Turkish Language Teacher • Private Turkish Tutor • Instructional Designer • Creative Drama Educator

PROFILE

Private Turkish tutor, Turkish language teacher and instructional designer with a strong background in curriculum development, material design and learner-centered pedagogy. Experienced in teaching Turkish both as a native language and as a foreign language to diverse groups of learners from A1 to C2 levels. Combines literature-based instruction, creative drama and research-supported methods to create effective, engaging and communicative language learning experiences. Skilled in designing learning programs that enhance learner motivation, autonomy, cultural awareness and long-term academic success.

EDUCATION

M.Sc. in Educational Design and Evaluation
Bahçeşehir University, Istanbul (2020–2023)

  • Master’s thesis: School Engagement and Learning Responsibility in Middle School Students

  • Focus areas: learning design, curriculum development, measurement and evaluation, learner motivation, autonomous learning strategies.

B.Sc. in Turkish Language Education
Balıkesir University, Balikesir (2012–2016)

  • Comprehensive coursework in linguistics, reading education, writing pedagogy, children’s and youth literature, text analysis and teaching Turkish as a native language.

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

Private Turkish Tutor | Self-employed (2024–Present) Munich & Online

  • Provide tailor-made Turkish lessons for international learners at levels A1–C2.

  • Teach adults, children, professionals and expats with a strong focus on communication, fluency and everyday language use.

  • Design personalized course plans using instructional design principles and drama-based learning strategies.

  • Offer support in pronunciation, academic writing and exam preparation (e.g., Telc, Yunus Emre).

  • Use creative drama, role-play and scenario-based tasks to improve interaction, speaking confidence and cultural awareness.

Turkish Language Teacher | SEV American Middle School (2018–2024) Istanbul

  • Designed literature-based Turkish curriculum focusing on reading comprehension, critical thinking and written expression.

  • Developed skill-based assessments, differentiated question sets and supplementary reading materials.

  • Led creative reading, writing and drama workshops to enhance students’ engagement and language skills.

  • Mentored students in national exam strategies and academic literacy.

  • Contributed to departmental coordination, curriculum alignment and teacher collaboration processes.

Deputy Director of Education | Atabey Education Institutions (2017–2018) Istanbul

  • Oversaw academic planning, curriculum design and exam preparation processes for national exams (LGS, TYT, AYT).

  • Coordinated teacher recruitment, classroom observations and academic performance monitoring.

  • Ensured consistency in educational standards, instructional materials, exams and student support systems.

  • Collaborated with teachers and management to improve instructional quality and student outcomes.

Turkish Language Teacher | YÖM Schools (2016–2017) Istanbul

  • Taught Turkish to students with diverse learning needs and individualized education plans (IEPs).

  • Adapted curriculum and classroom activities to emotional, behavioral and academic needs.

  • Implemented data-driven monitoring of learning progress and provided targeted support.

  • Worked closely with school counselors and families to support students’ overall development.

Turkish Teacher for Foreigners | Ministry of National Education Project (2015–2016) Istanbul

  • Taught Turkish within an integration and adaptation program for Syrian students.

  • Developed culturally responsive and level-appropriate instructional materials to support language and social integration.

  • Created inclusive and safe learning environments that supported students’ emotional and academic well-being.

  • Collaborated with project teams and school staff to improve program quality and student engagement.

ACADEMIC PUBLICATION

Article
School Engagement and Learning Responsibility in Middle School Students
International Journal of Curriculum and Instructional Studies (peer-reviewed).

CONFERENCE PRESENTATIONS

  • ICCI–EPOK International Congress (2023)
    Oral presentation on school engagement and learning responsibility in middle school students.

  • ERG – 17th Good Practices in Education Conference (2020)
    Presentation of differentiated, literature-based lesson plans and instructional materials.

SKILLS & COMPETENCIES

  • Instructional design and learning experience design

  • Teaching Turkish as a Foreign Language (A1–C2)

  • Creative drama in education

  • Curriculum and material development

  • Literature-based language teaching

  • Differentiated instruction and individual support

  • Classroom management and student motivation

  • Educational assessment and feedback

  • Intercultural communication and integration support

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

  • Creative Reading – Nilay Yılmaz

  • Creative Drama and Value Education – IDSA

  • Solution-Oriented Classroom Management I–II – Esra İşmen Gazioğlu

  • Differentiated Education & Flipped Classroom Practices

  • Web 2.0 Tools in Learning and Instructional Design

  • National Special Education Congress

  • Future Educators Program – Sabancı Foundation & Ashoka

  • Various creative drama workshops and pedagogical seminars

LANGUAGES

  • Turkish – Native

  • English – B2

  • German – B1 (in progress)