Mrs. Syeda Khan

Sr. Syeda Khan is a licensed Minnesota elementary teacher who has been a dedicated member of the Al-Amal School community for more than 23 years. Throughout her time at Al-Amal, she has taught kindergarten with passion and care while also serving in several important roles, including Accreditation Committee member, Safety Coordinator, Mentor, and Assembly Coordinator. Her commitment to both classroom teaching and school-wide service reflects her deep love for supporting students and strengthening the community.

Syeda is devoted to creating a warm, engaging environment where children feel confident, curious, and eager to learn. She believes in teaching the whole child and uses hands-on activities, stories, and play-based learning to help her students grow academically, socially, and emotionally. Her classroom is a joyful space filled with creativity, connection, and meaningful moments that help children feel valued and excited about their learning journey.

Outside the classroom, Syeda enjoys spending quality time with her family, exploring new ideas for her lessons, and reading for inspiration. Her experience, kindness, and long-standing dedication continue to make her an invaluable part of the Al-Amal School community.

Ms. Nafisa Abdi

Sr. Nafisa Abdi is a devoted K1 kindergarten teacher who has been part of the Al-Amal School community for six wonderful years. She began her journey at Al-Amal teaching preschool, where she discovered her passion for guiding young children through their earliest stages of learning. Nafisa also holds an AA degree in Business Management and is currently pursuing her BAS in Early Childhood Studies with a minor in Child Psychology at Metropolitan State University, further strengthening her commitment to early education. Now as a K1 teacher, she finds immense joy in helping students build confidence, curiosity, and a strong foundation that will carry them through the years ahead.

Nafisa is committed to creating a warm, engaging classroom where every child feels valued, supported, and excited to learn. She strives to inspire her students through hands-on activities, meaningful lessons, and a nurturing environment that encourages both academic and personal growth. Being part of a child’s first steps in their educational journey is something she cherishes deeply.

Outside the classroom, Nafisa enjoys expressing her creativity through art, exploring new foods and cafés, and spending quality time with her family.

Ms. Aiesha Osman

Sr. Aiesha is an Al-Amal alumna. She continued her education at the University of St. Thomas, where she earned a degree in Environmental Studies with minors in Psychology and Interfaith Leadership.

Aiehsa taught Qur’an, Islamic Studies, and Arabic to students ages 5 to 12 at Al-Israa Academy for about four years and also worked as a teaching assistant during college. Her background in both religious and academic instruction has shaped her into a well-rounded educator with a thoughtful and nurturing approach to working with young learners.

This year marks her first year teaching at Al-Amal School, and she is grateful to return as both a teacher and former student, now contributing to the same community that helped shape her identity and values. She looks forward to supporting students in their early educational journeys and fostering a positive, enriching classroom environment.

Outside the classroom, Aiesha enjoys reading, doing henna, and spending time in nature. She is passionate about environmental education and even holds a tree identification certificate—though she cheerfully admits she can only name a few trees so far.

Ms. Zainab Alibadi

SR. Zainab is the new K1 Teacher Assistant and a proud member of the Al-Amal School community. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Biology from Metropolitan State University and an Associate’s degree from Anoka-Ramsey Community College. Originally from Iraq, where she was born and raised, Zainab brings a deep appreciation for language, culture, and creativity—qualities that add warmth and depth to her work with young learners.

She is passionate about helping children explore, discover, and grow through meaningful, hands-on learning experiences. Zainab loves weaving her artistic talents into her teaching, inspiring students to express themselves with confidence and imagination while building important foundational skills. She is especially drawn to creating environments where children feel safe, supported, and excited to learn each day.

Outside the classroom, Zainab works as an artist and enjoys spending quality time with her family, friends, and her beloved cat, who is a constant source of joy and inspiration. Her creativity, gentle spirit, and enthusiasm make her a wonderful addition to the Al-Amal early childhood team.