My Story
Betsey Coleman
As a veteran teacher who has traveled the world to create projects and resources for American students, my purpose for curating this collection of short readings, biographical information, creative writing prompts and student models is to introduce middle, high and even university students to the diversity of American women’s voices influenced by the Muslim world. A Distinguished Award in Teaching Fulbright and other grants such as the National Endowment for the Humanities have made my research possible. Many thanks to Amanda Dargan and Sahar Muradi, leaders of the NEH Institute: A Reverence for Words: Understanding Muslim Cultures through the Arts, for their help in creating this content.
Using this Resource
For Teachers, For Students
On the following pages you will find writers whose origins include Sudan, Pakistan, Palestine, Afghanistan, Syria, Morocco, Turkey, Somalia, and the U.S., to name a few. Each page consists of one writer, as well a video, examples of their works, discussion questions, and a “Now You Try” section featuring writing prompt based on the readings. Finally, there are real-life examples of student writing.
Pakistani American
Sudanese American
Palestinian American
Syrian American
Palestinian American
Ibtisam Barakat
Somali American
Ladan Osman
Bangladeshi American
Afghan American
Turkish American
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News And Events
Stay up-to-date with upcoming news and events, including speaking dates, lectures and workshops.
Poetry Is Contagious
If you give teens frequent and varied opportunities to write, many models, a variety of forms and techniques, and most important, multiple audiences—they will become poets.
read moreInstitute Covers Islam for Educators
At the Dar al Islam Teachers’ Institute, participants gain a deeper understanding of the basic tenets of Islam and see how Islam works in the lives of the program’s faculty and staff.
read moreUpcoming Residency on Oral History
During the residency, Jen and Betsey will collaborate on the content of a book for teachers on how to develop a multi-disciplinary oral history project.
read moreStay in Touch
Don't be shy. Let me know if you have any questions!