Dr. Abdellatif Oulhaj
Associate Professor

Dr. Maher Alkhateeb
Assistant Professor

• Ph.D. in Educational Technology, University of Kentucky
• M.A. in Education: Teacher as Leader, Northern Kentucky University
• B.A. in English, Yarmouk University, Jordan

Email: maher.alkhateeb@mso.umt.edu
Phone: (406) 243-3600

Maher came from Jordan to the United States in 2006 as a Fulbright visitor scholar of Arabic and culture at the University of Kentucky. He has taught all levels of Arabic language courses for at least 10 years at the university of Kentucky, and other educational institutions such as the University of Pittsburgh and Center College. His research interests include curriculum deign, foreign language education and technology, and online and hybrid education. Maher lives in Kentucky with his wife and daughter and enjoys gardening in his free time.

Dr. Nasser Hajjaj
Assistant Professor

• Ph.D. In Arabic Language & Literature, Lebanese University, Beirut, Lebanon 2019.

• MA in Arabic Language & Literature, Lebanese University, Beirut, Lebanon 2011.

• Teaching Certificate/ Education, University of Detroit Mercy, Detroit, Michigan 2004.

• Certificate, Graphic Design, Henry Ford College, Dearborn, Michigan 2002 

• BA in Arabic Language and Literature, Lebanese University, Beirut, Lebanon 1997.

Email: nasser.hajjaj@mso.umt.edu
Phone: (406) 243-3600

Dr. Hajjaj is a writer, poet, and literary critic with an extensive background in Arabic language and literature, as well as a deep expertise in Arabic dialectology and Arabic Computational Linguistics. He is a leading authority on Arabic language instruction, having devoted his career to developing modern curricula and teaching methods that promote effective language acquisition for non-native speakers.

Dr. Hajjaj’s teaching and research interests span several periods and genres including Arabic Diglossia, phonology, morphology, syntax, and semantics, as well as sociolinguistics and the relationship between language and culture. He has conducted groundbreaking research in the area of Arabic dialectology, with a particular focus on the dialects spoken across the Arab world (Iraq, Levant, North Africa and Gulf region). This research highlights the authentic phenomenon of spoken Arabic vernacular languages across the Arab world that has not been captured in learned Modern Standard Arabic.

In addition to his research, Dr. Hajjaj is a highly regarded teacher and has authored numerous publications on teaching Arabic to non-native speakers. He is the author of 4 books (including 2 poetry collections) and numerous scholarly articles. His innovative approach emphasizes the importance of cultural competency and incorporates cutting-edge pedagogical techniques that engage students and facilitate language acquisition using the language immersion technique.

Dr. Hajjaj is a frequent presenter at conferences and symposia and has delivered keynote addresses at several prominent academic events. He is a sought-after speaker and has shared his insights and expertise with colleagues from around the world. His presentation titled “Bias in Arabic Linguistics research” at MESA annual conference, Denver, CO December 2022. He has received numerous awards and honors for his contributions to the field of Arabic language and literature, including recognition for his scholarship, and teaching as well as his Arabic calligraphy.

Dr. Hajjaj has previously taught Arabic language MSA at Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland till 2022, and Arabic dialects at Concordia College, Bemidji, Minnesota 2021. He worked as a computational linguist for NIST (National Institute of Standards and Technology), Gaithersburg, Maryland, and for MITRE, McLean, Virginia. He is also a member of ACTFL (American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages), AATA (American Association of Teachers of Arabic) and MESA (Middle East Studies Association).

Rana Shaaban
Adjunct Professor

• B.S. in Agriculture, American University, Beirut
• Diploma in Ingenieur Agricole, American University, Beirut

Email: rana.shaaban@mso.umt.edu
Phone: (406) 243-3600

Rana is originally from Lebanon, and graduated from the American University of Beirut, with a great passion for teaching. Since she moved to North Carolina, she has been teaching at the language school in Fort Bragg for the last 10 years. She proved herself as a professional language and culture  training Instructor and a great team player in the Arabic department. Her outstanding performance was recognized in all the programs taught there, whether in the basic, intermediate, or enhanced programs. 

Rana is so excited to join the DCLCP team in University of Montana, to work along inspiring members. An important aspect of her life is family, a husband and two boys, and a great love for teaching.

Amir Morkos
Adjunct Professor

• B.S. in Political Science, Cairo University, Egypt
• Diploma in Human Rights and Civil Society, Cairo University, Egypt

Email: amir.morkos@mso.umt.edu
Phone: (406) 243-3600

Amir is originally from Egypt; he was raised, studied, and gained his 18 years work and training experience in the Middle East. Amir showed his talents during college through many student activities, and his leadership to student groups. He was a founder of student seminars to train students on foreign affairs. After his graduation, he led an inter-cultural program, and drafted articles for key persons in Egypt. Amir was then selected to join the United Nations Volunteer (UNV) program in the Middle East, where he worked for the United Nations High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR). His 9 years experience in the Middle East include working for nonprofits, think tanks, international donors (USAID), and media.

Amir became a certified interpreter working for NY Department of Education in 2014, as well as maintaining his job duties in DHS and ACS as a legal, social, and medical interpreter. He has a lot of experience teaching, and developing curriculum in the Arabic language. His expertise includes Department of State, Department of Agriculture, Air Force, DLI, Department of Army, and Intelligence.

Amir has proven himself through his outstanding performance, and was awarded twice from Department of State, and was selected to represent the Arabic department in Arab-Americans in Foreign Affairs Agencies in Washington DC. He is excited to now become a part of the DCLCP team. Amir is married, and enjoys meeting new people, travel, and cross-cultural seminars.

Moayyad Al-Azzam
Adjunct Professor

• B.A. in Translation, Yarmouk University (2014)

Email: moayyad.al-azzam@mso.umt.edu
Phone: (406) 243-3615

Moayyad received his B.A. in Translation from Yarmouk University in 2014. He worked as a language and cultural facilitator for the Peace Corps from 2013 to 2014. Moayyad became a language instructor for SIT - Study Abroad (School of International Training) in Jordan from 2015 to 2018.

Eman Al Salih
Adjunct Professor

• Currently enrolled in an M.A program in Arabic Language and Linguistics from the University of Pennwest 

• B.A. in Agricultural Economics from the University of Mosul.  

Email: eman.al-salih@mso.umt.edu
Phone: (406) 243-3600

Eman is originally from Iraq. Over the course of 10 years teaching in Fort Bragg and 3 years teaching online for sustainment and refresher courses, she has taught Modern Standard Arabic, Levantine, Golf, and Iraqi. She specializes in Modern Standard Arabic and the Iraqi dialect. Eman was gifted a certificate from Global Dimensions because of her translation support to US veterans and their families for 5 years. She has a passion and gift for teaching her native language and is a highly effective communicator and interpreter of all levels. 

Eman is currently working on her Master’s in Arabic Language and Linguistics to build a stronger connection between her and her language. In the future, she is hoping to go back to school and get a Ph.D. in Arabic Language and Linguistics to further her career. 

Eman is a dedicated Instructor and has outstanding leadership qualities. Eman is a mother of four bright children. She also has a strong love of cooking her native food and sharing her culture and language with others. 

Eman is very happy to be a part of the DCLCP family since 2021. Eman has the pleasure of working with others as passionate as her to teach. 

Amira Yousif
Adjunct Professor

• B.A. in Law, Alexandria University, Alexandria - Egypt

Email: amira.yousif@mso.umt.edu
Phone: (406) 243-3600

Amira is originally from Alexandria, Egypt where she graduated from Alexandria University with a degree in civil law. She practiced law for 5 years before moving to the US in 2002. However, she has always had a great passion for teaching, so she decided to pursue this passion by teaching at the language school in Fort Bragg. It’s been 19 years of teaching many different language programs, including but not limited to; DLPT4 and 5, sustainment, refresher, basic, intermediate or enhanced programs and online. 

Over the course of the 19 years, she has proved to be a professional language and cultural training instructor. She also perfected the skill of being a great team player as well as exceptional class management skills.

She has an outstanding performance track record in all the programs taught in the language school whether in Modern Standard Arabic or Egyptian Dialect.

She was rewarded some certificates of appreciation from former employers that she had previously worked with, for dedication, outstanding results, Performance, as well as leadership and management qualities. 

She joined the DCLCP Family with University of Montana in 2021. She enjoys sharing her experiences, language, culture and ethnic food with all her students and colleagues.  

A little more about Amira, she is a widow and the most important aspect of her life is her family which includes, her son and his wife, her grandson, her daughter and her husband, and of course great love for teaching her students.

Asala Mustafa
Adjunct Professor

• M.A. in Linguistics, 2018 – University of Iowa, Iowa, United States
• B.A. in English Language & Literature, 2014 – University of Jordan, Amman, Jordan

Email: asala.mustafa@mso.umt.edu
Phone: (406) 243-3600

Asala is originally from Amman, Jordan. She has been in the field of language education for more than 10 years. Previously, she taught and tutored MSA and Levantine Arabic at the University of Iowa, University of Florida, and University of Wisconsin-Madison. She is a Fulbright award winner and holds a master’s degree in linguistics and second language acquisition from the University of Iowa. In addition to her teaching experience, Asala is a member of the American Association for the Teaching of Foreign Languages (ACTFL). Asala’s mission focuses on creating a personalized, learner-centered environment, where the student’s learning needs and preferences are at the center of her teaching.

Amjed Abu Aisheh
Adjunct Professor

• M.A. in Teaching Arabic for Speakers of other languages – The University of Jordan , Amman, Jordan
• B.A. in Translation – Yarmouk university, Irbid, Jordan

Email:  amjed.abuaisheh@mso.umt.edu
Phone: (910) 432-7815

Amjed is specialized in teaching Arabic for speakers of other languages, his teaching experience started in 2015, He worked as a language instructor and cultural facilitator for Peace Corps and USAID in Jordan, Amjed become an Arabic language instructor for SIT – study abroad (school of international Training) in Jordan from 2017-2019. Amjed has received multiple training and workshop about ACTFL OPI and in the process of getting certified. Amjed’s field of interest are in linguistic and how to immerse the student in the language and its culture. His studies and researches aimed at illustrating the role of language immersion in improving the oral competence to ASL speakers in light of the descriptive analytic and field study approach. Amjed is a dedicated instructor. Amjed is very excited to be part of the DCLCP family and always has the pleasure of working with others. He also likes to cook and do all kind of outdoor activities.

Sally Farah
Adjunct Professor

• MA, Arabic Translation | Kent State University, Kent, OH 2023 
• Postgraduate Pre-master, Translation | Faculty of Languages, Cairo, Egypt 2017 
• BA, English Language & Literature and French Language | Faculty of Languages, Cairo, Egypt 2016 
• Certificate, FLTA Fulbright Scholarship Program | Washington, DC 2020 
• Certificate, Teaching Arabic as a Foreign Language (TAFL) | Kent State University & Akdem Arabic Center, Kent, OH 2022 
• Certificate, Graduate Student Leadership | KentLingua organization at Kent State University, Kent, OH 2023 
• Certificate, OPI Assessment Workshop | ACTFL & University of Montana DCLCP, 2023 
• Membership, the International Foreign Language Honor Society Phi Sigma Iota | Kent State University, Kent, OH 2023 

Email: sally.farah@mso.umt.edu
Phone: (910) 643-0392

Sally Farah, an accomplished, erudite linguist and language instructor hailing from Alexandria, Egypt, has forged a remarkable career centered on language and communication. Her Egyptian heritage not only shapes her cultural identity but also propels her into the role of a language and culture ambassador, fostering cross-cultural understanding. 

Across esteemed institutions, her academic journey showcases her unwavering commitment to Arabic, English, and translation. Her career embarked as an English teacher in 2016, where she first planted the seeds of her linguistic passion. Transitioning to English-Arabic translation, she rose to become a Senior Translator at DOSB by 2020, utilizing her proficiency in multiple languages to bridge linguistic gaps. 

In 2019, Sally's dedication to languages, linguistics, and education bore fruit with the prestigious Fulbright Grant, marking a pivotal juncture in her career. As a Fulbright Foreign Language Teaching Assistant of Arabic at George Mason University, she pioneered creative teaching methods and established the Arabic Club and Arabic Movie Night, promoting Arabic culture and language. 

Her next academic odyssey led her to Kent State University, where she assumed the role of Teaching Assistant for Arabic, where she honed innovative teaching methods and thoughtfully designed quizzes and exams while integrating technology to enrich the learning experience. In 2022, she obtained the Teaching Arabic as a Foreign Language (TAFL) certificate, a testament to her dedication to language teaching and professional development. 

Expanding her linguistic expertise, she served as an Associate Terminologist at TransPerfect, enhancing her understanding of language and terminology across diverse domains, knowledge she has later on generously imparted to her language students. 

Beyond her academic and professional accolades, Sally's devotion to the language education field is underscored by her honorary membership in the International Foreign Language Honor Society, Phi Sigma Iota Chapter at KSU, since April 2023. She has also been awarded a Certificate in Graduate Student Leadership by KentLingua at KSU since May 2023, affirming her commitment to educational and professional growth and establishing her as a distinguished leader, educator, and linguist. 

Sally currently serves as an Arabic Language and Culture Instructor at The Maureen and Mike Mansfield Center at the University of Montana. Her proficiency in Arabic linguistics, and translation, as well as Modern Standard Arabic, Egyptian, and Levantine dialects, equips her to nurture her students' potential fully. Her teaching skills, further polished through the OPI Assessment Workshop certificate from ACTFL and University of Montana DCLCP in 2023, ensure her students reach the zenith of their Arabic proficiency. 

Proud of her role at DCLCP, Sally maintains her dedication to ongoing professional and academic development. Her resolute ambition is to pursue a Ph.D. in language and communication. Each stride in her journey adds to her role as a devoted Arabic instructor, inspiring and educating her students in the art of language and communication. As she continues to represent Egyptian and Middle Eastern culture, her journey serves as a glowing testament to the boundless possibilities that linguistic passion can unlock and the profound bridges it can forge.