Extra Credit Union is an organization devoted to serving the financial needs of local schools and has done so since its formation in 1954. For many years, Extra Credit Union has successfully provided financial education programs in local K-12 schools; scholarships to graduating seniors; and given teachers many resources and services.

With this in mind, we are featuring a different teacher every month. Our “teacher feature” brings attention to a teacher in our community who goes above and beyond and whose passion for their work truly shows. This month, we feature Tarek Rayshouny, Language Arts teacher at Grissom Middle School.

ECU: How long have you been teaching?

Tarek: I’ve been a teacher in the Warren Consolidated School District for 17 years now.

ECU: What subject do you teach?

Tarek: I’ve taught everything from third through eighth grade. I’m currently teaching sixth- and eighth-grade Language Arts at Grissom Middle School.

ECU: Why did you become a teacher?

Tarek: I am a very proud product of Hamtramck Public Schools where I had amazing teachers and mentors, some who to this day still inspire me and that I consider friends. They saw something in me, nourished, guided and provided me with a quality education and a chance to succeed when, maybe at times, I didn’t give myself that same chance. I teach each day to be like them and to say, “thank you”.

ECU: What is your favorite thing about teaching?

Tarek: As cliché as it may sound, it’s seeing that “light” turn on when they get it, and seeing them grow and succeed, because they all can succeed, they just have to believe that.

ECU: How old are you?

Tarek: I’m 41, which to my students (and my kids) officially makes me ancient, but I know I’m not

ECU: Are you married? Kids? If so, how many, ages, names, etc.

Tarek: I am married to my beautiful wife Mireille and we have two amazing kids who are my everything. My son Riyad is 9, and my daughter Fadia is 7. They are involved in sports and are great kids.

ECU: What do you like to do in your spare time? Any hobbies?

Tarek: I try to stay as active as I can. I continue to play basketball weekly in a men’s league . it’s my cardio at this point. I also manage the Red Ox Tavern in Utica on the weekends. It helps me balance and is my “fun job,” although I do have a blast teaching as well.

ECU: What school activities are you involved in? i.e. football . anything you’d like to add about these?

Tarek: I coach boys and girls basketball at Grissom, as well as track. I firmly believe that sports play a very important part in many different aspects of a child’s development. It breeds confidence, responsibility, and teaches many different life skills they can take beyond the sport.

ECU: Do you have any specific goals for the school year?

Tarek: As is the case with each year, I don’t reach my goals unless my students reach theirs.

ECU: What do you hope your students take away from your class at the end of the semester/school year?

Tarek: I hope they take away from my class the feeling and notion that they all truly do matter, and that their success comes from a combination of not only me believing in them, but most importantly they believing in themselves first and foremost.

ECU: Anything you’d like to add?

Tarek: We have some truly special teachers in our district, along with amazing, empowering administrators. This combo, along with our sensational students, is what I believe makes Warren Consolidated Schools truly a place where children succeed.

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