Featuring Our Amazing 5th Grade Team

Sr. Leymon Sheik-Yusuf

(5A Homeroom Teacher)

Sr. Leymon Sheik-Yusuf is a dedicated and goal-driven educator with a strong commitment to supporting the academic, social, and emotional development of her students. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood Education from Metropolitan State University and an Associate degree in Liberal Arts from North Hennepin Community College. She also earned a CELTA certification from the University of Cambridge and is currently pursuing a Master of Arts in Education focused on Trauma and Resilience in Educational Settings at Concordia University, reflecting her commitment to compassionate and informed teaching practices.

Sr. Leymon has been a valued member of the Al-Amal School community since 2018, serving as a 5th Grade Homeroom Teacher. In this role, she teaches English, Math, Science, and Social Studies while fostering a structured, supportive classroom environment that encourages academic growth and personal responsibility. Her professional experience also includes teaching English as a Second Language at King Saud University in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, as well as working as a substitute teacher and teacher’s assistant at Higher Ground Academy, supporting students across multiple grade levels.

Throughout her career, Sr. Leymon has focused on creating safe, inclusive classrooms where students feel valued, respected, and capable of success. She believes in building meaningful relationships and using responsive, trauma-informed teaching strategies to promote confidence, resilience, and student well-being.

Fluent in both English and Somali, Sr. Leymon brings strong communication skills and cultural awareness to her work. She remains committed to professional growth, collaboration, and serving diverse learning communities with care, purpose, and integrity.

Sr. Nimo Arab

(5B Homeroom Teacher)

Sr. Nimo holds a Master of Arts in English Learner (EL) Education from Augsburg University. Fluent in both English and Somali, she brings strong communication skills, cultural awareness, and a deep commitment to educational equity into her work with students and families. Her academic training and lived experiences inform her culturally responsive, student-centered approach to teaching and learning in diverse school communities.

Sr. Nimo has taught a wide range of grade levels spanning elementary through high school, including 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th, and 9th grades. Her experience includes roles as a Title I Teacher, 2nd Grade Teacher, and 5th Grade Teacher at Minnesota Transition Charter Schools, with a strong instructional focus on Mathematics and Literacy in the elementary grades. She works closely with students across diverse ability levels, intentionally designing and differentiating instruction to support both foundational skills and deeper conceptual understanding. In addition, she has taught 9th grade English, focusing on critical reading, writing, and analytical skills to support students transitioning to higher academic demands.

Throughout her career, Sr. Nimo has emphasized creating safe, inclusive classrooms that foster academic growth, confidence, and curiosity. She is passionate about working with urban learners and believes thoughtful classroom management, strong relationships, and engaging instruction are essential to student success.

Outside the classroom, Sr. Nimo is actively involved in serving her community through volunteer work and leadership opportunities. She has supported new teachers as a mentor, served as a volunteer coordinator, and participated in school and community initiatives. Her professionalism, reflective practice, and commitment to lifelong learning guide her work in education.

Dr. Farhana Islam

(5th Grade Teacher Assistant)

Dr. Farhana has served as a Lecturer, Assistant Professor, and Associate Professor of Physiology at several respected medical institutions in Bangladesh, including Sir Salimullah Medical College, Shaheed Suhrawardy Medical College and Hospital, Chandpur Medical College, and the National Institute of Ophthalmology. Throughout her career, she has been actively involved in curriculum development, academic advisement, student assessment, and laboratory instruction. She is known for delivering engaging lectures supported by clear instructional materials and for fostering strong rapport with students through thoughtful guidance and mentorship.

Earlier in her career, Dr. Farhana worked as a Medical Officer in the Cardiology and Pediatric Cardiology units at the National Institute of Cardiovascular Disease in Dhaka, gaining valuable clinical experience that continues to inform her teaching. She has also completed professional training in teaching methodology and assessment through the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.

In addition to her teaching roles, Dr. Farhana has authored and co-authored multiple peer-reviewed research publications in medical journals. Fluent in both English and Bangla, she is dedicated to lifelong learning and supporting students in achieving academic excellence and confidence.