Celebrating heritage and learning

Nazira Sahial has created an environment where students can feel seen, safe and nurtured in her prekindergarten classroom at Personalized Learning Academy at Highland Meadows because she understands the importance of celebrating and honoring ancestries like hers, especially during Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month in May. 

Originally on a path to become a doctor, Sahial discovered her true passion in education while working as an elementary school paraprofessional, or teacher’s assistant, during her undergraduate studies at Dallas College.

“I started to reconnect with a childhood memory. One day I had this image of myself ripping out packets for the kids in my family,” Sahial said. “Something inside of me went off like a light bulb. This is what made me want to become a teacher.”

Raised in a multigenerational household in San Diego, Calif., Sahial, who is of Afghan descent, spent her early years surrounded by family, playing school with her cousins, foreshadowing her future.

As an adult, she joined a teacher certification program at TechTeach Across Texas. While in the program, Sahial became a secretary at a school in Richardson ISD, finally taking a step into the classroom as a prekindergarten aide.

Soon after, she landed her first teaching position at Highland Meadows, where she has been a prekindergarten teacher for three years.

Her classroom is a creative learning environment that supports her student’s social emotional well-being by providing centers filled with magnet tiles and Legos, brain breaks, free time for students, and breakfast. 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.” 

Now in her third year of teaching, Sahial has continued 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 really wants to know my background, I say that I am Central Asian,” 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 philosophy as a teacher is to ensure authenticity in her classroom, hoping that students will know to be understanding towards one another. She strives to make each student feel a sense of belonging, encouraging them to embrace who they are without feeling the need to be someone they are not.

“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. “It can feel vulnerable, especially in this political climate, but I take a lot of pride in who I am.”