridging Tradition & Innovation: Cultivating Hope and Joy in Our Schools
The 26th ISNA Education Forum took place from April 18-20, 2025, at the Marriott Chicago O'Hare, welcoming over 530 educators, administrators, and leaders in the Islamic education community. The event's theme, "Bridging Tradition & Innovation: Cultivating Hope & Joy in Our Schools," underscored a collective commitment to nurturing an educational environment that respects Islamic tradition while embracing modern pedagogical advancements.
Event Highlights
This year’s forum included more than 40 distinguished speakers and offered over 20 interactive sessions, making it a comprehensive learning experience for attendees. The sessions featured a diverse array of topics critical to contemporary Islamic education, including Arabic/Quran/Islamic Studies, Curriculum/Instruction, Mental Health/Wellness, and Administration/Leadership. The event was designed to address the challenges faced by educators while providing solutions through collaborative discussion and shared experiences.
A lively bazaar with 20 vendors created an engaging atmosphere, showcasing various educational products, Islamic art, prayer mats, perfumes, Abayas, and essential services that catered to the educational needs of attendees. The vibrant energy in the hallways highlighted the spirit of collaboration and community that the ISNA Education Forum fosters, encouraging interaction and dialogue among educators.
Collaborative Efforts
This year’s forum was bolstered by partnerships with the Council of Islamic Schools Based in North America (CISNA) and Weekend Islamic Schools Educational Resources (WISER). These collaborations played a vital role in ensuring that the content presented was not only relevant but also tailored to the evolving needs of Islamic educators. Workshops and discussions were informed by current trends and best practices, allowing attendees to walk away with actionable insights applicable to their respective institutions.
Marked Achievements and Recognition
The forum served as a platform to honor outstanding contributions to the field of Islamic education. The prestigious Lifetime Service Award was presented to Safaa Zarzour, commending his unwavering dedication and extensive impact on Islamic education and community leadership. With roles including former President of ISNA and superintendent of Universal Schools, Zarzour's commitment exemplifies the essence of service to future generations.
Key Sessions
Among the many impactful sessions were:
- "Revolutionizing Arabic Classrooms with Technology" by Fatima Raafat, which focused on integrating innovative technologies into Arabic language teaching, elevating the learning experience.
- "Teaching Tadabbur to Cultivate Spiritual Resilience" led by Ismail ibn Ali, emphasizing the value of spiritual reflection through Qur’ānic contemplation in developing resilience among students.
- "Leading Meaningful Practices to Strengthen School Environments" by Haleema Syed, offered practical strategies for fostering positive relationships between staff, students, and parents to create thriving school cultures.
- "An Islamic Lens on Mental Health” and "Empowering Islamic Education with AI" illuminated critical issues and opportunities within the community. Ibrahim Murtuza, speaker for the AI session, remarked, “It was uplifting to see educators ready to learn about ethical AI integration in their classrooms to prepare students for the future.”
Highlighted Moments and Initiatives
During the Saturday Luncheon, ISNA's Mental Health Initiative was introduced by Salman Ahmad, focusing on promoting mental wellness and resilience in Muslim communities. This initiative aims to leverage Islamic teachings alongside contemporary mental health principles to enrich understanding and support of mental health within the community. The full introduction to this service can be found through the mental health portal on the ISNA Website.
Huda Alkaff from the ISNA Green Initiative Team addressed Environmental Justice, stating, “As Muslims, we are tasked to care for our planet, a principle echoed throughout the Quran.” Her insights brought attention to the significance of environmental stewardship among future generations.
Pre-Conferences and Unique Offerings
Pre-conferences added depth to the event, featuring a tour of MCC Academy which provided practical insights into administrative best practices. The Arabic & Quran workshop utilized storytelling to spark curiosity and enhance communication skills in learners, while the Health & Wellness workshop concentrated on equipping educators with tools to address mental health challenges among Muslim youth.
Conclusion
The 26th ISNA Education Forum was a resounding success, marked by enthusiastic participation, enriching discussions, and significant networking opportunities. Each session, workshop, and conversation contributed to a renewed commitment to excellence in Islamic education. Attendees left inspired to implement new strategies and insights that will impact their students and communities positively.
For more detailed information about the sessions and presenters, attendees are encouraged to explore the ISNA website under the resources section labeled “Education Forum Papers.” A heartfelt thank you is extended to the program committee for their dedication, which includes Abir Catovic, Azra Zaqvi, Salah Ayari, Magda Saleh Elkdai, Majida Abdul-Kareem, Kathy Jamil, Farea Khan, Ziad Abdalla, and Nancy Nassr, alongside ISNA staff members Muktar Ahmad, Tabasum Ahmad, Crystal Habib, and Malaika Khan. There is also a special thanks to our sponsors Islamic Services Foundation, School Pro, IQRA, American Islamic College, Fawakih Institute, and Diwan. We appreciate the attendees, the hotel and banquet hall staff, volunteers, staff members and anyone else who helped make this event successful. May Allah reward their work.
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