Dearborn – On Thursday of last week, March the 13th, the Education Committee at Bint Jebail Cultural Center held its annual event in honor of Arab American educators. Traditionally in Middle Eastern countries, and specifically in Lebanon, schools are not in session on Educator’s Day or “Eid al-Mu’alem” as it is referred to in Arabic. 

As Dr. Dib Saab, a senior member on the Education Committee, explained, “A great emphasis and importance are dedicated to educators in the Middle East, whereas here in the U.S., teachers are simply appreciated with a symbolic gesture, such as a breakfast for their hard work during Teacher Appreciation Week in the first week of May.”  In recognizing local Arab American teachers, mentors, and administrators, the Education Committee aimed to extend the tradition from back home to their second home in Dearborn.  More importantly, as Mr. Saab reiterated, the principal reason behind the appreciation ceremony is to “mobilize the Arab American educators so that they may have the power of decision making and to allow them to lobby for our students in the school system.”  Dr. Dib also noted that this event “also provides teachers with a networking opportunity.”

Bint Jebail Cultural Center was congested with attendees, including Dr. John Artis, Superintendent of Dearborn Public Schools; Maria Vaskuez, Director of the Bilingual Department in Detroit Public Schools; Dearborn Heights 20th District Court Judge David Turfe; and the majority of local school principals, K-12 teachers, assistant mentors and para-professionals.

The reception began with welcoming remarks presented by Ali Hammoud, president of Bint Jebail Cultural Center. Hammoud emphasized the importance of educators in the community and their profound influence on the children. 

Speaking in both Arabic and English, Hajj Mohamed Turfe, founder of Bint Jebail Cultural Center, followed by citing the significance of recognizing our educators so that they may advocate on behalf of the community.

Dr. John Artis applauded the committee for its efforts in making this event a success and accentuated the immense impact of recognizing and honoring dedicated educators.  He said that Arab American educators are an integral part of the school system and they play a crucial role in the schools and in shaping the children’s future. 

Mr. Imad Fadlallah, principal of Fordson High School, was the featured keynote speaker and the single recipient of an award.  Dr. Dib explained that “Mr. Fadlallah’s achievements lie in the transformation of Fordson [High School]; we wanted to express our appreciation for his reviving of Fordson.”  Dr. Dib also clarified that the award was a last minute decision by the committee and ensuing years will reward more educators.  He continued, “We did not intend to single out any educators, and in my opinion, in a way, everyone is recognized, by doing something special in their own way.”

 There was agreement among all those present that such an event, which recognizes the achievements and triumphs of  Arab American educators, is indispensable to the community moving forward and to the advancement of the school system.  And as the famous Arabic proverb states, “Whoever so much as teaches me a letter, I am forever to him a servant.”

The Education Committee is heavily involved in promoting cultural and educational issues, such as organizing book signings for local Arab American authors and scholarship opportunities for the youth.  Under the auspices of the Bint Jebail Cultural Center, the Education Committee is currently offering scholarships for young Arab American students.  They recently extended the due date for submissions to April 15th.  Applicants must have maintained a 3.5 GPA or above and must submit two letters of recommendation.  Forms can be obtained from a school counselor or from Bint Jebail Cultural Center, where they would have to be dropped off once completed.  Bint Jebail Cultural Center is located at 6220 Miller Rd. in Dearborn.