The Faculty of
New Hope International High School
"Get to know the teachers"

Mrs. Dolores Muhammad teaches high school science subjects: environmental science, biology, chemistry, and health as well as active physics. This Maryland native has been with NHA since 1995. Her experience includes handling tarantulas, scorpions, and snakes while she interned at the H.B. Owens Science Center. Mrs. Muhammad has also worked at NIH as a research assistant and with a nematologist at the Beltsville Agricultural Research Center. After receiving her Bachelor’s degree in Medical Technology from Towson State University, she continued in her career in medical technology for eight years before branching out into teaching.

Mrs. Muhammad feels a sense of purpose in helping students grow and be better. “The children have what they need inside; it’s my responsibility to bring it out, instead of trying to push information into them.” She connects well with students, who are then able to trust that she’s sincere and understanding.

Ms. Melaine Rude teaches geography and high school history as well as pre-algebra since 2002 at NHA. Born in Illinois, Ms. Rude earned her Bachelor’s degree in History from Westmar College and her Master’s degree in Teaching (high school social studies) from Trinity University. She has been teaching for over 14 years and loves her subjects.

“Unless you like what you’re doing, students won’t be interested,” said. “Social studies is something I’m truly passionate about, and I hope my enthusiasm and interest is transferred to my students.”

She moved to the D.C. area to be “closer to history.” Ms. Rude especially enjoys teaching the history of our government because she wants to help prepare her students to lead our country in the future.

Mrs. Aisha Faison teaches Saxon math 8/7, golf, and K-5 technology. She also coaches the LEGO and VEX robotics clubs. She has been with NHA since 2006. This San Francisco native began coursework in math at U.C. Berkeley. She then applied this skill to receive her Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering at Tuskegee University. “Mrs. Aisha” experience includes working as a project engineer for a local construction company. She managed construction for the Turkish Embassy and the U.S. Justice Data Center, as well as renovations to the Australian Embassy (among others).

Wanting to encourage her children, who’ve attended NHA, to reach for their personal best, and share her knowledge, Mrs. Aisha joined the faculty. “I believe that math strengthens the left side of the brain, golf strengthens the left and right, and art and photography strengthen the right,” she said. “I tell my students that in order for us to be successful in our desires and harmonious in our lives, we must strengthen our whole brain everyday with our thoughts and actions. Personal growth is infinite.”