Get to Know Lul Yusuf, Instructional Facilitator, English Language Development

November 25th, 2025

The HCPSS Get To Know series was created to help staff learn more about system leaders in schools and offices with whom they may not typically interact. HCPSS leaders answer a mix of personal and professional questions in an effort to let all employees get to know them better.

Why did you choose to work in education?

I chose to work in education because I was once the student who didn’t feel successful in school. I struggled to read until the 4th grade and was retained twice, once in kindergarten and again in 7th grade. Those experiences were difficult but they also opened my eyes to how powerful it is when a student is truly seen, supported and given another chance. I know what it feels like to be overlooked and I know what it feels like when a teacher believes in you anyway. I wanted to become the kind of educator who creates opportunity and access for students who may be facing similar challenges so that they can see their strengths, experience success and know that their future is not defined by their early struggles.

What is your role within HCPSS?

I serve as the Instructional Facilitator for the English Language Development (ELD) Office, supporting schools across HCPSS in implementing the K–12 ELD program for multilingual learners. I help design and refine ELD curriculum and assessments, and I coach teachers and administrators through professional learning focused on academic language development, access to grade-level content, and equitable practices. What I enjoy most is partnering with educators and families to create classrooms where multilingual learners feel valued, included and able to thrive.

What is the best professional advice you’ve ever received?

The best professional advice I’ve received is: “Start with relationships then move to strategy.” It reminds me that meaningful change in schools happens when people feel heard, valued and supported. Whether I’m coaching teachers, working with school leaders or partnering with families, I try to center trust and humanity first, and let every next step grow from there.

What is something about you that would surprise people?

Something that often surprises people is how many languages I speak. I use Swahili, English, Somali, Urdu, Hindi, and basic Spanish in different parts of my life, and this multilingual background shapes how I approach language development, family engagement, and equity in schools. It’s also one of my favorite ways to connect with students and families; being able to greet someone or explain an idea in their home language can change the whole conversation.

What is on your bucket list?

At the top of my bucket list is completing my Ph.D. in Educational Leadership and Policy and publishing research on coaching ELD teachers to support equitable language instruction. I want that work to directly benefit multilingual learners, their families, and the educators who serve them. I’d also love to go bungee jumping one day, not just for the thrill, but as a reminder to keep taking brave leaps in life and in my work.

What is the most interesting place you’ve ever been?

One of the most interesting places I’ve ever been is my home country, Kenya. Even though Maryland is home for my family now, returning to Kenya is always deeply meaningful. I’m surrounded by the languages, cultures, and traditions that shaped me, from busy city streets to extended family gatherings. Now that I take my two boys there, I truly see the power of belonging—watching them see themselves reflected in the people, stories, and places around them continues to shape how I think about identity, community, and multilingualism in my work with students and families.

What has your professional journey in HCPSS been like?

My journey in HCPSS is new but deeply meaningful. I joined in August 2025 as the Instructional Facilitator for ELD and have focused on building relationships with ELD teachers, school leaders, and Central Office partners across K–12. From the beginning, I’ve been welcomed and supported by my amazing ELD teammates: Deb and Pam. Their leadership, collaboration, and encouragement has made it easy to feel at home and do brave work on behalf of multilingual learners. I’ve also been invited to serve on several committees and workgroups which has allowed me to learn from colleagues across the system and bring an ELD and equity lens to broader conversations. I am truly thankful to be here and to work alongside such dedicated colleagues.