Sr. Sawsan Abusaif – Principal
Sawsan graduated with a bachelor’s degree in physics, mathematics, and education. As one of the founders of Pioneers Academy, she has played a vital role in the school’s development and success. She previously worked as an Arabic language teacher for all elementary grades and has served as the school’s director for the past four years. She strongly believes in the importance of raising children in an Islamic environment and values the family-like atmosphere that supports their well-being and growth.
Sr. Huda El-Khatib – Admin
Sr. Shukri Abdulahi – Academic Coordinator
Shukri is one of the first Pioneers which started her teaching journey when Pioneers Academy first opened its doors. With over 13 years of experience in elementary education—both locally and abroad—she has supported students with diverse learning needs and strengthened instructional practices. Over the past three years, she has served in educational leadership, focusing on teacher support, curriculum development, and student growth. She is thrilled to return to Pioneers Academy as the Academic Coordinator, where she is committed to supporting academic excellence and nurturing an environment grounded in strong Islamic values.
Sr. Mariam Ataya – Pre-K1 Teacher
Mariam Ataya is a Palestinian PreK 1 teacher at Pioneers Academy. She holds a bachelor s degree in Arabic Literature from Lebanon and is a certified Child Development Associate. She is committed to a nurturing classroom where young children feel supported as they learn and grow. In her free time, she enjoys reading children s books and solving puzzles. She believes each child learns differently and is grateful to be part of the Pioneers Academy community, teaching within an Islamic framework.
Sr. Fatimah Ghulam – Pre-K2 Teacher
Fatimah Ghulam is a dedicated Pre-K2 teacher who has been a valued member of Pioneers Academy since 2017. She taught Kindergarten for five years, but quickly discovered that her true passion and talent shine most when working with preschool-aged children. Pioneers Academy is grateful to have her as part of the team, and she considers it an honor to contribute to the school’s mission and community
Sr.Nadia Soussi – Kindergarten Teacher
Nadia has over ten years of experience working in educational settings, where she has supported diverse learners and helped them grow both academically and socially. She is especially passionate about working with students who have special needs, ensuring they feel supported, included, and empowered to succeed. As a mother of four who enjoys spending time outdoors, she brings empathy, connection, and real-world experiences to her work with students and their families.
Sr. Razan Kalam – 1st Grade Teacher
Sr. Maram Abusara – 2nd Grade Teacher
Maram is a graduate of Concordia University, where she earned her degree in Childhood Development. She joined Pioneers Academy in 2024. As both a teacher and a toddler mom, she understands that children learn best through patience, encouragement, curiosity, and meaningful connection.
Maram believes that strong relationships are the foundation of learning and is committed to creating a warm, safe, and calm classroom where every student feels valued, supported, and encouraged to thrive. She especially enjoys incorporating hands-on learning into her classroom, particularly in math, allowing students to explore, build, and discover concepts in engaging ways. She takes pride in helping students grow into confident, independent, and self-reliant learners while supporting both their academic and personal development.
Sr. Aishah Alamin / 3rd Grade Teacher
Aishah is a caring and dedicated third-grade teacher at Pioneers who brings six years of experience and a genuine love for children into her classroom each day. She earned her B.A. from Metropolitan State University and her A.S. from Anoka Technical College, and her path has included meaningful work in surgical settings at Masonic Children’s Hospital as well as microbiology-focused disinfectant testing at Steris. Her love of reading, crafts, nature, and biology—especially microbiology—shines through in the way she teaches, creating a classroom filled with curiosity, creativity, and hands-on discovery. Guided by her Islamic values, Aishah works to build a warm and welcoming space where every child feels known, encouraged, and cared for. She hopes to help her students grow not only academically, but also in confidence, character, and compassion.
Sr. Nezha Boulaadam – Arabic/Quran Teacher
Nezha graduated from Salahudeen Al-Ayoubi in Morocco with a degree in Science in 2000 and has been teaching Arabic, Quran, and Islamic Studies since 2008. She began her teaching career at Pioneers Academy in 2016, gaining extensive experience working with students across multiple grade levels. She is passionate about creating meaningful, engaging lessons and incorporating hands-on activities both inside and outside the classroom. She firmly believes that children learn best through play, exploration, and active participation, and she strives to make learning an enjoyable and impactful experience for every student.
Sr. Mona Othman – Arabic/Quran Teacher
Mona Osman is a teacher and a proud mother of three daughters. She joined Pioneers Academy in the 2024–2025 school year, where she teaches Quran, Arabic language, and Islamic Studies. She is ambitious and continually works to grow, learn, and improve. She values family and education and is committed to creating a positive environment for children. She believes respect and kindness are the foundation of strong relationships. In her free time, she enjoys cooking and exploring new ideas in the kitchen, which brings her creativity and joy.
Sr. Anisa Alnizami – Support/Assistant
Anisa is excited to join the Pioneers Academy community in her first year at the school. She brings more than 25 years of preschool teaching experience in both private and public schools and holds a Minnesota substitute teaching license. Ms. Anisa earned a Bachelor s degree in Early Childhood Education from Metropolitan State University and has completed annual educational in-service training throughout her career. Originally from Austin, she moved to Minnesota 39 years ago. Outside the classroom, she enjoys traveling, collecting coffee cups from different countries and states, and spending time with her family.
Sr. Wafa Ghulam – Pre-K Assistant
Wafa is one of the Pre-K2 teachers and has been a dedicated member of Pioneers Academy since 2018. She brings 13 years of experience working with preschool-aged children and has discovered a true passion for nurturing and guiding young learners. She is grateful for the opportunity to be part of each child’s journey and growth.
Sr. Sierra Westlund – Pre-K Assistant
Sierra Westlund serves as the Teacher Assistant in Pre-K, where she is dedicated to fostering a supportive, dynamic, and inspiring learning environment for all students. She loves helping our youngest learners discover the joy of school and build a strong foundation for the future. With three years of experience in education, Sierra brings a wonderful energy and passion to the classroom every day. She holds an Associate Degree in Elementary Education from North Hennepin Community College and is currently working toward her Bachelor’s Degree in Urban Elementary Education (K-6) at Metropolitan State University. Sierra is thrilled to be a part of our school community and looks forward to helping her Pre-K students learn, play, and grow.
Sr. Manal Abusara – Pre-K Assistant
Manal has spent the past several years working in early childhood education, where she is dedicated to creating a warm, safe, and welcoming environment for young learners. She takes pride in helping children feel confident and excited to explore new ideas. As a preschool aide, she is passionate about supporting each child’s unique needs and ensuring the classroom operates smoothly.
