Teacher Biographies
Principal: Principal - Huma S. Baig
Huma S. Baig has been appointed the Interim Principal of the Huda Academy effective 2011- 2012 academic year. After moving to Arkansas from Texas, Huma currently resides in Little Rock with her husband and two daughters. Huma was born in Karachi, Pakistan and completed her basic undergraduate education from a Convent school in Karachi. Later, she attended St. Joseph’s College for Women also in Karachi, graduating in 1980 with major in Economics, History and Political Science. She started her teaching career as a pre- kindergarten teacher in 1988 and from then on, has been associated with various organizations. She was employed by the Beacon House School System and The City School Systems, the two most reputable private school organizations in Pakistan. During the succeeding twenty years, Huma held the positions of lead teacher, vice principal, principal and staff trainer at these prestigious institutions. During the course of her professional career, she has attended various workshops, conferences and courses that helped her grow both personally and professionally. Huma has also been instrumental in conducting workshops for the professional training and development of teachers in her supervisory capacity as a lead administrator. Huma strongly believes that parents and staff need to work collaboratively for the students and that the responsibility of the principal is to ensure that children receive quality education within a safe and respectful environment. Her ideology equates learning as a process of progressive change from ignorance to knowledge, then onto competence and understanding. Along this spectrum, she designates the teachers as the means for helping students achieve these goals, and relies on good teachers and not programs to make a difference in a student’s life. Huma can be reached at huma@hudaacademy.org.
PreK - Saliha Qazi
Saliha Qazi has joined the Huda Academy this year as Pre-Kindergarten teacher. She has elaborated a thorough and extensive curriculum that encompasses Arts & Craft, Science, and Social Studies for the Pre-K classes. Saliha took her GED from the Northwest Arkansas Community College after which she completed additional courses in studio arts and its practical application in different projects. This is expressed to its fullest in the myriad of arts & crafts projects that the Pre-K students undertake on an almost daily basis. She is currently enrolled at Pulaski Tech College for evening classes where she will be completing Associates Degree with major in Business and minor in Studio Arts by next year. She is a reliable, studious, detail- oriented individual who maintains a high standard of professionalism. Saliha likes to spend her free time outdoors with her family either hiking or visiting amusement parks. Her hobbies include swimming and reading books. Saliha can be reached at saliha@hudaacademy.org.
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PreK - Allyson Mott
After graduating from Southern Arkansas University in 2004 with a B.S. in Psychology and a B.S. in Criminal Justice, Allyson Mott enrolled in the state's Non-Traditional Licensure Program. She completed the program in 2006 and received her standard P-4 teaching licensure. She is currently eligible to teach preschool through fourth grade classes. Allyson has also enrolled in graduate school at the University of Central Arkansas, pursuing a degree of Master's of Science in Education with emphasis in Reading/Literacy Education. Upon completion of the program, she will have the opportunity to become a reading specialist in the state of Arkansas. Allyson strongly believes that passion and purpose go hand in hand. With a passion for children, she strives to help them grow physically, emotionally and socially, to discover a love of learning, to develop curiosity, and to create life-long learners. Allyson can be reached at allyson@hudaacademy.org.
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PreK: Aziza Al - Sakkaf
Aziza Al Sakkaf has been teaching Arabic and Islamic Studies in Pre-Kindergarten at Huda Academy for the past eight years. Born in Ethiopia, she grew up in Yemen, where she graduated from Sana'a University with a degree in Business Administration. After graduation, she also taught 1st grade in Yemen for a couple of years before moving to United States. Aziza has been living in Little Rock since 2003, and has been an integral part of the Pre- kindergarten Islamic education. She is a well- respected educator, a beloved teacher and a favorite of the toddlers. Aziza can be reached at aziza@hudaacademy.org.
Kindergarten - April Davis
April Davis is a native Arkansan, born and raised in Jacksonville, Arkansas. She received her Bachelor of Arts degree in Early Childhood Education PreK-4 from the University of Central Arkansas in 2004. She currently holds standard P- 4 teaching licensure for the state of Arkansas and is currently eligible to teach Pre- kindergarten through Grade 4. Starting her career as a substitute teacher in various public and private schools for a few years, lately April has worked as a certified kindergarten teacher in Little Rock for the past 4 years. She continues to make best use of her experience and qualifications while at Huda Academy, where she has taken over as the lead kindergarten teacher starting this year. April can be reached at april@hudaacademy.org.
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First Grade - Molly Poff
Molly Poff joined The Huda Academy after working with the Central Arkansas Library System for two years. Mrs. Poff holds a B.A., Art History from Southern Methodist University, Dallas, TX and a M.A., History of Design from Parsons, the New School, New York City, NY. Since moving back to Arkansas, Mrs. Poff has taken Early Childhood Education and Literacy classes through Harding University, and is working towards obtaining her Non-Traditional Arkansas Teaching License. She is extremely excited to have the opportunity to work with the students and staff at The Huda Academy, where she teaches First Grade and Art. Molly can be reached at molly@hudaacademy.org.
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Second Grade - Rebecca Renuard
Rebecca Renuard earned her Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood Education from Arkansas Tech University, graduating in May 2010. During her last semester of college, she completed a 15-week internship in a third-grade classroom at a public elementary school. While in college, she also completed several hours of observership and teaching lessons in classrooms ranging from preschool to grade 4. In addition, she has been a substitute teacher in the Pulaski County Special School District and the Cabot Public School District. Rebecca brings her pleasant demeanorand excellent work ethics to the Huda Academy, where she is serving as the lead teacher for 3rd grade. Rebecca can be reached at rebecca@hudaacademy.org.
Third Grade - Marcie Woodruff
Marcie Woodruff has lived in Little Rock most of her life. She attended the University of Dallas where she graduated in 1974 with a BA in Education and a Minor in English. She remained in Dallas to teach for two years following graduation. Marcie returned to Little Rock where she has continued to teach for the last 32 years. Consequently, she has amassed an extensive teaching experience, having had taught grades ranging from 1st through 8th over the last 3 decades. Through her teaching career, Marcie has been a Cheerleading Sponsor, head of the Sunshine Committee, conducted weekly Math Club meetings after school, arranged for her class to attend various Math Competitions, and was in charge of the 8th grade Class Trip and Graduation. She exudes a remarkable fondness and love for children and derives great fulfillment in their success. Marcie is happily married with two daughters and two granddaughters. Her favorite ‘southern’ pastime includes her three favorite things outside of teaching: being with her family, fishing, and gardening. She holds a valid Arkansas Teacher’s License and was nominated and received Teacher of the Year in 2003 by the Knights of Columbus. Since joining the Huda Academy this year, Marcie is serving as the lead 2nd grade teacher.
Marcie can be reached at marcie@hudaacademy.org.
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Fourth Grade - Aisha Ashraf
Aisha Ashraf was born in Oklahoma and raised in Washington, D.C. In her undergraduate years, she was very involved in the All Dulles Area Muslim Society (ADAMS) Center events in Northern Virginia. Consequently, she holds the belief that the foundation of an Islamic community starts with the children and youth. Aisha attended George Mason University in Fairfax, Virginia where she earned a Bachelor’s in History and a minor in Islamic Studies. She also served on the photography committee for the University’s magazine, “Voxpop.” While at George Mason University she was the secretary of the D.C. Council of Muslim Students Association (MSA) as well, a collaboration with six other colleges in the D.C area coming together to organize events to bring awareness to Islam. Aisha got her start in the field of education as a long term substitute for three months for 9th grade biology in the Fairfax County Public School Systems. In 2007-2008 she moved to Tulsa, Oklahoma and worked at Peace Academy as a 7-11th grade History teacher. From 2008-2009 she lived in Chicago, IL and taught at the College Preparatory School of America (CPSA), teaching 7-9th grade History. After moving to Little Rock, Aisha has been with the Huda Academy starting this year as 4th grade Social Studies & Science teacher, as well as helping out with the office managerial duties. Aisha can be reached at aisha@hudaacademy.org.
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Arabic - Mona Moustafa
Sister Mona has been a teacher at the Huda Academy for the past nine years, teaching Arabic and Islamic Studies. She was born in Damascus, Syria where she grew up and earned a degree in Arabic Language at the University of Damascus. About 16 years ago she immigrated to the United States with her loving family that includes her husband, one daughter and two sons. She considers herself blessed having the Huda Academy as her second family where she grooms tens of intelligent and bright sons and daughters on a daily basis. Sister Mona is well- known for her sincerity, integrity and hard work, striving each day to provide her students with the best education. She is guided by the premise that Islam teaches us to read and learn all our life, where education and knowledge is of immense importance. She seeks to fashion her life according to the words of Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) who said that the best amongst you is the one who learns and teaches. Sister Mona is also currently serving as the Assistant Principal for academic affairs at the Huda Academy and is the director of Arabic & Islamic Studies curriculum. Mona can be reached at mona@hudaacademy.org.
Arabic & Islamic Studies - Raeda Al-Barakat
Raeda can be reached at raeda@hudaacademy.org.