# data[].attributes.body
I used this headshot for the Oklahoma state teacher of the year portfolio. It's my go to pic for now.

# data[].attributes.body
My little family.
Mohamed
Rebecka
Ali-11
Sami-5

# data[].attributes.body
The UTPA  cohort 1 was a group of AMAZING educators committed to underserved populations. Urban education became my passion!

# data[].attributes.body
My FABULOUS cohort. This group of educators helped me grow as a person and professional over the past two years. I hold them all in high regard.

# data[].attributes.body
Each year students volunteer to come back to school on summer break and help me clean and organize my classroom. This is the first day of summer break last year.

# data[].attributes.body
Establishing this garden and outdoor classroom was a process. I was awarded a grant to cover the initial expenses but lacked the knowledge about planting seasons. Oklahoma arvest provided the missing piece and upgraded our wood frames to these beautiful stone beds with the help of the Junior League. This is truly a community project as the local neighborhood donates plants each year and helps maintain the garden.

# data[].attributes.body
Daisy is my therapy dog. Together we are a team licensed to serve in schools and nursing homes. Ireceived her through grant funding. She has since become part of the family.

# data[].attributes.body
Mayfest is an annual tradition and school carnival. My booth has always been pie face. I paint my own boards.I had King Kong for a while. It is a huge hit. Look at their faces!

# data[].attributes.body
My beautiful mentor was Darlene Teh. She passed unexpectedly a few years ago. It was a hard time. That is me in the Clifford suit.

# data[].attributes.body
Working with the Latino community has taught me a lot about diverse cultures. I have enjoyed immersing myself in my students celebrations and traditions.

# data[].attributes.body
We won 1st overall Team Champion and robotic design. I was honored with coach of the year.

# data[].attributes.body
Looks hard, huh? Daisy was written into an academic learning plan for this student as an intervention. Cuddling Daisy while working kept her calm and focused because she didn't want to disturb the "baby."

# data[].attributes.body
In DC with USDE Secretary John King. Our team developed a vision for pre-service teacher candidate clinical rotation competencies. This is my favorite educational moment. Working at the USDE where education policy is informed changed me as an educator.

# data[].attributes.body
These ladies make the long days at the state department worth it. The work we engage in on the TLE advisory committee impacts how policy is implemented throughout the state.

# data[].attributes.body
This was an hour or so before the announcement. I was so excited to meet Superintendent Joy Hofmeister and the other finalists..

# data[].attributes.body
I'm with fellow Oklahoma teacher of the year finalists and National Teacher of the Year Johanna Hayes. Another UCO opportunity. Go Bronchos!!

# data[].attributes.body
My good friend at Linwood always gushed about her son. It was a HUGE achievement when he won Mr. Latino OU. We invited him for career day.

# data[].attributes.body
Champ Camp is a summer and after school program I established with grant funding. This picture is at the downtown library during a field trip in the summer months.

# data[].attributes.body
My first meeting at the OKSDE as a teacher of the year finalist ended with this selfie with Oklahoma teacher of the Year and National teacher of the Year finalist Shawn Sheehan.