Message from Principal Cemil Gulseven

It is an honor and privilege to serve as the principal of the Islamic School of San Diego.

I am originally from Turkey with a civil engineering background from Istanbul Technical University. I have spent six years in Jordan, Egypt, and Syria and have lived in the US since 1999. During my years of study I also obtained a Bachelor Degree in Islamic Law (Sharia) from Yarmouk University in Jordan and a Master’s Degree in Elementary Education and TESL/Bilingual Education from University of Central Oklahoma. Currently I am a doctoral student at an Educational Leadership program.

Working at several Islamic schools in the US has exposed me to a culturally and linguistically diverse environment. After twelve years of teaching, my career path led me into administration where I had the opportunity to spend four years as the principal and vice principal of other Islamic schools in the US. My diverse background in school administration and classroom teaching enables me to provide a unique experience to my students, staff, and faculty.

Islamic School of San Diego has a tradition of excellence. Together we strive diligently to help ISSD reach new heights. I look forward to serving the San Diego community in this new position where faculty, staff, parents and I work together to guide students toward growth, achievement, and fostering youth to become adults of stronger character, inshaAllah.

Outside of school, I enjoy spending time with my family.