Anne Frank Elementary School in Northeast Philadelphia
2025 Fall Enrollment: Industry and Pollution: An Environmental History of Greater Philadelphia and Recent Immigration and Migrant Communities in Philadelphia
Eman Metwaly began her teaching career in 2023 and currently teaches ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages) for grades K-5. Passionate about fostering a sense of belonging among her immigrant students, she was drawn to TIP by the opportunity to connect with university professors and fellow educators. She was particularly interested in finding new ways to enrich her curriculum by tying it to the history and communities of Philadelphia, which she feels important for helping my immigrant students feel a sense of place and belonging.
She enrolled in the “Industry and Polluciton: An Environmental History of Greater Philadelphia,” to learn about how the city’s past industries have shaped its landscapes, waterways, and neighborhoods—all of which are part of her students’ lives today. In the immigration workshop, she gained a deeper understanding of the diverse backgrounds, cultures, and challenges that our recent immigrant families face as they settle here.
Metwaly feels that these workshops are profoundly affecting how she approaches her teaching. For example, she developed lessons in which students learn and practice new vocabulary by describing their neighborhoods or creating simple presentations about their journey to school. She believes this will help them build language skills while making personal connections to our community’s story.