Yacoub Aljaffery

An Arabic proverb says, “Good teachers are like candles; they consume themselves to light the way for others.” This truth has guided my path as an educator. I believe that teachers hold the power to influence society by equipping every student with the tools to succeed, regardless of their background. As ESL educators, our work goes far beyond teaching grammar or vocabulary; we help shape students’ futures, foster their aspirations, and build their confidence in navigating academic and professional life.

I have taught in both K–12 and college settings, both nationally in Minnesota and internationally in several countries, and both of these paths have shaped my teaching philosophy. Teaching in Minnesota’s K–12 schools gave me a firsthand understanding of the academic and social needs of our multilingual students, and the importance of well-designed ESL classrooms that help these students thrive. Internationally, I gained valuable experience teaching overseas in Iraq, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, and South Korea, where I learned from other educational systems, school structures, cultural traditions, and students. These experiences helped me view education through multiple lenses and deepened my understanding of what high-quality teacher preparation looks like. Combining these two paths has equipped me to support future ESL teachers in developing practical, responsive, and effective teaching approaches.

In my classrooms, students are at the center of everything I do. I make it a priority to ensure that every student feels seen, heard, and supported. I work intentionally to create a space where all students are part of the learning process, where their perspectives are valued, and where they are encouraged to lead. My goal is to help each student thrive academically and emerge from our program with the skills and confidence to become strong and effective educators and leaders themselves.

If you have questions about the ESL program or would like to schedule an advising meeting, feel free to reach out via phone or email. I’m looking forward to talking with you.

Education and Certificates 

• Ph.D., Curriculum Studies – DePaul University
• M.A., Teaching English for Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) – St. Cloud State University
• B.A., Linguistics – St. Cloud State University
• Diploma in Spanish – Instituto de Cultura y Lengua Costarricense

Recent Publications and Conference Presentations

• Aljaffery, Y. (2025). Invisible to Visible: Student Narratives Highlight Asset-Based Teaching Approaches that Positively Impacted Them. Moving from Trendy Growth Mindsets in Favor of Asset-Based Mindsets. Edited by Linsay DeMartino & Lisa Fetman. Myers Education Press.
• Aljaffery, Y. (2025). Broadening the Lens: Understanding and Supporting Refugee and Immigrant MLs. TESOL International Convention, Long Beach, CA, March 18, 2025.
• Aljaffery, Y. (2025). Teachers and Caring Pedagogies: Making the Difference for Refugee Students. National Organization for Student Success (NOSS), New Orleans, February 20, 2025.
• Aljaffery, Y. (2024). Translanguaging as a Safe Haven for Newly Arrived Refugee Students. Minnesota English Learner Education (MELED), November 22, 2024.
• Aljaffery, Y. (2023). Refugee Students and Effective Teaching: How ESL Teachers’ Care Made a Difference. Comparative and International Education Society (CIES), February 18, 2023.
• Aljaffery, Y. (2022). Fleeing Home, Finding Home, and Chasing Dreams: Refugee Journeys to New Spaces for Belonging. In Navigating Precarity in Education: Reflection, Pedagogy, and Activism for Change. Edited by Ann Frkovich, Amira Proweller & Karen Monkman. New York and London: Routledge.

Contact

• Email: aljaffer@augsburg.edu
• Phone: 612-330-1345
• Office: Sverdrup Hall 3J