Manar Mayalah

Manar Mayalah has over 17 years of experience in education, teaching Arabic in private and public schools as well as language institutes in California. She taught Arabic in the STARTALK Summer Programs from 2011 to 2014 and in 2016, and she has also helped train new Arabic teachers through STARTALK leadership programs.

Mayalah worked with Arab refugees through the LEARNS program to improve students’ language skills and build their confidence and resilience as they navigate their new lives and realize their potential for a brighter future.

She also contributed to the development of educational videos and lesson plans through the Annenberg Learner and LA STARS professional development programs for language teachers.

A native Arabic speaker, Mayalah holds a bachelor’s degree in Arabic literature and language from Damascus University, a teaching credential in Arabic, and a master’s degree in Education (Leadership). She has developed and edited curricula and teaching materials for native and nonnative students based on thematic units for middle and high school.

She also wrote, revised, and edited Arabic newspaper and magazine articles, and she served as both a columnist and editor for the NATA Newsletter for teachers.

She currently serves as a Southern California Arabic Teachers Council Executive Committee Member, and is also an ACTFL member and presenter. Her passion is supporting students and teachers as they grow and learn.