Learners' stories

Ms Hanna is the type to empower her students. Her gentleness and empathy provides a comfortable space for quiet students like myself to speak up during discussions. Her honesty in providing feedback and constructive criticism motivates me to do better not only academically as a student, but also as a person in general. The way she carries herself with confidence and dignity when teaching made me reflect deeply on myself and inspired me to be a more active and competent learner. Just as she is competent as an educator, I aspired to be the same. In many ways, Ms Hanna helped me to develop the intrinsic motivation needed to learn and study that I still carry and apply to this day.

I’m a graduate student from Shorouq Al Mamlakah International School in Saudi Arabia. My experience with Teacher Hanna was cut short unfortunately and was not very long, however, she used to have us sit down in a circle and talk about whatever was on our minds for that week.

She also went out of her way to privately talk to each student and encourage them in every way she could and guide them to the right path in life.

She was one of the few teachers who truly cared and made sure her students knew it. She was and is an amazing teacher, and I could not be more envious of anyone who can still learn from her.

She made me feel truly cared about, and I really looked forward to our talks, and she felt like a sister to me. I'm very thankful for my experiences with her.

Miss Hanna had taught English literature back when I was a high school student, I’ve earned a lot of information and techniques to make it easier for my SATs. And her class was one of the most enjoyable classes because of the modern and flexible methods she uses with students.

I have known Miss Hanna for years now as she was my former English teacher. She is an excellent mentor since she uses different approaches that are inclined to her students’ learning styles.

Back in KSA, my vocabulary was restricted to words I encountered both regularly and on social media since this wasn’t my first language. Miss Hannaji assisted me with my fluency in the English language, which I continue to use now. Besides that, I had previously struggled to write in line with the academic standards, thanks to her guidance, I was able to complete tasks like essays, book reviews, journals, etc. with ease.

I've also gotten better at giving speeches and simply speaking up front because she helped me gain confidence in how to convey what I intend to say. Ever since she handled my class, I gained the skills necessary to handle unforeseen circumstances where I would have to use a microphone and address an audience without a script prepared beforehand.

Miss Hanna, as all students would grow to call her, never failed to show the greatest passion for her students and profession alike. She had a huge role in helping me understand and practice English as a second language. The dynamic and interesting approaches she used in class were very unique to her. Looking at how fundamental the language is for my everyday life, I will forever be grateful for her tremendous efforts.

One of the best teachers i have ever learned from. Every class with Miss Hannaji was a great combination of fun and learning, which kept me always interested and eager to learn. By the end, i felt very comfortable in using the English language in my everyday life whether it be while speaking or reading, and to this day I am still thankful to Miss Hannaji for her hard work and dedication in making sure i become the best English speaker i could become.

Ms. Hanna is hands down one of the most inspirational people I’ve ever met. She played a huge role in making my Highschool experience very memorable and I couldn’t thank her enough for the constant guidance and assistance she has provided me, be it in English class or simply by doing my makeup before a declamation contest. She’s truly a mentor and a friend who will bring out the best in you and I’m forever grateful for having got to meet someone like her, someone who continues to inspire me to this very day.

She is enthusiastic in teaching. She did activities that were both creative and easy for the students to engage in and have fun at them as well! She made learning English a joy (especially to me as it was somehow a difficult subject for me.)

She is also very friendly and attentive to the students. It is very easy to approach her about your mistakes and receive a thorough feedback.

Ms. Hanna was my teacher in Literature back in the 10th grade. If it wasn’t for her, I would not know that I actually would be interested in reading novels! She has a way of teaching where she would share personal insights and experiences that will better help you understand a certain topic, not only that it clears the boredom but makes the learning much more relatable. Also, back in high school, I have always loved joining public speaking contests and events and I am glad that in a number of those events she was the one who mentored me because she really help me improve my speech, confidence, and presence. She is very well-spoken, intelligent, and relatable!

They say that only very few students find teachers who truly encourage a change in a student’s life.

You’re an inspiration to students and other teachers alike. You’ve activated a hunger for knowledge and wisdom, inspiring me to plan my future and become a better individual. Thanks for everything I will forever be grateful to the astonishing education you have provided me with and I cannot wait to see what else you will do with other students ahead!!❤️

I’m Mariam Osama. I’m from Egypt. I’m graduating from school this year and Ms. Hanna was my teacher in grade 9. Although Ms. Hanna taught me for just about a year, I’ve learned a lot. My native language is Arabic and I started practicing English and using it fully with Ms.Hanna. I’ve learned how to stop using Arabic in the middle of my sentences, I learned how to write articles, I learned how to present in English with confidence. Most importantly, from Ms. Hanna I realized that it is OK to make mistakes, learn from them and also, be confident while talking because this really matters. Now I could say that I can open conversations, talk to foreigners without hesitation, and write essays confidently. I’m super thankful for you teacher, and for every single effort you gave me. Thank you.

I had so many ways to get to my destination, but you showed me the right one. You were so generous with your time and efforts. You made our English class joyful, and prepared us not just for academics, but also for life. You have changed so many lives with your knowledge and wisdom. All the wonderful lessons you gave will forever stay with me.

It is undeniably true that we tend to appreciate things in our lives only after they are gone. We realize the absence, the inexplainable void, that has abruptly filled our lives. Lessons like these should redirect us to understanding the importance of appreciation, gratitude, and living in the present moment. That, perhaps, was the first lesson taught to me by Miss Hanna.

Miss Hanna never spoke as merely an English teacher. She spoke like a mentor. She taught her students values before grammar rules, ethics before sentence structures, and morals before sophisticated English vocabulary (indeed, she has taught me the most sophisticated words ever!). I think these characteristics are what made her really stand out amongst everyone. Today, I am beyond grateful to have experienced the most fun, insightful, and life changing classes with Miss Hanna. Without a shadow of doubt, Miss Hanna is one of the best, most understanding, and most inspirational English teachers out there. My middle school self should have realized that sooner and appreciated being a student of such a wonderful teacher.