Extraordinary Educators: Mouna Fdilat // Arabic and French Teacher

 

In the spirit of this year’s school theme, “Continuing a Culture of Connection,” we’re interviewing some of the extraordinary educators at the heart of our rigorous academic program. 

 

Arabic and French teacher, Mouna Fdilat, discusses her teaching philosophies, adapting to America, and being a role model for her son.

 

This will be my fifth year teaching Arabic at Friends. I’m excited to also be teaching Middle School French this year as well.

 

I came to the United States in 2010 from Morocco. I remember the day I stepped into JFK Airport! Most of my siblings and mother are also in the United States, but I have a twin sister who still lives in Morocco. I love America, and I feel this is also my country and that I am in the right place. I have a balanced love for my home country and the U.S. 

 

My father passed away in 2015, and my education was important to him. I finished my Master’s and learned English here, and it was one of the greatest things in my life. I’m proud that I did what my father had wanted me to do. I remember his words and always get tears in my eyes.

 

 

Probably the most important thing is trust. The School is like family to me, and I treat my students the same way I treat my own child. We listen and learn from each other no matter our background.

 

Friends Seminary is like family to me. I never feel like an outsider here. Everyone has been extremely supportive and friendly—especially my first two years here. It was amazing. I love my colleagues, and Christel Johnson has been extremely supportive.

 

 

The most important thing about studying Arabic is that it can help you to better communicate with Arabs and have a better grasp of Arab culture.

 

As a native Arabic speaker, I feel my students really benefit from my familiarity with North African and Middle Eastern culture. When they ask questions pertaining to Lebanon or Saudi Arabia, I pride myself on having those answers and helping them differentiate between each Middle Eastern country and their respective norms. I love teaching Arabic at the School because our students are very curious and have to be serious about language. I also enjoy seeing our Muslim students—who may speak Arabic at home—engage with other languages at the School like Spanish and French.

 

I treat my classroom like my home—with hospitality. I want my students to really love studying language and understand different cultures. I try to mix it up and make it enjoyable with movies, music, podcasts, and cartoons.

 

 

The Quakers believed in the equality of all persons because they held the conviction that every individual possessed this "Inner Light.” They believed that the Light was the source of individual inspiration and guidance, and that it was not limited by gender, race, social status, or any other external factors.

 

 

Yes—by keeping a smile on my face, being positive always and keeping my students engaged every class because I believe that as a teacher it is important to commit to being a lifelong learner. No one can ever be flawless, and no one can ever know it all. Therefore, I know I can never be a perfect teacher, but I am determined to try my best at everything I do. I am dedicated to always continuing to learn, and strive to be the best teacher I can be.

 

 

For over six years I taught Advanced French online through the Berlitz Language Center. My government students were from a diverse background in the FBI, NYPD, and United States military. I was able to seamlessly transition to distance learning during the pandemic at Friends in five ways:

 

It was a great experience for our students in the Arabic program to share what they learned from me and Joseph at Arabic Culture Night, where parents were able to get a glimpse of what their children had been doing in class. It was a fun, enjoyable, and educational evening. 

 

 

Remember to focus on what is best for you in the long run instead of what feels easy or right in the moment. Start projects and homework early so that if you need help you have time to seek out support. 

 

 

My advice is to set your language goals. 

Learn common vocabulary. 

Find a style that works for you. 

Practice speaking.

Connect with a native speaker.

Consume media. 

Engage with the culture. 

Make travel plans.

 

 

I’m reading a book in Arabic by Hoda Barakat titled Sayyidi Wa Habibi. The book focuses on the relationship between a son and father.

 

 

I currently listen to Fairuz, a Lebanese artist considered to be one of the most prominent giants of Arabic music in the modern era, and some call her “the harp of the sky.” She was awarded the title of “Ambassador of Arab Artists,” and her artwork was described as having a “humanitarian character.”

 

 

I remember very fondly the games I used to play with my sisters. Especially in the evenings. Each day we played different games after school. I’m a twin, and I just always remember us together. I’m also really close with my younger sister, who is also a French and Arabic teacher at an independent school. We are all very close. We’re like a trio—a really good team!

 

 

My family. We are always helping each other and have a mutual respect for time and personal space. Before love is respect.

 

 

I spend my summers with my family.

 

 

You want your family to be proud of you and to support them. For me, I think about what the benefits are for an immigrant, the benefit of leaving my country, my neighborhood, and my friends. I want to do something in this life, in American society, and to prove myself and keep learning. Every day I learn something from my students, my colleagues, my husband, and even my two-year-old son. I try to be a good role model for him.