New Teacher Spotlight: Zahrah Dinkins

We welcome all of our new teachers to the PVS community by profiling a new teacher in the newsletter. This month we are featuring Zahrah Dinkins, Physical Education Instructor.

Give us an introduction. Tell us about yourself!

• Assalamu alaikum waramatullahi wabarakaatu! I grew up in Chicago, and I’ve been a fencing instructor and athletic coach for eight years. As a Division 1 athlete, I attended Temple University and was coached under two Olympic fencers during my career:Tsanko Hantov and Nikki Franke. During my time in the city, I’ve taught at numerous private schools. I’m very pleased to be at an Islamic school. Some brief facts about myself :My husband and I will be celebrating our first year of marriage this December; I come from a family of six siblings; I spend a lot of time antique shopping; and I have a pet rabbit.

How did you come to teach at PVS? What position do you currently have here in the school?

• I heard from a dear friend about this wonderful opportunity to teach here at PVS as a gym teacher and co-athletic director when I moved here this year. I was so excited about coming to this school. I’ve always dreamed of teaching young Muslim kids the importance of healthy living via exercise.

So far, how has your experience been here? If you could name one thing, what is your favorite thing about PVS?

• I’ve been loving my time here at PVS so far; it truly feels like family. What I love most is coming in every morning and seeing the bright smiles on everyone’s faces and praying salat Al-Dhuhr with all the students.

What are your hopes for your journey as a teacher at PVS?

• I look forward to being a mentor to our student body within and outside the gym. Just like adults, kids require emotional support to help them navigate throughout life. I think it’s necessary for kids to feel comfortable not only in their homes, but also in their immediate community where they see others just like them.

We would love to learn more about you! Is there anything interesting you would like the PVS student and parent body to know about you?

• Under my family’s fencing organization, SWIFT Fencing, I look forward to bringing a fencing program to PVS during Spring of 2023 - InshaAllah!