I hope you’ll enjoy the experience and have fun along the way.

Thanks for being here with us. Let’s make it a great learning journey!

_{Thanks to Chat GPT for the hair style}

I’m really looking forward to learning new strategies here and sharing experiences with you 🙂

See y'all online

A bit about me: I'm an English language instructor at Sabancı University. I'm passionate about fostering learner autonomy and creating inclusive, engaging learning environments. My current work explores the use of generative AI tools in teaching practices.

I'm genuinely excited to learn alongside all of you and to see the diverse perspectives and experiences you'll bring to our discussions. Please reach out with any questions - I'm here to support you every step of the way!

Looking forward to a fantastic learning experience together!

I have been teaching EFL for more than 30 years. I hold an M.A. in TESOL from Leeds University. Academic writing, learner autonomy, and student motivation are my interests. Apart from being an IELTS and soft skills trainer, I also get involved in some community work to assist special needs students or students with learning difficulties. I'm excited to be a part of this SL-TeDOL course and to get the opportunity to network with other practitioners in the ELT field. 

As a lecturer with 9 years of experience, I consider vocabulary teaching one of the most essential and rewarding aspects of language instruction. I really like the analogy that grammar is the glue, while vocabulary is the building blocks, and I believe this course will help us strengthen those blocks in harmony.

One fun fact about me is that I managed to teach seven words to one of my cats though the other one still needs more practice! 😄 I’m looking forward to developing more effective ways of teaching vocabulary and managing classroom time better. Happy to share this learning journey with you!

My name is Beğen, and I’m an instructor at Sabancı University, where I’ve been teaching for the past 9 years. Altogether, I have over 20 years of experience as an English Language Instructor, working with learners of different backgrounds.

One fun fact about me: I’m also a passionate public speaker and debater have given two TEDx talks! I love inspiring people through stories and helping others find their voice.

I’m really excited to be part of this course and to learn from all of you.

My name is Arev Babahan. I have been teaching English for over 10 years at Kadir Has University School of Foreign Languages, English Preparatory Program, across various levels. I am a returning participant of this course (VTL19) and am excited to refresh my knowledge and broaden my horizons with the advent of AI, as well as benefit from your valuable contributions in this collaborative learning environment.

Building on the outcomes of VTL19, I conducted an action research project on the vocabulary learning habits of lower-level English learners, seeking to identify a correlation between the development of effective vocabulary learning habits and vocabulary retention by tracking their performance in quizzes and exam sections. I shared these findings in a seminar at my institution and later presented them at the 15th METU International ELT Conference and the 3rd ITU International ELT Conference in 2024.

I look forward to this year’s VTL course and to learning together with all of you.

See you soon!

I am a PPC Councillor of TESOL Turkiye, and a member of both TEDSIG and LAMSIG there.

I am a part of Oxford University’s AI in Education Research Hub where my very-first proposal has been approved. I have been invited as a speaker at Oxford. Also, I met professionals holding a Nobel Prize and the World’s top 2% of professors there.

I completed the SIT TESOL course successfully as a RELO Scholar.

I am doing my MA studies at TED University, and being directly guided by the former Dean of our faculty and respected professors in the field of educational leadership. Also, I am participating in events by UNESCO and its executive directors. 

Joining SLTeDOL GTL-24 was wonderful, and I am looking forward to growing with this amazing community throughout SLTeDOL GTL-25 journey! 🚀 🚀🚀

I am a Senior Instructor at the Centre for Preparatory Studies, Sultan Qaboos University, Oman, with over 24 years of dedicated experience in higher education. I hold a BA in English Language and Literature from the University of Jordan, a Postgraduate Certificate in Professional Practice in Higher Education from Coventry University, and the CELTA from Cambridge University. Throughout my career, I have cultivated expertise in English language teaching, academic development, and innovative pedagogical practice. My passion for fostering meaningful learning experiences is reflected in my research interests, which focus on learner autonomy and student socio-academic rapport.

My name is Zeinab Al Khshali, and I am a senior English language instructor at Sultan Qaboos University in Oman. I have been teaching for more than 24 years in both academic and non-academic settings, and I truly enjoy supporting learners on their journey. I completed my MA in Linguistics at Auckland University in New Zealand, and over the years, I have had the chance to design curricula, create teaching materials, and contribute to language assessment.

I especially enjoy lessons that are engaging and inclusive, and I have worked closely with students who have special educational needs, particularly in preparing them for exams. I am passionate about English Language Teaching and Applied Linguistics, and I am really excited to learn from this course and grow further.

I am Neetu. For nearly 3 decades, I have been teaching English to students of various levels in many different countries. I believe that the road to becoming a better teacher is in being a great learner. I am excited about the course.

I’m Serter and I hold both a bachelor’s and a master’s degree in English language teaching. For the past three years, I’ve been working as an English teacher at a public middle school. I especially follow solo and monologue theatre performances, and I’m deeply interested in how sound design shapes atmosphere on stage.

I completed the SL-TeDOL 2024 program, and now I’m genuinely excited to begin the VTL 2025 program at Sabancı University. Language teaching isn’t just about rules; it’s about constantly rethinking how we connect through language.

My name is Zeyno Bingör and I am currently working at Istanbul Aydın University, where I serve both as an English language teacher and as a deputy director at the School of Foreign Languages. I am also pursuing my PhD in English Language Teaching, focusing on intercultural language teaching and teacher cognition.

I had the chance to attend a previous version of this course, and it was truly an inspiring and enriching experience. I learned a great deal that I could immediately apply in my professional context, and it also deepened my passion for ELT. I am always eager to explore new perspectives, practical strategies, and innovative approaches that can benefit both my students and colleagues.

Because of this, I am very excited to join the upcoming course. I strongly believe it will provide another valuable opportunity for professional growth, collaboration, and reflection. I am looking forward to learning from the trainers and fellow participants, and to sharing my own insights and experiences as well.

ELT has always been more than just a profession for me—it is a passion and a journey of continuous growth. I am confident that this course will be another important step in that journey, and I cannot wait to get started.

I've been teaching for 10 years and I'm currently working at Kadir Has University. I'm excited to be part of this journey and to exchange ideas and experiences with all of you.

Hello everyone! My name is Anna. I’ve been teaching Academic English for 8 years, and I’m currently working at Acibadem University. I’m really excited to be part of this community and this course on vocabulary teaching and learning. I hope not only to bring these new insights into my own classes, but also to grow as a learner myself – especially as I’m currently on the adventure of learning Hindi! Looking forward to learning from you all and sharing ideas throughout this course.

I am thrilled to be a part of this training and look forward to learning from all of you.

Best,

Hi everyone 🌸

I used to be a teacher at Nesibe Aydın Schools, and now I am joining this program as a fresh mom. I’m truly thankful to our instructors for providing us with such valuable opportunities to refresh our knowledge and grow together. Excited to learn and share on this journey!

Teaching is more than a job for me—it’s my passion! I love creating fun and engaging lessons, seeing students’ faces light up when they understand something new, and finding creative ways to make learning exciting. I believe every day is a chance to grow, try something different, and make a difference, and that’s exactly why I’m so happy to be part of this training.

I’m a PhD student in English Literature 📚, and as someone whose degrees are all in literature, I love giving my students plenty of examples through books, drama, and poetry. I also enjoy philosophy and love having conversations with students during tea breaks. I joined this course to enhance my skills in vocabulary teaching, and I hope to achieve that goal. I’m thrilled to be here with you all and send my warm regards to everyone 💐

Beyond academics, I am passionate about theatre, photography, and dancing. I am also a licensed Zumba instructor, which allows me to blend my love for teaching with energy and movement. Through this course, I hope to gain a broader vision of the field and expand my professional network. I am delighted to be part of this program and wish everyone a rewarding and inspiring academic year ahead.

I’m genuinely excited to be here, and I’m very much looking forward to learning new things from all of you.

Best wishes,

My name is Ailar Shahamat. I’m a lecturer at Bahçeşehir University with over 15 years of experience in teaching English.

I’m currently in the final revision stage of my PhD thesis in the field of educational technology and AI.

Throughout my career, I’ve developed a strong passion for teaching vocabulary in creative and effective ways, because I believe vocabulary is the foundation of all language skills. I enjoy exploring innovative methods, engaging classroom activities, and technology-supported tools to help students build and retain vocabulary more meaningfully.

I joined this course to deepen my knowledge of vocabulary teaching and gain new ideas to enrich my lessons. I’m excited to learn and collaborate with all of you!

(not-a-)fun fact about me: I’m a cinephile - my watchlist is terrifyingly long.

In addition to teaching, I have extensive experience in educational management. I have held positions such as Center Coordinator, Academic Advisor, and Academic Coordinator. Looking forward to this experience of mutual growth.

Throughout my career, I have attended numerous professional development courses abroad and earned COTE and DOTE qualifications in ELT, as well as an M.A. and Ph.D. in ELT/Educational Sciences.

I strongly believe that every teacher should continuously strive for self-development, as learning new things always excites and inspires me. Over the years, I have had the opportunity to work in various roles, including syllabus developer, test writer, teacher trainer, and administrator. These experiences have enriched my perspective on teaching and strengthened my commitment to lifelong learning and professional growth.

Many thanks to all the contributors who made it possible!

Being in the classroom is a true privilege, and I am grateful for the chance to help guide students and share in the excitement of their progress.

I'm absolutely delighted to have the opportunity to take this course and dive into the art of teaching vocabulary, because if there's one thing I've learned, it's that a student's vocabulary is like their superpower. I look forward to learning how to help my students unlock even more of their linguistic potential!

Thanks,

e.

I’m İlayda! I graduated from Marmara University and have been teaching English for 9 years. Currently, I’m working at Darüşşafaka Schools. I had the chance to attend GTL, which was such a wonderful and inspiring experience for me. I’m so excited to attend VTL now, meet new colleagues, exchange ideas, and learn even more together! ✨

I strive to create a dynamic and supportive environment where learners feel encouraged to express themselves freely and to take meaningful risks with the language. I place great emphasis on using real-life topics and practical examples so that what we cover has direct relevance and applicability beyond the classroom.

I'm holding a BA degree in English Language and Literature, an MA degree in Educational Administration and Supervision, and a CELTA degree. I’ve been currently working at Yeditepe University, where I serve as the Assistant Coordinator for B2 Level Science and Medicine Reading & Writing in the School of Foreign Languages.

In this role, in addition to actively teaching, I develop class materials and assist with coordination. I act as a bridge between the administration and the teachers, and I also support students in their academic needs. I'm really excited about this course because it’s a wonderful opportunity to refresh my skills, exchange ideas, and continue contributing to my students’ and colleagues’ success.

I am originally from Bangladesh. I am currently working as a Senior Instructor of English at Sultan Qaboos University in Oman. With over 15 years of experience in teaching English as both a second and foreign language, I have had the privilege of working with diverse groups of learners, which has been a truly rewarding journey.

I am delighted to be here, to learn from all of you, and I would be more than happy to share my experiences along the way. I believe that learning is always a two-way process, and I look forward to growing together through this exchange.

Outside of work, I write poetry, enjoy reading (Kazuo Ishiguro is a favorite), and I rarely miss a day of the New York Times Wordle — it's my daily brain warm-up.

I'm really looking forward to connecting with all of you, exchanging ideas, and continuing to learn through our shared experiences.

I love trying new things in my classes and receiving feedback from my students. Also, I am always curious about your experiences and learning from you.Throughout all these years, learning from my colleagues and the community has always inspired me. Every year, I feel enthusiastic about conducting a research study about reflective learning practice; however, I barely find time due to my teaching hours. I hope I will do this year :)

Nice to meet you, all. Thank you, the ones who give us this opportunity, and the ones who make this opportunity meaningful :)

workshops, and conferences in the our field, English Language Teaching. I have made virtual and face-to-face ELT conference presentations. I am interested STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) Approach, Educational Technology (EduTech), Global Education,

Sustainability and Sustainability in Education, Social Justice in Education, Socio-emotional learning (SEL), Communicative Language Teaching, Artificial Intelligence in

ELT and Education, OnlineLearning, Instructional Design, Psychology in Education. I am also volunteer in Türkiye Zeka Vakfı (Türkiye Intelligence Foundation which is located in Middle East Technical University Technocity, in Ankara and Tree of Evoluation (Evrim Ağacı) İzmir City Community. I also volunteered in MEF University's Ders Ortağım (My School Companion/Partner) Project which aims to support indiviuals with visual impairment in their education life. I also volunteered in Parıltı Children with Visual Impairment Assocation as exam reader & spearker. I am also highly interested in sports, cycling and running. I am member of sport communities related to cycling, running. I also go gym regularly. I also interested in theatre, art and painting. I go to art workshop activities in Social Art Center (Sosyal Sanathane İzmir) in İzmir, it is an art community which organizes art related workshops. I was also participant in SU Grammar Teaching course, it was a great experience for me as a person who is in her early career stage. I learned from other experienced instructors and teachers' knowledge and experiences. I am also so excited for this course, too! Kind regards! I can't wait for interacting you during the course. You can also connect me via linkedin, https://www.linkedin.com/in/ggokcegok/

I am truly grateful for the opportunity to take part in this course, and I very much look forward to learning from your diverse insights and experiences.

We've also benefited greatly from your previous courses. I'm grateful for this opportunity again.

I wish everyone success and the best of luck.

This is Aslınur Bayal, she is delighted to join you :) I have been working as an English instructor in various higher education language departments for the past seven years.

I hold a Bachelor's degree in English and American Literature, a Master’s degree in Communication, and I am currently pursuing a PhD in Political Philosophy — though I must admit I have yet to complete my dissertation.

On a lighter note, I am deeply fond of cats, although unfortunately, I am allergic to a specific protein found in their breath.

Thank you very much for the opportunity to be part of your community. I look forward to contributing to the team and getting to know everyone better.

Warm regards,

Aslınur Bayal

I am Tulin, teaching at Kocaeli University, School of Foreign languages as graduate of METU and holding MA in ELT. I have been teaching for over 20 years in higher education. I am willing to learn more about vocabulary teaching and  need to update & upgrade & enrich my teaching skills.  I am looking forward to the sessions that I believe will directly contribute to my experiences in the class.

I'm Mihriban. I've been teaching English for 14 years! I have a PhD in education and I hold a CELTA. Currently, I'm working at the University of Turkish Aeronautical Association as an EFL instructor, teaching general English and aviation English classes. I love travelling, reading, exploring new cultures, meeting new people and trying new tastes! Feeling excited to learn, share and be part of this community!

As a teacher, I strongly believe in continuous professional development. That is why I am very excited to be part of this course. I look forward to gain fresh insights, exploring new teaching approaches, and exchanging ideas with all of you. I believe that learning from colleagues with different perspectives will be both inspiring and rewarding.

I’m glad to be here and look forward to learning and sharing with you all.
Tuba

I am currently enrolled in a PhD program in Hacettepe Linguistics Department, and at the same time looking for ways to turn my Academic and Business English courses into a more fruitful and enjoyable experience for my students. And here I am. 💃💃

Looking forward to getting to know you!

Best,

I’m really excited to be part of this community and look forward to exchanging ideas, sharing experiences, and learning from all of you.

"For over twenty years, my mission has been simple: to demystify mathematics and unlock every student's potential. I believe in creating classrooms where conceptual understanding meets real-world application, powered by interactive tools and a supportive community. From designing curricula and leading advanced modules to founding a peer-tutoring center and training faculty on AI, every effort is focused on one goal—transforming the learning experience. I'm excited to share strategies for building a classroom where every student has an equal chance to progress and thrive."

I am a lecturer in mathematics at Sultan Qaboos University, Oman.

Language teaching is continually evolving and I believe vocabulary instruction best thrives when it embraces fresh, creative and innovative ideas. For this reason, I'm keen to learn more from your experiences and insights which will hopefully help to discover together what works best for our students.

Hello everyone, my name is Cansel and I work as an English instructor at a university. I have been teaching English for about seven years. I enjoy learning new languages and exploring different cultures. A fun fact about me is that I have two lovely cats who often try to join my online classes.

My name is Nurgül Keskin. I have been teaching English for 16 years now at Özyeğin University. My master’s thesis was on vocabulary teaching, so I am very excited to learn more about this in this course with you all. 😊

I am especially interested in the role of vocabulary in ELT and how we can make vocabulary teaching more effective and engaging for our learners. That’s why, I am really glad to be part of this course and to learn new perspectives on vocabulary teaching. I’m looking forward to exchanging ideas with you all!