Sample invitation for teachers

LETTER TO SOCIAL STUDIES & WORLD AND AMERICAN HISTORY TEACHERS

Dear Social Studies & World and American History Teachers,

Greetings of Peace! To supplement curriculum relating to the study of Islam and Muslims in the context of social studies & history, this letter includes information about the following teacher’s resources:

• Free interactive presentations about Islam and Muslims
• Online Calendar of Islamic holidays 2016-2021
• Online catalog of teacher’s resources
• Online tools for reducing harassment of Muslim and Arab students
• Online critiques of fictional readings used for complementing the study of Islam & Muslims

For Teaches and Administrators

If you are interested in inviting guest speakers to your classroom, please contact us at (480) 946-0626 or email us at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. And you may also schedule a speaker on our website at Speaker Request Form.

1. Free Interactive Presentations About Islam & Muslims:
   In light of the ongoing conflict in Iraq and the threat of terrorism that continues to overshadow our nation, now more than ever, it is important for students to meet Muslim and Arab Americans, interact with them as fellow human beings and have them answer student questions. The Islamic Speakers Bureau of Arizona is pleased to offer you the chance to have local Muslim Americans who are certified speakers visit your classroom. Upon your request, they will deliver free interactive presentations that are specially designed for middle and high school students to supplement their study of Islam and Muslim cultures in the context of social studies and history.
   
   These presentations include the following:
   • Getting to Know American Muslims and Their Faith – For grades 7-12, 45 minute presentation – Our most popular presentation covers the basic beliefs, and practices of Islam in relation to other major religions, holidays
   • Muslim Contributions to Civilization – For grades 7-12, 45-90 minute presentation – Reviews contributions made by Muslims, Christians, and Jews, highlighting advances in food, clothing, furniture, science, medicine, arts and much more!
   • Muslim Women Beyond the Stereotypes – For grades 7-12, 10-45 minute presentation – Includes common stereotypes, the role of women in Islam, and important Muslim women in history and the modern world.
   • A history of Muslims in America – For grades 8 and 11, 45-90 minute presentation – Present an account of America’s earliest Muslims, including enslaved West Africans.
   • Abrahamic Panel – For grades 7-12, 45 minute presentation – Jewish, Christian, and Muslim speakers cover the basic beliefs and practices of each faith as well as holidays and celebrations.
   For Teaches and Administrators
   • Understanding Muslim Students: Fostering An Inclusive Environment – This training addresses common stereotypes and their sources providing an overview of Islam and Muslim culture while offering information on resources for teaching aids and tips for interfacing with Muslim students and their families.
2. Online Calendar of Islamic Holidays for the Years 2016-2021:
   Supplementing this letter is a Calendar of Islamic Holy Days for the Years 2016-2021. Recognizing these holy days not only brings awareness to diversity within the student population, but also instills pride in Muslim students who celebrate them. Muslim students are often embarrassed or shy to address these practices or holy days, which are not yet known in American culture.
   
   For more information or to schedule a guest speaker for your classroom, please contact us at (480) 946-0626 or email us at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. You may also schedule a speaker on our website at Speaker Request Form

Sincerely,

Azra Hussain

ISBA President

***About our Speakers: ISBA speakers adhere to the First Amendment Center’s “A Teacher’s Guide to Religion in the Public Schools.” For more information on the guidelines, visit the First Amendment Center.

ISBA speakers are certified after a rigorous process of training, testing, and observation in a live setting by veteran trainers.