DEARBORN — On Friday, January 31, community leaders and local residents gathered at Byblos Banquets to celebrate the retirement of long-time Dearborn Public School educator Hassane Jaafar. 

Jaafar, who announced his retirement in December, has been involved with Dearborn Public Schools since 1979, when he started as a para-pro at McDonald Elementary School. In 1987, he became involved at Fordson High School as a community liaison.

Jaafar with Mayor Jack O’Reilly (left).

In 1993, Jaafar became a science teacher at Edsel Ford High School. Following a four year run there, he became Assistant Principal at O.L. Smith Middle School in 1997. In 2002, he lead O.L. Smith when he became principal there. 

After five years as the principal at the Middle School, Jaafar went back to Edsel Ford High School, where he began a stint as the school Principal in 2007. In 2012, Jaafar became the Coordinator and Director of Curriculum at the Dearborn Public School District central office. 

Jaafar says working at Dearborn Public Schools his entire career has allowed him to witness the growth and progress of the local Arab American community.

“The bilingual program in particular needs to be highlighted because you have so many successful students who became doctors, lawyers, engineers and teachers. Students who were part of the program have become teachers themselves. It’s a remarkable feat when you see students excelling and succeeding at all fronts,” Jaafar says.

Along with his wife and two children, Jaafar was joined by family and friends at the retirement party. Also present there was Mayor Jack O’Reilly, Dearborn Public School Superintendent Brian Whiston, Dearborn Police Chief Ron Haddad and Dearborn School Board President Hussein Berry. 

“I was so honored to see so many wonderful people celebrating my retirement with me. I have been blessed in so many ways,” Jaafar added.