Sharyland North Junior High School

Integrated Physics & Chemistry/8th Grade Science/GTT-DM & AR

 

A native of Pakistan, Khaleda is the youngest of eight children. Three of her sisters and one brother are in the teaching field so it's no wonder that she says she comes from a family of educators. Khaleda obtained her first Master's of science degree in Zoology in 1985 with Distinct Honors from the University of Punjab, Pakistan. In 1989, she came in United States where she received her second Master's of Science degree in Physics & Secondary Science Education from the University of Texas Pan American (UTPA) with Highest Honors. She is certified to teach Grade 6-12 Science Composite & Grade 6-12 Biology. Khaleda and her two boys Jahshan, 27 (Ph.D., Aerospace Engineering UT Austin), and Aqyan, 26 (Graduate student Materials Science and Engineering at UT Austin), settled in McAllen 24 years ago and they have developed a great love for South Texas. Khaleda has been teaching science at Sharyland ISD for 22 years (8 years at B. L. Gray JH and 13 years at Sharyland North JH), helping students to gain knowledge in critical subjects such as Integrated Physics & Chemistry,7th grade,8th grade Integrated science, GTT1-DM & AR, and STAAR Academy. She currently serves as the head of the Science Department and has been member of Curriculum Collaborative for Last 3 years. In 2002, she was honored as the Middle school Teacher of the Year for Tech Prep of the Rio Grande Valley, Inc and was selected for inclusion in 2002 edition of "Who's Who Among American Teachers." In 2003, She also received "H-E-B Excellence in Teaching Award" Rising Star/Secondary/South Texas Region. She was one of the Statewide Finalist for 2003 and semi finalist for 2010 & 2011 "H-E-B Excellence in Teaching Award." She was also part of Region1 Curriculum Collaborative team to write the science curriculum for State of Texas. She believes that we live in a rapidly changing world where it is more important than ever to motivate as well as to prepare students for the challenges of the future. Khaleda brings to the classroom a variety of teaching tools, including multimedia and high-tech strategies designed to engage her students. She believes that the development of scientific laboratory experiences and inquiry-based learning are essential in fostering student interest and nurturing them to reach their highest potential. In order to create meaning, she works to relate all of her lessons to real-life experiences and situations. She allows her students to naturally develop academic skills to gain an interest in the world around them and to become life-long learners.