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Hidaya Academy of Champaign Urbana
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  • About Us
    • Mission and Vision
    • Meet the board
    • Meet the team
  • Academics and Services
    • Pre-Kindergarten
    • Elementary School K-7
    • Whole Child Philosphy
    • Illinois ISBE Recognition
    • Hidaya Basketball
    • Extracurriculars
  • Admissions
    • Admission Requirements
    • Tuition and Scholarships
    • Admissions Check List
  • Donate
  • Employment
  • Contact Us
  • Parent Resources
  • Hot Lunch
  • Volunteer
  • Prayers at Hidaya
  • Musallah Booking
  • Maintenance Request
Hidaya Academy of Champaign Urbana
  • Home
  • About Us
    • Mission and Vision
    • Meet the board
    • Meet the team
  • Academics and Services
    • Pre-Kindergarten
    • Elementary School K-7
    • Whole Child Philosphy
    • Illinois ISBE Recognition
    • Hidaya Basketball
    • Extracurriculars
  • Admissions
    • Admission Requirements
    • Tuition and Scholarships
    • Admissions Check List
  • Donate
  • Employment
  • Contact Us
  • Parent Resources
  • Hot Lunch
  • Volunteer
  • Prayers at Hidaya
  • Musallah Booking
  • Maintenance Request

Administrative Team

Ms. Alaa- Principal

Ala Barakat is the Principal of of Hidaya Academy. She holds a Master of Education in Education Policy, Organization, and Leadership with a concentration in HR and Management from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and a BS in English Language and Literature from Al-Balqa’a Applied University. With extensive experience in various educational contexts, including homeschool co-ops, private, and public schools, Ala has been a dedicated community member since 2016. She has held several key roles at Hidaya Academy, including Education Committee Chair and Senior Administrator Implementation Liaison, where she has spearheaded curriculum development, authored school policies, and led key projects and events. Ala is committed to fostering an Islamic nurturing environment and working collaboratively to ensure a successful and enriching experience for all students at Hidaya Academy.


Bachelors in English Language and Literature

Masters in Educational Policy Organizations and Leadership


Administrative Assistants

Ms. Enas-

Ms. Enas-

Ms. Enas-

Ms. Asma

Ms. Enas-

Ms. Enas-

Hidaya Academy is important to me because it provides students with a strong academic education while nurturing Islamic values and character. I am grateful to be part of a school that supports students, families, and the community in such a meaningful way.

I earned my Bachelor’s degree in Pharmacy from Jordan. My background in healthcare

Hidaya Academy is important to me because it provides students with a strong academic education while nurturing Islamic values and character. I am grateful to be part of a school that supports students, families, and the community in such a meaningful way.

I earned my Bachelor’s degree in Pharmacy from Jordan. My background in healthcare has strengthened my attention to detail, organization, and communication skills. I am excited to bring these skills to Hidaya Academy and support our students, staff, and families.


Teachers

Ms. Tamala-Kindergarten Teacher

Ms. Aicha- Kindergarten through Sixth Grade Arabic and Quran Teacher

Ms. Fatima- Kindergarten, First and Second Grade ELA Teacher

Sister Tamala graduated from  Eastern Illinois University with a Bachelors degree in Early Childhood Development 0 to 5. She taught at Headstart for over 20 years specializing in reading readiness. She developed a Kid Fit program at the Champaign Fitness Center that included education on healthy choices and social emotional learning, whil

Sister Tamala graduated from  Eastern Illinois University with a Bachelors degree in Early Childhood Development 0 to 5. She taught at Headstart for over 20 years specializing in reading readiness. She developed a Kid Fit program at the Champaign Fitness Center that included education on healthy choices and social emotional learning, while she was homeschooling her six children. Sister Tamala has taught pre-K through first grade at DEEN homeschool co-op for five years. Recently she became certified as a reading interventionist focusing on structured multi-sensory literacy. During the summer she teaches at Camp Monarch through College for Kids at Parkland College and provides individual tutoring for local children that struggle with learning disabilities such as dyslexia. She believes in educating the whole child and helping everyone find their superpower.


Bachelors degree in Early Childhood

Dyslexia Education Specialist

Teaching experience- 30 years

Ms. Fatima- Kindergarten, First and Second Grade ELA Teacher

Ms. Aicha- Kindergarten through Sixth Grade Arabic and Quran Teacher

Ms. Fatima- Kindergarten, First and Second Grade ELA Teacher

"Hidaya Academy being the first Islamic school in Champaign is an exciting opportunity for us as a community to assist in anyway possible. I am excited to be a part of its initial phase.  I pray that Hidaya is successful in providing these young children with a firm understanding of Islam.

I have been blessed to raise my nieces and nephew

"Hidaya Academy being the first Islamic school in Champaign is an exciting opportunity for us as a community to assist in anyway possible. I am excited to be a part of its initial phase.  I pray that Hidaya is successful in providing these young children with a firm understanding of Islam.

I have been blessed to raise my nieces and nephews. They have been a huge part of my life and still are. I also have worked with children at a women’s shelter. We would just have play time with them for about a hour each day. Even though I only spent an hour a day with those children, I realized that being a caretaker/teacher is not only about the task at hand but showing love and empathy towards children has a greater impact. " -Sister Fatima


Master of Social Work- 12 years of experience
Bachelor of Arts in Sociology

Ms. Aicha- Kindergarten through Sixth Grade Arabic and Quran Teacher

Ms. Aicha- Kindergarten through Sixth Grade Arabic and Quran Teacher

Ms. Aicha- Kindergarten through Sixth Grade Arabic and Quran Teacher

"I'm so excited to be part of Hidaya Academy Team to be among of the Quran family members who our prophet Muhammad said about them: "خيركم من تعلم القرآن وعلمه" I want to teach Quran as dawa
I want to put my print with you in this blessing work
وخرج الترمذي من حديث أبي أمامة -رضي الله عنه- عن النبي -صلى الله عليه وسلم- قال: «إن الله وملا

"I'm so excited to be part of Hidaya Academy Team to be among of the Quran family members who our prophet Muhammad said about them: "خيركم من تعلم القرآن وعلمه" I want to teach Quran as dawa
I want to put my print with you in this blessing work
وخرج الترمذي من حديث أبي أمامة -رضي الله عنه- عن النبي -صلى الله عليه وسلم- قال: «إن الله وملائكته وأهل السموات والأرضين، حتى النملة في جحرها، وحتى الحوت في البحر؛ ليصلون على معلمي الناس الخير». وصححه الترمذي.
نرجو الله سبحانه الإخلاص والقبول


Bachelor of Islamic Studies

Islamic Studies and Arabic Teacher 14 years

Ms. Lara- Pre- Kindergarten Teacher

Ms. Aicha- Kindergarten through Sixth Grade Arabic and Quran Teacher

Ms. Aicha- Kindergarten through Sixth Grade Arabic and Quran Teacher

" Hidaya Academy is important to me because it provides a nurturing Islamic environment where children can grow academically, socially, and spiritually. I am grateful to be part of a school that helps students develop a love for learning while strengthening their faith and character.

I have several years of experience teaching children.

" Hidaya Academy is important to me because it provides a nurturing Islamic environment where children can grow academically, socially, and spiritually. I am grateful to be part of a school that helps students develop a love for learning while strengthening their faith and character.

I have several years of experience teaching children. Before joining Hidaya Academy, I taught Arabic and Qur’an at the Muslim American Society (MAS). I later joined Hidaya Academy, where I have continued supporting students in their learning journey. "

Mr. Muhammad- Physical Education Teacher

Mr. Muhammad- Physical Education Teacher

Mr. Muhammad- Physical Education Teacher

"I am thrilled to be part of the Hidaya team because I am passionate about benefiting the community and supporting Islam in our local area. With six years of experience teaching children in physical activities and an associate in sciences, I am eager to contribute my expertise and work with like-minded individuals to make a positive impac

"I am thrilled to be part of the Hidaya team because I am passionate about benefiting the community and supporting Islam in our local area. With six years of experience teaching children in physical activities and an associate in sciences, I am eager to contribute my expertise and work with like-minded individuals to make a positive impact on the community's well-being." Brother Muhammad


Associate in Excercise Science and Kinesology

Bachelor in Excercise Science- pending

Physical education experience- 8 years


Mr. Younis- Fourth Grade Teacher

Mr. Muhammad- Physical Education Teacher

Mr. Muhammad- Physical Education Teacher

My educational journey began with a specialization in teaching children with autism, where I developed a strong foundation in patience, adaptability, and individualized instruction. I later transitioned into the field of social work for several years while earning my degree in elementary education and obtaining my teaching license.

Now en

My educational journey began with a specialization in teaching children with autism, where I developed a strong foundation in patience, adaptability, and individualized instruction. I later transitioned into the field of social work for several years while earning my degree in elementary education and obtaining my teaching license.

Now entering my second year at Hidaya Academy, I am truly grateful for the opportunity to educate and inspire the next generation of young Muslims. Hidaya holds a special place in my heart because it integrates Islamic values into every aspect of the educational experience. There is no greater privilege than helping students achieve academic excellence while nurturing their Islamic character, love for learning, and relationship with Allah. It is a blessing to be part of an environment where faith and education go hand in hand, preparing students for success in both this life and the Hereafter, inshAllah.

Mr. Lateef- 1st Grade Teacher

Dr. Gihan- Science Curriculum Head

Mr. Malik-Second Grade Teacher

Mr. Malik-Second Grade Teacher

Dr. Gihan- Science Curriculum Head

Mr. Malik-Second Grade Teacher

Ms.Noor- Third Grade Teacher

Dr. Gihan- Science Curriculum Head

Dr. Gihan- Science Curriculum Head

Dr. Gihan- Science Curriculum Head

Dr. Gihan- Science Curriculum Head

Dr. Gihan- Science Curriculum Head

Ms. Alirah- English Language Art Curriculum Head

Ms. Alirah- English Language Art Curriculum Head

Ms. Alirah- English Language Art Curriculum Head

Mr. Idrees- Teacher Assistant

Ms. Alirah- English Language Art Curriculum Head

Ms. Alirah- English Language Art Curriculum Head

Ms. Raeda- Teacher Assistant

Ms. Alirah- English Language Art Curriculum Head

Ms. Summya- Teacher Assistant

Ms. Summya- Teacher Assistant

Ms. Alirah- English Language Art Curriculum Head

Ms. Summya- Teacher Assistant

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