Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Certification
Additional Information
Timeline
Work Preference
Work Availability
Accomplishments
Software
Interests
Hi, I’m

BENAN TOPÇUOĞLU

English Language and Literature Teacher
Ataşehir, İstanbul,İstanbul
BENAN TOPÇUOĞLU

Summary

EXPERIENCED ESL & INTERNATIONAL HIGH SCHOOL EDUCATOR / ENGLISH LANGUAGE ARTS/ IBDP/ IGCSE /AP IELTS / ESL/

Enthusiastic, creative and adaptable high school, middle school English Teacher with 18 years of experience specializing in ESL, IBDP English B and A, IBDP Theory of Knowledge and English Language Arts, as well as IGCSE and Advanced Placement curricula. Renowned for cultivating student-centered and inclusive classrooms that promote critical thinking and a genuine enthusiasm for learning. Demonstrates a commitment to innovative education to cater to diverse student needs while consistently achieving outstanding academic outcomes. Dedicated to fostering an intellectually stimulating, multicultural, and supportive academic environment that prepares students for success in an ever-evolving world.

Overview

19
years of professional experience
5
Certification
5
Languages

Work History

SEV American College
İstanbul, Çekmeköy

English Literature and Language Teacher
08.2023 - Current

Job overview

  • Planned and implemented integrated lessons to meet national standards.
  • Boosted cultural awareness by incorporating children's literature from world cultures.
  • Implemented creative ways to foster curiosity for complex principles through hands-on learning and planned activities.
  • Worked with staff members and teachers to design comprehensive and individualized plans to optimize student education.
  • Increased student literacy rates by implementing targeted reading strategies in individualized instruction plans.
  • Participated in parent teacher conference to discuss developments of students and increase support.
  • Collaborated with teachers and therapists to develop individualized educational plans for each student, ensuring optimal progress.
  • Continuously pursued professional development opportunities such as workshops or conferences to stay current in educational trends.
  • Provided one-on-one support for students with learning disabilities, enabling them to excel in their coursework.
  • Fostered student curiosity and interest through creative hands-on activities.
  • Participated in department meetings to provide input to colleagues about student achievement and improvement.
  • Worked cooperatively with other teachers, administrators, and parents to help students reach learning objectives.
  • Designed detailed learning plans for struggling students based on test, homework and assignment records.
  • Implemented reading and writing workshops to increase student literacy and support school reading programs.
  • Completed student progress reports mid-term to notify students and parents of strengths and areas of improvement.
  • Enhanced classroom engagement through the use of interactive teaching methods, such as group projects and hands-on activities.
  • Identified struggling students early on and provided additional support through tutoring sessions and modified lesson plans.
  • Created lessons and online testing materials to facilitate remote learning.
  • Increased educational expertise and knowledge by participating in instructor-oriented workshops.
  • Created and developed lesson plans to meet students' academic needs.
  • Supported student teachers by mentoring on classroom management, lesson planning, and activity organization.
  • Registered student progress and attendance on database to enable tracking history and maintain accurate records.
  • Integrated cultural awareness into lessons by incorporating diverse perspectives and materials into the curriculum.
  • Prepared quizzes, tests and examinations to gauge how well students were learning.
  • Implemented behavior modification strategies, resulting in improved self-regulation and classroom participation among students.
  • Supported students in developing social skills through structured activities and positive reinforcement techniques.
  • Advised and counseled students to help them develop skills and knowledge required to succeed.
  • Graded and evaluated student assignments, papers, and course work.
  • Maintained accurate records of student progress, attendance, and behavior to facilitate ongoing communication with parents about their child''s educational journey.
  • Used strong analytical and problem-solving skills to develop effective solutions for challenging situations.
  • Worked effectively in fast-paced environments.
  • Cultivated interpersonal skills by building positive relationships with others.
  • Skills-based teaching
  • Organized and detail-oriented with a strong work ethic.
  • Paid attention to detail while completing assignments.
  • Participated in team projects, demonstrating an ability to work collaboratively and effectively.
  • Completed paperwork, recognizing discrepancies and promptly addressing for resolution.
  • Managed time efficiently in order to complete all tasks within deadlines.
  • Delivered services to customer locations within specific timeframes.
  • Skilled at working independently and collaboratively in a team environment.
  • Learned and adapted quickly to new technology and software applications.
  • Exercised leadership capabilities by successfully motivating and inspiring others.
  • Worked well in a team setting, providing support and guidance.
  • Proven ability to learn quickly and adapt to new situations.
  • Developed strong communication and organizational skills through working on group projects.
  • Developed strong organizational and communication skills through coursework and volunteer activities.

Şişli Terakki Foundation High School
İstanbul, Levent Mahallesi

English Literature and Language/ TOK Teacher
08.2019 - 06.2022

Job overview

  • For a university-required ESL and TOEFL iBT CEFR A1-C1 preparation course
  • Revitalized comprehensive TOEFL iBT/IELTS test preparation curriculum resulting in a 27% increase in passing scores for first-time TOEFL /IELTS test-takers within first year
  • Maintained a positive and inclusive classroom environment, evidenced by a consistent 90% or higher student satisfaction rating in evaluations, highlighting effective communication and a commitment to student success
  • Curriculum, Instruction, & Assessment
  • Developed and implemented curriculum materials focused on EAQUALS, emphasizing language proficiency, reading comprehension, listening skills, effective writing, and project and skills-based learning.
  • Created and conducted mock TOEFL exams to simulate test conditions, preparing students for the exam environment and enhancing their confidence
  • Conducted individualized assessments to identify specific language challenges, tailoring instructional approaches to address students' unique needs and accelerate language acquisition
  • Integrated real-world scenarios and practical language applications into lesson plans, enhancing students' ability to apply English language skills in everyday and extraordinary situations
  • Student-Centered Teaching & Classroom Management
  • Implemented self-assessment and reflection activities, enabling students to actively monitor their progress, set goals and take responsibility for their learning journey
  • Designed lessons with interactive and engaging activities catered to diverse learning styles, reducing the likelihood of disruptions and keeping students actively involved in the learning process
  • Integrated technology tools and resources to create dynamic and interactive lessons, fostering an engaging learning experience for students
  • Communication, Creativity, & Professional Development
  • Integrated multicultural components into lessons, fostering cross-cultural understanding and helping students to navigate linguistic and cultural challenges in their personal, academic, and professional lives
  • Incorporated language games, role-playing scenarios, interactive activities, and competitions providing students with fun, immersive experiences that enhance language acquisition in dynamic, engaging ways
  • Actively engaged in continuous professional development opportunities, attended workshops, conferences, and webinars focused on teaching methodologies, language acquisition research, and the latest technology tools.
  • Developed strong organizational and communication skills through coursework and volunteer activities.
  • Proven ability to develop and implement creative solutions to complex problems.
  • Identified issues, analyzed information and provided solutions to problems.
  • Used critical thinking to break down problems, evaluate solutions and make decisions.
  • Proven ability to learn quickly and adapt to new situations.
  • Worked effectively in fast-paced environments.
  • Strengthened communication skills through regular interactions with others.
  • Completed paperwork, recognizing discrepancies and promptly addressing for resolution.
  • Proved successful working within tight deadlines and a fast-paced environment.
  • Worked flexible hours across night, weekend, and holiday shifts.
  • Demonstrated creativity and resourcefulness through the development of innovative solutions.
  • Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written.
  • Worked well in a team setting, providing support and guidance.
  • Applied effective time management techniques to meet tight deadlines.
  • Paid attention to detail while completing assignments.
  • Exercised leadership capabilities by successfully motivating and inspiring others.
  • Organized and detail-oriented with a strong work ethic.
  • Developed strong communication and organizational skills through working on group projects.
  • Demonstrated strong organizational and time management skills while managing multiple projects.

TED Ankara Foundation High School
Ankara, İncek

English Literature and Language/TOK Teacher/Curriculum Developer
08.2012 - 06.2019

Job overview

  • Prepared comprehensive IB DP English B, IB DP Theory of Knowledge (TOK), AP English, and IGCSE English curricula for multiple classes of grades 9 - 12
  • Selected Accomplishments and Achievements Created a school-wide literacy program, achieving 20% improvement in average reading proficiency levels of students via targeted reading challenges and comprehension workshops
  • Collaborated with fellow IB teachers in best practices for IBDP Extended Essays and provided resources to ensure teachers were able to support students’ needs
  • Adapted teaching methodologies for online instruction, leveraging virtual platforms and interactive tools to maintain high engagement levels and provide accessible and inclusive learning opportunities
  • Initiated a digital storytelling project, allowing students to create multimedia presentations based on literary works, resulting in an increase in cross-medium literacy skills
  • Assessed performance of 6 teachers through a multi-tiered peer-supervision process consisting of monitoring lesson plans and conducting classroom evaluations
  • Curriculum, Instruction, & Assessment
  • Demonstrated expertise in differentiated instruction, tailoring teaching methods, materials, and assessments to accommodate diverse learning styles and academic levels within the classroom
  • Taught high-quality English courses by creating academically rigorous curriculum fully aligned with
  • IBDP, IGSCE, and AP standards
  • Fostered an environment of curiosity and critical thinking by consistently integrating interactive and inquiry-based teaching methods, empowering students to take an active role in their learning
  • Prepared, administered and graded both summative and formative assessments to gauge student progress
  • Student-Centered Teaching & Classroom Management
  • Designed interdisciplinary group projects to foster teamwork and problem-solving skills
  • Created and maintained interactive online platform for students to discuss literature, share writing, and collaborate on projects, promoting continuous learning and enhancing digital literacy
  • Established a classroom culture that values student contributions, encourages them to voice opinions, and accommodates diverse learning styles, thus creating a supportive and inclusive learning community
  • Communication, Creativity, & Professional Development
  • Mentored early-career teachers, offered ongoing guidance, constructive feedback, and practical strategies to navigate the challenges of the profession
  • Advised extra-curricular student clubs including Creative Writing Club, TEDx
  • Developed and facilitated a professional development workshop on integrating mindfulness practices into the classroom, contributing to a more positive and focused learning environment
  • Collaborated with IBDP coordinator and other IB teachers to implement interdisciplinary projects, enhancing students' ability to make connections across subjects
  • Enhanced classroom engagement through the use of interactive teaching methods, such as group projects and hands-on activities.
  • Enhanced learning experiences by incorporating specialized tools and resources tailored to the needs of special education students.
  • Incorporated exciting and engaging activities to achieve student participation and hands-on learning.
  • Completed student progress reports mid-term to notify students and parents of strengths and areas of improvement.
  • Evaluated students' understanding of course material through examinations and in-depth essay writing.
  • Communicated frequently with parents, students, and faculty to provide feedback and discuss instructional strategies.
  • Boosted cultural awareness by incorporating children's literature from world cultures.
  • Worked with staff members and teachers to design comprehensive and individualized plans to optimize student education.
  • Developed and administered tests for students to measure academic proficiency and understanding.
  • Assessed student performance regularly using both formative and summative assessments to inform future lesson planning.
  • Modified lessons and curriculum to accommodate diverse learners by using strategies such as peer-assisted learning and group work.
  • Kept students on-task with proactive behavior modification and positive reinforcement strategies.
  • Collaborated with other teachers to plan interdisciplinary units that connected subjects and promoted deeper understanding among students.
  • Incorporated multiple types of teaching strategies into classroom.
  • Integrated cultural awareness into lessons by incorporating diverse perspectives and materials into the curriculum.
  • Supported student teachers by mentoring on classroom management, lesson planning, and activity organization.
  • Graded and evaluated student assignments, papers, and course work.
  • Developed and implemented classroom routines to address varying student needs.
  • Provided one-on-one support for students with learning disabilities, enabling them to excel in their coursework.
  • Managed classroom behavior effectively by establishing clear expectations, modeling appropriate conduct, and consistently enforcing established rules and consequences.

NOVA SCOTIA ACADEMIC MONTH PROGRAMME, SAERC
Port Hawkesbury, Nova Scotia

Club Advisor
09.2014 - 10.2014

Job overview

  • Chaperoned 5 students to the YMUN XL, | 4 Week Programme / September 2017
  • Accompanied 15 high school students on the program, supporting opportunities for cross-cultural educational connections and English language immersion
  • Learned new instructional techniques and methodologies to incorporate into own teaching after collaborating with Canadian English teachers.

YMUN XL 2014 MUN CONFERENCE | Yale University
New Haven, CT

Club Advisor
01.2014 - 01.2014

TOBB University of Economics & Technology
Ankara, Söğütözü

English Instructor/Curriculum Developer
08.2010 - 07.2012

Job overview

  • Strengthened critical thinking abilities by challenging students to analyze complex texts and articulate well-supported arguments.
  • Published research articles in academic journals.
  • Improved classroom engagement by implementing interactive teaching techniques and hands-on learning experiences.
  • TOEFL ITP Test Prep and Curriculum Development
  • Participated in department and employee team meetings to discuss student performance and academic achievement.
  • Facilitated group discussions to explore works of literature.
  • Participated in professional development activities to stay current with literature trends.

FULBRIGHT, Maggie L. Walker Governor’s School
Richmond, Virginia

TEACHING EXCHANGE PROGRAM
09.2008 - 06.2009

Job overview

  • Honored recipient of full academic year teacher exchange placement teaching diverse and high-achieving students in grades 6-8.

ENGLISH LANGUAGE IMMERSION PROGRAM
Slough, Berkshire

01.2006 - 01.2008

Job overview

  • Chaperoned a group of 15 high school students while on an English language immersion learning trip
  • Participated in professional development to improve English-teaching skills.

METU Foundation Private Middle School, METU
Ankara, Çankaya

English Language Teacher/ Level Developer
08.2007 - 08.2010

Job overview

  • Prepared and taught comprehensive IB MYP English and English Language Arts curricula for grades 6-8
  • Taught
  • English Language Arts to American 6-8 graders as part of Fulbright Teacher Exchange Program
  • Selected Accomplishments and Achievements Implemented a flipped classroom model, resulting in an increase in student engagement and a 30% improvement in overall student performance on standardized writing assessments
  • Conducted parent-teacher conferences and maintained regular communication with parents, resulting in a satisfaction rate among parents regarding their child's progress and learning experience
  • Thrived in a dynamic teaching role in a new country, exhibiting exceptional adaptability by rapidly acclimating to diverse cultural nuances, educational systems, and student demographics
  • Curriculum, Instruction, & Assessment
  • Provided dynamic and engaging IB MYP English instruction to students, utilizing a variety of teaching strategies to enhance comprehension and foster a love for learning
  • Designed and implemented comprehensive lesson plans that aligned with IB MYP standards, ensuring a well-rounded and challenging educational experience for students
  • Successfully integrated cross-curricular elements into lesson plans, promoting connections between subjects and providing students with a holistic understanding of concepts through a multidisciplinary approach
  • Prepared, administered and graded formative and summative assessments to gauge student progress and adapt instructional strategies
  • Student-Centered Teaching & Classroom Management
  • Supervised IB MYP students’ personal projects, guiding students through the process of independently conceiving, planning, and executing a self-directed project that reflects their interests and talents
  • Provided 1:1 attention to individual students while maintaining overall focus on the entire classroom
  • Communicated nonverbally with students to show encouragement, support, and positive reinforcement
  • Implemented effective classroom management techniques and set clear behavior expectations that fostered a positive, inclusive atmosphere for optimal learning and engagement
  • Infused culturally responsive instructional practices into curriculum development, recognizing and celebrating diverse backgrounds to create an inclusive learning environment that resonates with all students
  • Communication, Creativity, & Professional Development
  • Designed and implemented a cross-curricular project with the history department, connecting literature with historical contexts to enhance students' interdisciplinary understanding (MLWGS)
  • Designed and facilitated IB MYP-specific parent workshops, offering insights into the program's philosophy, assessment criteria, and ways parents could support their children's learning at home
  • Actively contributed to the development of the IB MYP English language curriculum, adapting materials to reflect the latest literary trends, global issues

Bilkent University School of English Language, Çankaya
Ankara, Çankaya

English Instructor
01.2005 - 07.2007

Job overview

  • Prepared and taught comprehensive ESL Language Prep School of the university (BUSEL) classes to young adult learners aged 18 - 22
  • Selected Accomplishments and Achievements Created and published 50+ supplementary ESL learning resources, such as instructional materials, online modules, or language learning guides, contributing to the effective language learning tools and strategies
  • Collaborated with local businesses to offer basic English translation of marketing done by advanced ESL students providing opportunities for translation experience and improved community relations
  • Curriculum, Instruction, & Assessment
  • Designed and implemented language proficiency assessments to accurately gauge students' language development, facilitating data-driven instructional decisions and tracking individual progress over time
  • Facilitate advanced ESL courses for university students, emphasizing academic and professional language skills, critical thinking, and effective communication in English
  • Developed and implemented a task-based language teaching approach, resulting in a 15% increase on checkpoint language proficiency tests
  • Contributed to curriculum development committees, actively participating in the design and assessment of
  • ESL program materials to meet evolving academic standards
  • Student-Centered Teaching & Classroom Management
  • Implemented flexible classroom management strategies that acknowledged and respected the diverse cultural and linguistic backgrounds of students, ensuring inclusivity and understanding
  • Established and led language workshops, providing additional support for students seeking to improve specific language skills or prepare for standardized language proficiency exams
  • Collaborated with the university's writing center to establish a peer tutoring program for ESL students under the certificate programme ICELT, offering additional support for academic writing skills and fostering a sense of community among English language learners
  • Implemented project-based assignments, allowing students to explore topics of personal interest, apply critical thinking skills, and showcase their understanding of English in creative and meaningful ways, fostering a sense of autonomy and curiosity
  • Created individualized support plans for learners with unique needs or challenges, addressing specific concerns while maintaining a collective focus on the overall learning experience
  • Communication, Creativity, & Professional Development
  • Conducted independent research on new language teaching methodologies, integrating findings into instructional practices to enhance language acquisition outcomes
  • Collaborated with other university departments to design and implement English language support programs for students, contributing to improved academic success and retention rates
  • Created and delivered 5-part professional development workshop series for a team of 10 ESL instructors, focusing on effective strategies for teaching pronunciation, accent reduction, and vocabulary expansion
  • Took an active leadership role in the professional learning community, collaborating with colleagues to share best practices, discuss pedagogical approaches

Education

Bozüyük Anatolian Teacher High School

DIPLOMA
06.2000

University Overview

Vocational high school program focused on preparing students for entering studies in the education field.

Hacettepe University, Bilkent University & Cambridge University

BACHELOR’S DEGREE from ENGLISH LANGUAGE
06.2005

University Overview

Automatic Turkish Teaching Authorization granted upon graduation from teacher education program.

Skills

  • TECHNOLOGY INTEGRATION Actively incorporates technology and Technological literacy into lessons and supports students' ethical use of emerging tech in academics
  • INNOVATIVE DIFFERENTIATED CURRICULUM Expertly skilled at customizing curricula to the needs of students to support their learning styles and overall academic success
  • COLLABORATION COMMUNICATION
  • Highly skilled at communicating across Ages, cultures, and modalities to increase understanding and promote collaboration
  • INTERNATIONAL & MULTICULTURAL EDUCATION
  • Incorporates global Perspectives, cultural insights, tolerance, and the positive value of multiculturalism within learning and education
  • Higher Education
  • Multicultural Education
  • Educational Leadership
  • English as a Second Language
  • Classroom Management
  • Curriculum Development
  • Leadership Development
  • Student Evaluation
  • Lesson Planning
  • Student Support
  • College Preparation
  • Microsoft Office
  • Exam Proctoring
  • SMART Boards
  • Visual Arts Instruction
  • Google Slides
  • Educational Research
  • Grading
  • Recordkeeping

Certification

First Language. Able to speak, read and write in fluent Turkish. ENGLISH – Bilingual Fluency CEFR Fluency Level C2. Able to speak, read and write in fluent English. SPANISH – Intermediate/Conversational Fluency CEFR Fluency Level A2. ITALIAN – Beginner CEFR Fluency Level B1 GERMAN – Beginner CEFR Fluency Level A1.

  • ICELT, Bilkent University - 2005-2007
  • IBDP English B -2014
  • IBDP TOK 2015
  • IGCSE 2015
  • IELTS 2019

Additional Information

  • demonstrating commitment to holistic educational experiences (SEV, STF, TED).
  • innovative approach to instruction.
  • cultural contexts while aligning with IB MYP standards (METU).
  • contribute to ongoing program improvement.

Timeline

English Literature and Language Teacher

SEV American College
08.2023 - Current

English Literature and Language/ TOK Teacher

Şişli Terakki Foundation High School
08.2019 - 06.2022

Club Advisor

NOVA SCOTIA ACADEMIC MONTH PROGRAMME, SAERC
09.2014 - 10.2014

Club Advisor

YMUN XL 2014 MUN CONFERENCE | Yale University
01.2014 - 01.2014

English Literature and Language/TOK Teacher/Curriculum Developer

TED Ankara Foundation High School
08.2012 - 06.2019

English Instructor/Curriculum Developer

TOBB University of Economics & Technology
08.2010 - 07.2012

TEACHING EXCHANGE PROGRAM

FULBRIGHT, Maggie L. Walker Governor’s School
09.2008 - 06.2009

English Language Teacher/ Level Developer

METU Foundation Private Middle School, METU
08.2007 - 08.2010

ENGLISH LANGUAGE IMMERSION PROGRAM
01.2006 - 01.2008

English Instructor

Bilkent University School of English Language, Çankaya
01.2005 - 07.2007

Bozüyük Anatolian Teacher High School

DIPLOMA

Hacettepe University, Bilkent University & Cambridge University

BACHELOR’S DEGREE from ENGLISH LANGUAGE

Work Preference

Work Type

Full Time

Location Preference

On-Site

Important To Me

Company CultureWork-life balanceCareer advancementPaid sick leavePersonal development programsHealthcare benefits
Availability
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sunday
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Accomplishments

  • Taught 3000+ students over 19 YEARS.
  • Commended for exemplary teaching and service to students.
  • Spearheaded whole school literacy project to help 800 High Schoolstudents.
  • Spearheaded School Magazine, TEDX Youth, School Drama Club projects.
  • Mentored 20+ new teachers in instructional and classroom management strategies.
  • Used Microsoft Excel to develop inventory tracking spreadsheets.
  • Supervised team of 6 staff members.
  • Resolved product issue through consumer testing.

Software

AUDIO & VIDEO EDITING Audacity Camtasia iMovie ScreenPal Recorder Flipgrid COMMUNICATION Dragon NaturallySpeaking Google Meet Loom MS Teams Remind Skype WebEx Zoom CONTENT DESIGN Adobe Express Book Creator Pixlr CONTENT SHARING & MANAGEMENT Dropbox Google Drive Managebac Box DIGITAL LESSONS & PRESENTATIONS Canva EdPuzzle Google Slides H5P Interactive HTML5 Kahoot! Mentimeter MS PowerPoint MS Sway Nearpod PlayPostit Popplet ThingLink Genially Prezi DOCUMENTS & NOTES Evernote Google Docs Google Forms Google Sheets MS Excel MS Forms MS OneNote MS Word Notability INTERACTIVE WHITEBOARD JamBoard OpenBoard SMART Notebook LANGUAGE ACQUISITION FluencyTutor FluentU Mango Languages LEARNING MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS Blackboard LMS Moodle LMS Schoology LMS Google Classroom LITERACY & NEWS Epic! Digital Library Flipboard Newsela TED-Ed YouTube QUIZZES Quillionz Quizizz Quizlet RESEARCH, PLAGIARISM & GRAMMAR ChatGPT Grammarly Hemingway Editor Read&Write Scrible TurnItIn UniCheck WorldCat WriQ VIRTUAL CLASSROOMS Adobe Connect Blackboard Learn Google Classroom

Interests

TRAVELLING

CULINARY ARTS

WELL-BEING

THETA HEALING

YOGA

FORMULA

LEARNING LANGUAGES AND CULTURES

READING

PERCUSSION

CINEMA

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BENAN TOPÇUOĞLUEnglish Language and Literature Teacher