Celebrating heritage and learning

Nazira Sahial has created a nurturing environment in her kindergarten classroom at Personalized Learning Academy at Highland Meadows, where students can feel seen and valued.

Her classroom is an inclusive learning environment with hands-on centers, brain breaks, and a consistent morning routine to help students feel grounded. As a new teacher during the 2022-2023 school year, Sahial was honored as a Teacher of Promise.

“It took a village for me to be able to successfully function in my classroom the first year. It’s not an easy experience for first-year teachers, so when I got the Teacher of Promise recognition so soon, I was overwhelmed,” Sahial said.

That same year, Sahial was faced with a unique situation. One of her students was blind.

“That experience changed me,” she said. “Taking on the responsibility of being my student’s eyes and daily support instilled confidence in me. It taught me the power of patience and that I can overcome anything.”

Sahial continues to create an inclusive learning environment for her students. Her approach stems not only from her professional experience but also her personal identity.

“I’m from San Diego, and that’s where I was born. If someone wants to know my background, I usually say I’m Afghan American, which is part of Central Asia,” Sahial said. “My identity of being Afghan American and being educated in public schools has helped me stay resilient. My identity has always felt very complex.”

Sahial’s parents were refugees from Afghanistan in the 1980s. She was raised in a multilingual household, speaking English, Dari, and Pashto, a foundation she believes shaped her open-mindedness and empathy towards others.

“I hope to expand my community’s knowledge of what it means to be Asian American. Most people do not think of Central Asian countries when they think of AAPI Heritage Month, but we’re a part of the story too,” she said.

She attributes her upbringing to her ability to be accepting of others and their cultures.

Sahial’s teaching philosophy is to ensure authenticity and belonging in her classroom. She encourages students to embrace who they are and to treat each other with empathy and understanding.

“Growing up in the education system, I didn’t see a lot of people who wore a hijab. So, there was not a lot of representation around me,” she said. “Representation still feels rare, but I take pride in who I am and what I represent.”