Mo Elkhatib

Be a team player. Mo Elkhatib , Instructor , The Art Institute of Houston

Academic Credentials

M.Ed., Mathematics Education, Texas Southern University
B.S., Chemical Engineering, Texas A&I University

Teaching experience since 1987 includes The Art Institute of Houston, Houston Community College, and Chair of the Math and Science Department in Houston Independent School District.

Was there a defining moment when you knew you were destined to become a creative professional?

My brother had a tough time with math and science in high school. When I was helping him pass a comprehensive exam, I think I knew I’d found my calling.

How do you weave your professional background into the classroom experience?

I use my math, physics, chemistry, and engineering experience to make math relevant to students’ everyday lives.

How does collaboration contribute to students’ success—particularly when students from various programs work together?

Whether you’re a Culinary or Design student, you need math skills to succeed. They all learn together in the same setting, where I teach things like conversion and measurements, which are essential to their studies.

What’s the most important thing you impart to students to help them succeed in class and the real world?

No matter what your program, you need to know how to read, write, comprehend, and do basic math if you’re going to succeed.

What’s the most critical advice you would offer any student embarking on a creative career?

Be a team player.