New Teacher Spotlight: Ayat Ayesh

By: Hanna Shala

Ayat Ayesh is an art teacher who emphasizes self expression and innovation in her teaching.  She encourages students to tap into their artistic side.

Hanna Shala: What is your favorite thing about being at PVS so far?

Ayat Ayesh: My favorite thing about being at PVS is being able to be a part of my students’ lives and growth, and getting to make memories with them. I’m a very sentimental person, so I enjoy every little thing. I cherish every moment with my students and every conversation I have with them. Just seeing them makes me happy. I love being able to connect with each one, and I hope to be a good role model for them, both as an older sister in Islam and as their teacher. I always feel excited going into my classes, wondering what memories we’ll make that day.

Hanna Shala: What is your favorite thing about PVS? 

Ayat Ayesh: My favorite thing about PVS is that it is centered around Islam. Doing so puts so much Barakah all around it. Of course, nothing and no one is perfect, but the Barakah of everything being for the sake of Allah is felt in the air. I also love that PVS feels like a family. Everyone knows each other and everyone is friendly with each other. I feel like I’m surrounded by my little and older brothers and sisters in Islam. 

Hanna Shala: What are your hobbies?

Ayat Ayesh: I love trying out new things all the time. So currently some hobbies of mine are Ariel arts, hip hop, running, and making matcha. I recently started a small business called Matcha Madness where I sell the best Matcha lattes in all of Memphis ;).

Hanna Shala: What inspired you to teach art?

Ayat Ayesh: Sometimes expression through words can be hard, but expression through creativity is even harder… just kidding. I’ve always loved art and being able to express myself creatively. Unlike subjects like math, where there’s always an exact answer, art has endless forms and no pressure to be right or wrong. In art, there are no rules you must follow, just you and your ideas. Art isn’t only about the final product; it’s about the effort, personality, and heart you put into your piece that allow the final result to come together. It’s never about whether someone likes or fully understands your work. What matters is that you expressed yourself exactly the way you wanted. This blend of heart and mind coming together is what inspired me to become an art teacher, plus a little nudge from my good friend Summer who put in a kind word for me ;). I hope to inspire my students to be creative, to break through any barriers that keep them from expressing themselves, to be comfortable with the mistakes along the way, to feel confident in their art even if it looks completely different from someone else’s, and to enjoy, trust, and appreciate the process, not just chase  the end product. And most importantly, to do everything for the sake of Allah.