Br. Alper Günay brings a rich and international background to his role as the Grade 3A Homeroom Teacher at Al-Amal School. He holds a Law Degree (J.D. equivalent) from a university in Turkey and is currently pursuing a Master’s degree in Education to further strengthen his instructional practice and deepen his understanding of effective teaching, learning, and student development.

His educational experience spans multiple countries and a variety of learning environments. Before joining Al-Amal School, Mr. Alper taught in Vietnam, where he developed a strong appreciation for cross-cultural communication and global perspectives in education. After moving to the United States, he served in several roles, including Paraprofessional, Special Education Teacher, and Substitute Teacher. These positions gave him extensive hands-on experience supporting students with diverse academic, behavioral, and social-emotional needs.

This is Mr. Alper’s first year at Al-Amal School, and he finds great fulfillment in witnessing the daily academic and personal growth of his 3A students. He strives to create a learning environment that is structured, encouraging, and engaging—one in which every child feels capable, supported, and empowered to succeed.

Outside of school, Mr. Alper enjoys spending time in nature, gardening, and reading. Most of all, he cherishes quality time with his wife and their two young children—a five-year-old daughter and a three-year-old son.

A fun fact about him: before entering the field of education, he practiced law in Turkey, a background that continues to shape his emphasis on critical thinking, clear communication, and thoughtful problem-solving in the classroom.

Sr. Tasneem is honored to serve as a Third Grade teacher at Al-Amal School this year. Although new to the Al-Amal community, she is certainly not new to the field of education. Before entering the classroom, she worked as an Investment Analyst, later discovering her true passion for teaching. Over the past 23 years, she has taught and tutored students in Milwaukee, Los Angeles, New Haven, and Minneapolis, gaining extensive experience across a variety of educational settings.

Her background spans public and charter schools, with much of her career dedicated to Private Islamic Schools—places where her own children learned alongside the students she taught. In addition to her full-time teaching roles, she has been an active instructor and volunteer in Islamic weekend schools for many years, including within the Twin Cities community.

Sr. Tasneem holds a Bachelor’s degree in International Relations from the University of Minnesota and a Master of Science in Education (K–6) from Connecticut State University. She also brings strong experience in curriculum development, instructional design, and creating meaningful learning experiences for diverse learners.

In her classroom, she emphasizes accountability, responsibility, and independent thinking. She incorporates mindfulness and emotional-regulation strategies to help students strengthen both their “Wise Owl” (prefrontal cortex) and “Bulldog” (amygdala) brain skills. She especially enjoys witnessing students’ “aha” moments, particularly those sparked by Constructivist approaches.

Deeply rooted in the Twin Cities Muslim community since the 1970s, Sr. Tasneem is a proud mother of two college students. She enjoys the outdoors in every season, traveling, the arts, yoga and wellness, and listening to podcasts.

Sr. Basma Elkishawy brings a strong professional background and a deep dedication to student growth to her role as an Educational Assistant in the 3rd grade at Al-Amal School. Although she joined the staff this year, she has been part of the Al-Amal family for many years as a parent—an experience that strengthened her appreciation for the school’s mission and its commitment to nurturing well-rounded, confident learners.

Sr. Basma holds a Bachelor’s degree in International Business and Economics from St. Catherine University. Her academic work in global business, data analysis, economics, and organizational leadership helped her develop strong communication, research, and analytical skills. These strengths shape her thoughtful, collaborative approach in supporting students and teachers in the classroom.

Before transitioning into education, Ms. Basma built an accomplished career across multiple professional fields. She served as an Unemployment Insurance Analyst for the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development, where she supported employers statewide with clarity, empathy, and exceptional attention to detail. She also worked as a Technical User Support Analyst for Medtronic, providing solutions to international clients while consistently maintaining customer satisfaction ratings above 95%. Her earlier experience in customer service, product support, and team supervision strengthened her skills in relationship-building, time management, and process improvement.

Sr. Basma was twice recognized with Medtronic’s IT Tech Spotlight of the Month award in 2020. She is grateful to bring her diverse experience to Al-Amal, where she works each day to help students feel capable, supported, and excited to learn.

Sr. Esraa joined Al-Amal School this year with a strong academic background and a commitment to serving her community. She holds both a Bachelor’s degree (2009) and a Master’s degree (2012) in Cost and Managerial Accounting from Sudan University of Science and Technology, where her studies laid a solid foundation for her professional journey.

She began her career as a Teaching Assistant in the College of Commerce and later worked as an Assistant Accountant at the same university, gaining valuable experience in both education and administration. These roles deepened her appreciation for working in supportive learning environments.

After relocating to the United States, Esraa volunteered at several weekend schools in Maryland, Pennsylvania, and Virginia. It was through this work that she discovered her passion for teaching Arabic to non-native speakers and helping students build confidence, identity, and a meaningful connection to their faith and culture.

Now at Al-Amal as an EA for 1B and Arabic substitute, she is excited to contribute her skills and enthusiasm to the school community. She is grateful for the opportunity to work with students and families and hopes to make a positive, lasting impact.

Outside work, Esraa enjoys volunteer work, community engagement, and supporting students as they grow with pride in their learning and personal development.

Sr. Mobeen is a dedicated educational assistant (EA) for 1A. She has been part of the Al-Amal School community for nearly two years. She holds a Master’s Degree in Biochemistry and an Advanced Postgraduate Diploma in Bioinformatics from Hyderabad Central University, bringing a strong academic foundation and a deep love for lifelong learning to her work with students.

In her role as an EA, Mobeen is committed to nurturing confidence, curiosity, and essential foundational skills in young learners. She enjoys collaborating closely with teachers to create a warm, structured, and engaging classroom environment where every child feels supported, encouraged, and capable.

With her calm and patient approach, she strives to make each school day meaningful, joyful, and full of small successes that help students grow. She especially values the moments when students gain independence and begin to take pride in their own progress.

Outside the classroom, Mobeen enjoys spending quality time with her family and taking road trips across the country with her husband and four children — all of whom have graduated from or currently attend Al-Amal School. She feels grateful for the opportunity to give back to a school that has played such an important role in her own family’s journey and looks forward to continuing to contribute positively to the community.

Sr. Rozanna is a dedicated educator whose passion for teaching has shaped her work across many age groups—from infants to young adults—and across diverse cultures and learning settings.

Originally from Malaysia and of Malay-Indian heritage, she holds a Bachelor’s degree in English with a major in TESOL, giving her a strong foundation in supporting learners academically, socially, and emotionally. Her multicultural background helps her bring empathy, inclusivity, and cultural awareness into her teaching.

She joined Al-Amal School this year as the homeroom teacher for 1A. She comes with a focus on building strong relationships, structure, and clear expectations rooted in Islamic values. Her classroom is a warm and encouraging space where students grow in independence, strengthen their problem-solving skills, and develop a sense of ownership over their learning.

Outside the classroom, Rozanna enjoys a creative and active lifestyle. She loves spending time by the lake, enjoying cozy brunches, and having picnics with her three wonderful children. She also finds joy in sewing, digital journaling, and recreational activities such as fishing, badminton, bowling, and archery.

Rozanna is grateful to contribute to the Al-Amal and broader Muslim community and looks forward to a meaningful, successful, and blessed journey ahead, Insha'Allah

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.

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.

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.

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.

Sr. Lamaa has been a dedicated member of the Al-Amal School community for 31 years, teaching Qur’an, Islamic Studies, and Arabic in the Pre-K Program. She holds an AA in Childhood Development from Rasmussen College and completed four years of Arabic and Islamic Studies at Umm Al-Qura University in Makkah Al-Mukarramah, Saudi Arabia.

Sr. Lamaa is passionate about helping young learners build a strong foundation in faith, language, and character. She strives to nurture a love for the Qur’an and Islamic values through patience, kindness, and meaningful connection.

Outside the classroom, she enjoys spending time with her family, cooking, creating art, and bringing calm and creativity into her surroundings.

Sr. Fariha studied Arabic at Al-Baath University in Syria and earned her degree in Early Childhood Education from Rasmussen University. She has taught at Saudi House and MAS-MN Weekend School, where she gained valuable experience.

With 30 wonderful years at Al-Amal School, Fariha has dedicated her career to helping children grow in knowledge, character, and confidence. One of her greatest joys is seeing her former students return as parents, now entrusting their own children to her care — a true reflection of her lasting impact and love for teaching.

Outside the classroom, Fariha enjoys traveling, baking, and spending time with family. She finds deep fulfillment in guiding little hearts and minds, helping them develop a lifelong love for learning and faith.

Sr. Musarat studied at St. Joseph College in Pakistan and continued her education at North Hennepin and Metro State College. She has been a dedicated member of the Al-Amal School community for 17 wonderful years, teaching preschool and guiding young learners with patience, kindness, and creativity. Her deep love for early childhood education shines through in the way she helps children grow academically, socially, and emotionally, always fostering a joyful and nurturing classroom environment.

As both a teacher and a parent of three Al-Amal graduates, Musarat brings a unique understanding of the school’s mission and values.

Outside the classroom, she enjoys event planning and spending time with her family. After so many rewarding years, Musarat considers Al-Amal School a true second home and prays for its continued growth and success in serving future generations.

Sr. Azza holds a BA degree from Ain Shams University and earned her Child Development Associate credential in Minnesota. She has been a valued member of the Al-Amal School family for 10 wonderful years, teaching preschool and nurturing children as they grow with confidence, curiosity, and strong Islamic values. Over the years, she has helped countless young learners build a solid foundation in both academics and character, guiding them with patience and care.

Fluent in both Arabic and English, Azza brings cultural and linguistic depth to her classroom, helping students appreciate the beauty of language and diversity. She is passionate about fostering an environment where children feel safe, loved, and inspired to learn.

Outside of teaching, Azza enjoys spending time with animals—especially cats—and finds joy in creating a warm, welcoming space for her students every day.

Sr. Hamdi has been a valued member of the Al-Amal School community for 5 wonderful years, with three of those dedicated to teaching in the preschool program. She loves working with young children and finds joy in watching them learn, explore, and grow each day.

As both a teacher and an Al-Amal parent, Hamdi holds a special connection to the school — her son currently attends Al-Amal, giving her firsthand insight into the experiences of both students and families. She is passionate about helping children develop not only foundational skills but also kindness and respect for others.

Outside the classroom, Hamdi enjoys taking long walks, spending quality time with her family, and serving her community by taking part in activities at her local masjid.

Sr. Areej is a caring and dedicated Early Childhood Educator with over 10 years of experience. She earned her BA in early childhood education from Al-Quds Open University and has completed additional training in early literacy, play-based learning, & child development.

Before joining Al-Amal School this school year, Areej taught at Dome International School and Sunshine Preschool, where she created engaging, play-based lessons that supported children’s growth in reading, writing, and social skills. She is passionate about building a safe, kind, and positive classroom where every child feels happy, valued, and supported.

Outside the classroom, Areej enjoys spending time with family, learning new teaching strategies, and contributing to her community with cre

Sr. Ifrah is a dedicated educator whose commitment to student growth is reflected in her daily work. Her journey into education began shortly after high school at Inver Hills Community College, where she earned her associate’s degree in Early Childhood Education.

Recognizing her passion for teaching young learners, she continued her studies at Metropolitan State University, completing her bachelor’s degree in Urban Education (K–5) and earning her Minnesota Elementary Education License. Her desire to strengthen her leadership skills and deepen her impact in schools led her to pursue a master’s degree in Educational Leadership from Concordia University.

Before joining Al-Amal School, Ms. Ifrah taught in both charter and public school environments, gaining valuable experience with diverse student populations. These experiences shaped her understanding of how to create inclusive, supportive classrooms.

Alhamdulillah, she is now in her fourth year at Al-Amal, a place she considers a blessing and a true professional home. She deeply values the strong sense of community, shared purpose, and commitment to nurturing both academic excellence and Islamic character.

Teaching is not just a career for Ms. Ifrah—it is a source of genuine joy and fulfillment. She loves witnessing the moment a student understands something new, the confidence that grows with each success, and the trust that forms when children feel cared for and supported.

Outside of school, Sr. Ifrah enjoys spending meaningful time with her family and children. She is an avid reader and treasures opportunities to continue learning, reflecting, and improving herself both personally and professionally, Alhamdulillah.

Sr. Hana has been a proud member of the Al-Amal School family since 2017, and this year marks her 21st year in the field of education, Alhamdulillah. For her, teaching is far more than a profession—it is a calling she honors with sincere dedication and purpose.

Her academic background is both diverse and enriching. She earned a degree in Clothing Design and Retail Merchandising with a minor in Mathematics from the University of Minnesota, followed by a Bachelor’s degree in Health Information/Health Informatics Systems from the University of Washington, where she also received her RHIA accreditation. She is currently pursuing her Master’s degree in Elementary Education, which she expects to complete in December 2025, insha’Allah.

Before joining Al-Amal, Sr. Hana worked in several elementary schools within Seattle Public Schools, where she gained extensive experience supporting diverse learners. She actively contributed to Family Engagement Committees and initiated a Multicultural Night event to celebrate the rich diversity within the school community.

Her teaching philosophy centers on creating a welcoming, nurturing classroom environment where every child feels valued, supported, and inspired to reach their fullest potential.

In addition to her classroom role, she serves on the Accreditation & School Improvement Committee, the Professional Learning Committee, and the Wellness Committee.

Outside of school, Sr. Hana enjoys spending time with her family, knitting, reading, and finding creative ways to make learning meaningful. She is grateful to be part of a community that values both deen and education.

Sr. Fatma is a passionate educator dedicated to nurturing young learners through engaging instruction, warm relationships, and developmentally appropriate practice. With more than three years of classroom experience in Pre-K and elementary settings, she brings both skill and heart to her work. Sr. Fatma joined Al-Amal School this year and is grateful to be part of a community that values academic excellence and strong character.

Sr. Fatma holds an Associate Degree in Education from Saint Paul College and is completing her B.A. in Education and Psychology at Metropolitan State University, expected in 2025. She is multilingual in English, Somali, Swahili, and intermediate Arabic, which allows her to connect effectively with families from diverse backgrounds and strengthen school–home communication.

Her professional experience includes serving as a Pre-K Teacher at New Horizon Academy, where she designs lessons that support early literacy, math readiness, emotional development, and school readiness. Previously, she worked as a Lead Teacher for students ages 6–12, developing hands-on STEM and creative arts activities. Her part-time work as a front desk receptionist further enhanced her communication and organizational skills.

Known for her positivity, collaboration, and child-centered approach, Sr. Fatma is dedicated to helping every learner feel confident, capable, and ready for success.

Sr. Huda brings deep experience, dedication, and cultural richness to the Al-Amal School community. Originally from Taiz, Yemen, and of Yemeni–Ethiopian heritage, she began her educational journey after high school by earning a Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education along with a teaching license from Taiz. She worked as a classroom teacher there for three years before beginning a new chapter in the United States.

Sr. Huda joined Al-Amal School in 1997 and has been a valued part of the community for nearly three decades. She first served in food service and later transitioned to working as an Educational Assistant in both the Quran and Islamic Studies Departments. For the past four years, she has supported the 2B classroom, where her warmth, patience, and steady presence are greatly appreciated by students and staff alike.

She believes strongly that every child learns in a unique way. For Ms. Huda, effective teaching means presenting concepts through different methods until each student gains confidence and understanding. She values positivity, individualized support, and creating an environment where children feel encouraged and capable.

Outside of school, Sr. Huda enjoys gardening in the summer, caring for her indoor plants, going for walks, and connecting with nature. She continues to cherish the blessing of serving young learners and contributing to their growth.