I believe that powerful schools have powerful leaders who have a focused, yet human vision. Salfa abu Tayeh of The Ma'an Secondary School for Girls is a powerful leader who believes that her school "is a second home" and that she can encourage young women to see themselves as equal partners in society. In listening to her and watching her interact with students and staff, it feels as if she is living her dream of helping to create strong and confident women in both her students and her teachers. She is a headmistress and mentor for all of the young women and women at her school. In many ways, Salfa abu Tayeh reminds me of the descriptions of my paternal Great Grandmother who my Grandmother describes as being a strong and tough, and yet fair and caring teacher and principal.
Salfa abu Tayeh's philosophy is to educate those who have a desire to learn and to let them go back and influence their sisters, cousins and community. One of her accomplishments is that she created the first (and only) public school dormitory for bedouin girls. The girls can receive a public education even though their families are miles away living a traditional bedouin life of sheep and goat herds, coffee and tents....
Part of her strength comes from the pride in knowing that she is the granddaughter of Auda Abu Tayeh--one of the heroes of the Arab Revolt. (click here for an account of Auda Abu Tayeh) 
At a traditional meal of mensaf at Rabia's family home, I asked her who her personal heroes were, and she responded with her Mom. Her mom was one of many wives, but her mom empowered her daughters to earn university degrees. Salfa abu Tayeh is one of the first bedouin women to receive a university degree in Jordan--her older sister being the first. Her other heroes include Benazir Bhutto and Margaret Thatcher. In a way, I can really see the strength of an all girls school with an all female staff--the care and encouragement at the all girls schools we have seen has been a mind changing experience.
