Faculty Highlight: Maleeha Malik, Third Grade Homeroom Teacher

For over 240 years, Friends School of Baltimore’s educational journey has equally emphasized the mastery of content with the mastery of essential skills required to succeed in the world- skills like critical thinking, communication, collaboration, and empathy, to name just a few. Meet some of our outstanding faculty who guide our students through this journey each and every day.

Maleeha Malik, Third Grade Teacher

B.S., Pennsylvania State University; M.F.A., Hollins University

At Friends Since 2018 (8 years)

Why did you choose Friends and/or what do you love about teaching at Friends?

Quaker education is central to my identity as a human being and an educator. This is where my personal values merge with our Quaker SPICES. I wholeheartedly believe in teaching children how to resolve conflicts peacefully. That includes naming their feelings, expressing their needs, and listening with their hearts. Sitting in silence during Meeting for Worship teaches children to listen to their inner Light and indulge in time without the distractions of the world. I am personally grateful for that time to reflect.

It is empowering that I have control over my curriculum as a teacher; I decide what books to use and how to frame conversations around difficult topics such as power, race, gender, socio-economic status, etc. There are no taboo topics in my classroom; with age-appropriate tools, I can tackle any issue that arises in class discussions. 

What do you love about teaching your subject in particular?

I love teaching all subjects, but writing and social studies are very close to my heart! I love when children learn to express themselves and pour out their hearts on a page. When children understand the power imbalances in our society, their eyes open to a whole new level of awareness. My M.F.A. degree is in Children's Literature, so I look at literature critically, and I'm immersed in the world of children's literature.

How do the Lower School curriculum and teaching at Friends School prepare students to be successful?

The Lower School curriculum prepares students to become conscientious citizens. Anti-racist work is woven into different grade levels. Students master basic skills in reading and mathematics, and those skills are then woven into other subjects. There are enrichment opportunities available. Classes like art, music, PE, technology, library, and Spanish also play a critical role.

What is something fun about you- a motto or hobby, perhaps?

My motto is a quote by author Kate DiCamillo, "It's our responsibility as writers to make the truth bearable for children." I am an award-winning author. I am the recipient of the 2021 New Voices Award by Lee & Low Publishers, and the 2022 finalist for the We Need Diverse Voices award. My academic essay on Kate DiCamillo’s novel The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane was published in a book, The Velveteen Rabbit at One Hundred, in 2023 by the University of Mississippi Press. I teach a writing club on Thursdays at Friends after school. I also teach a writing workshop for children on Saturdays at Dreamers and Make Believe. My picture book for children, At Home in My Skin, will be published by Lee & Low in April 2027! Stay tuned for more!