Leah Juelke

Member Engagement Coordinator

Leah Juelke, the 2018 North Dakota Teacher of the Year, is a decorated educator whose passion for global education, literacy, and creating a welcoming community for all students earned her a spot as one of the top 10 teachers in the world and a finalist for The Varkey Foundation’s 2020 Global Teacher Prize. She is a founding member of the North Dakota NNSTOY State Chapter and a member of the ND State Teacher’s Advisory Cabinet.

Leah currently serves as NNSTOY’s Member Engagement Coordinator, providing logistical support and project management for engagement opportunities and as a liaison for state chapters. Prior to working at NNSTOY, Leah was a high school English teacher, literacy coach, K-12 EL specialist, and debate coach in Fargo, North Dakota. Through her Journey to America, Green Card Voices and We Are America literacy projects, she helped to amplify the voices of her refugee and immigrant students, empowering them to advocate for equity and social justice

 Leah also worked as an educational consultant, designing curriculum and providing professional development to school districts around the nation. Leah holds a Bachelor's degree in English Education and ELL, and a Master's degree in Curriculum and Instruction, both from North Dakota State University. She is an Army veteran, having served as a medic and instructor in the Army National Guard for six years. Throughout her 15 year career as an educator, Leah has created global connections, visiting over 25 countries and teaching abroad in Taiwan, Ecuador, China, Costa Rica, Mexico and Tanzania. Leah is also a published author, a director of an international non-profit and has been recognized with over 20 awards for her leadership, advocacy and commitment to education. Leah lives in Fargo, North Dakota and enjoys bubble tea, photography, traveling and spending time at the lake with her family.