biruniuniv@hs01.kep.tr +90 444 8 276 TR
Background
Faculty of Education

Dean's Message

Our Faculty of Education admitted its first students in the 2014-2015 Academic Year to the Guidance and Psychological Counseling Program under the Department of Educational Sciences, and to the Gifted Education Teaching and Intellectual Disabilities Teaching programs under the Department of Special Education.

With the restructuring of Faculties of Education, our Faculty admitted students to the Guidance and Psychological Counseling Program under the Department of Educational Sciences, and to the Special Education Teaching Program under the Department of Special Education starting from the 2016-2017 Academic Year. Starting from the 2018-2019 academic year, student admissions began for the English Language Teaching Program under the Department of Foreign Languages Education and the Preschool Teaching Program under the Department of Basic Education. Starting from the 2019-2020 Academic Year, students were admitted to the Elementary Mathematics Teaching Program under the Department of Mathematics and Science Education.

Our goal is to raise individuals who are analytical, questioning, capable of critical thinking, innovative, possess problem-solving skills, respectful of national and international values, and who adopt a scientific approach.

For this purpose, our students will be able to develop and apply their knowledge and skills throughout their education via a qualified academic staff possessing field expertise, projects, applications, and activities, in addition to a curriculum that provides the necessary equipment in terms of field knowledge, professional knowledge, and general culture.

It is our greatest wish that our students become successful teachers in their fields and build the future in the most beautiful way as individuals useful to society and humanity.

Prof. Dr. Adnan ÖMERUSTAOĞLU
Dekan

Dean's Message

Departments

Guidance and Psychological Counseling +
Elementary Mathematics Teaching +
Special Education Teaching +
Preschool Teaching +
English Language Teaching +
Departments

Faculty Team

Prof. Dr. Adnan ÖMERUSTAOĞLU
Prof. Dr. Adnan ÖMERUSTAOĞLU
Dean
Research Areas
  • Philosophy of science
  • Epistemology
  • Philosophical counseling
Summary −
Prof. Dr. Adnan Ömerustaoğlu is an academic and researcher who specializes in areas such as philosophy’s ability to generate solutions to global problems, coexistence in multicultural societies, violence prevention, critical thinking, philosophical counseling, philosophy of education, philosophy of science, thinking education, new approaches in education, and artificial intelligence applications in education. He also actively participates in interdisciplinary research that integrates innovative and data-driven approaches in education.
Prof. Dr. Hüseyin AYDIN
Prof. Dr. Hüseyin AYDIN
Vice Dean
Research Areas
  • Mathematics education
  • Algebra and number theory
  • Teacher training & curriculum development
Summary −
Prof. Dr. Hüseyin Aydın completed his undergraduate and master’s degrees in Mathematics at Atatürk University and earned his Ph.D. in Mathematics from University of Bath. His academic work focuses on theoretical mathematics, particularly Algebra, Group Theory, and Number Theory. He also conducts research in Computer Algebra and Cryptography. He began his academic career at Atatürk University, where he served for many years, and later continued his work as a professor at Biruni University. In addition to his academic contributions, he has held several administrative positions, including roles such as department chair, dean, and vice dean, contributing significantly to the academic and institutional development of higher education institutions.
Dr. Şerafettin Sevgili
Dr. Şerafettin Sevgili
Guidance and Psychological Counseling
Research Areas
Summary −
Prof. Dr. Lütfi İlgar
Prof. Dr. Lütfi İlgar
Guidance and Psychological Counseling
Research Areas
Summary +
Dr. Ahsen Filiz
Dr. Ahsen Filiz
Elementary Mathematics Education
Research Areas
  • Mathematics education and instructional approaches
  • Student motivation, self-efficacy, and anxiety research
  • Use of artificial intelligence and data-driven analysis methods in education
  • STEM and education of gifted students
  • Mathematical thinking, problem solving, and metacognition
Summary +
Assoc. Prof. Ahsen Filiz is an academic and researcher specializing in mathematics education, student motivation, and cognitive processes. Her research focuses on evidence-based approaches to improving mathematical thinking, self-efficacy, anxiety, and learning processes, as well as AI-supported analytical methods and bibliometric studies. Her work particularly addresses the use of digital technologies in mathematics teaching, STEM and gifted education, metacognitive awareness, and the development of problem-solving skills. She actively engages in interdisciplinary research integrating innovative and data-driven approaches in education.
Dr. Manolya Sağlam
Dr. Manolya Sağlam
Head of the Department of English Language Teaching
Research Areas
  • Teaching English to Young Learners (TEYL)
  • Drama Pedagogy
  • Artificial Intelligence in Education
  • Teacher Education
  • Self-Efficacy
Summary +
Assist. Prof. Dr. Manolya Sağlam graduated from the Department of English Language Teaching at Atatürk University in 2007. She received her M.A. degree in English Language Teaching from Çukurova University in 2014 and earned her Ph.D. in English Language and Literature from Istanbul Aydın University in 2019. She currently serves as the Head of the Foreign Language Teaching Department and as a faculty member in the Department of English Language Teaching at Biruni University, Faculty of Education. Her research focuses on Teaching English to Young Learners (TEYL), Drama-based Pedagogy in ELT, AI Integration and Digital Pedagogy in Language Education, Teacher Education, Sustainable Development Goals - Education and 21st-century Skills Development. She also conducts research on Affective and Cognitive Dimensions of Language Learning, including Critical and Creative Thinking, L2 motivation, Academic Self-concept, Academic Achievement, Self-efficacy, Self-compassion in education and Psychological Resilience. ORCID: 0009-0004-3610-0668
Dr. Erguvan Uras Eren
Dr. Erguvan Uras Eren
English Language Teaching
Research Areas
  • Teacher education
  • Educational technology,
  • Multilingual education
Summary +
Erguvan Uras Eren is an assistant professor in the English Language Teaching Department at the Faculty of Education, Biruni University. She earned her MA from London Metropolitan University and her PhD from Bahçeşehir University. Her main research areas include teacher education, tEducational technology, and multilingual education.
Dr. Gizem Mutlu Gülbak
Dr. Gizem Mutlu Gülbak
English Language Teaching
Research Areas
  • Pre-service/in-service teacher education
  • practice teaching
  • mentoring, vocabulary acquisition
Summary +
Gizem Mutlu-Gülbak is currently working as an Assistant Professor at the Department of English Language Teaching, Faculty of Education, Biruni University, İstanbul, Turkiye. She has been teaching undergraduate courses in teacher education and foreign language teaching methodology. Her research focuses on mentoring and training pre-service language teachers, teacher autonomy and agency.
Dr. Zoë Anne Marlowe
Dr. Zoë Anne Marlowe
English Language Teaching
Research Areas
Summary +
Research Assistant Ahmet Tunahan Kırtaş
Research Assistant Ahmet Tunahan Kırtaş
English Language Teaching
Research Areas
Summary +
Dr. Erdem Tüfekçi
Dr. Erdem Tüfekçi
Head of the Department of Early Childhood Education
Research Areas
Summary +
Dr. Firdevs Burçak
Dr. Firdevs Burçak
Early Childhood Education
Research Areas
  • Early childhood education
  • nature-based learning
  • social-emotional learning
  • resilience
  • outdoor environments quality
Summary +
Dr. Firdevs Burcak is an Assistant Professor of Early Childhood Education at Biruni University. Her award-winning doctoral research focused on enhancing the quality of outdoor learning environments in preschools and supporting teachers’ effective use of these spaces. As a Visiting Scholar at the University of Minnesota Duluth, she collaborated with Professor Julie Ernst on research into nature’s impact on young children’s resilience and curiosity. Dr. Burcak’s academic interests center on supporting children’s development and learning through nature-based learning with a particular focus on fostering resilience in both children and educators as well as promoting social-emotional learning and emotional well-being. In addition to her research, she has completed the Compassion-Based Resilience Teacher Training led by Dr. Joe Loizzo at the Nalanda Institute for Contemplative Science and the Resilience Expert Training led by Dr. Michael Ungar at the Resilience Research Centre. Dedicated to advancing nature-based learning in early education, she engages with educators, school leaders, and families through seminars and workshops focused on nature pedagogy. She is the author of Outdoor Learning Environments in Early Childhood Education: Design & Effective Use.
Dr. Işıl Taş
Dr. Işıl Taş
Early Childhood Education
Research Areas
  • Philosophy for Children (P4C)
  • Thinking Skills Education in Early Childhood
  • Artificial Intelligence in Education
  • Play Development in Early Childhood
  • Early Childhood Education
Summary +
Dr. Işıl Taş is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Early Childhood Education at Biruni University. She holds her master’s degree from Anadolu University and her PhD from Çukurova University. During the 2014–2015 academic year, she served as a Visiting Scholar at Montclair State University in the United States under the auspices of the Council of Higher Education (YÖK). Her research focuses on Philosophy for Children (P4C), thinking skills in early childhood, play development, and the integration of artificial intelligence into educational settings. Her work aims to foster higher-order thinking and holistic development through innovative and interdisciplinary approaches.
Dr. Süleyman Doğru
Dr. Süleyman Doğru
Early Childhood Education
Research Areas
Summary +
Dr. Şeyma Bastırmacı Kaplan
Dr. Şeyma Bastırmacı Kaplan
Early Childhood Education
Research Areas
  • Art and Creativity in Early Childhood Education
  • Engineering-Based Design Thinking Skills in Early Childhood
  • Kinetic Art in Early Childhood Education Program
  • STEAM in Early Childhood Education
Summary +
Dr. Şeyma Bastırmacı Kaplan is a faculty member in the Department of Early Childhood Education at the Faculty of Education, Biruni University. Her academic work centers on advancing innovative and interdisciplinary approaches in early childhood education, with a strong emphasis on art and creativity, engineering-based design thinking, and STEAM practices. She is particularly engaged in integrating kinetic art into early learning environments to foster creativity, problem-solving, and experiential learning. She actively teaches undergraduate courses and conducts research in these areas.
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Ayşin Kaplan Sayı
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Ayşin Kaplan Sayı
Head of the Department of Special Education
Research Areas
Summary +
Prof. Dr. Binyamin Birkan
Prof. Dr. Binyamin Birkan
Special Education Teaching
Research Areas
Summary +
Prof. Dr. Yusuf Ziya Tavil
Prof. Dr. Yusuf Ziya Tavil
Special Education Teaching
Research Areas
  • Parent trainig
  • Assessment in Special Education
  • Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA)
Summary +
Prof. Dr. Yusuf Ziya Tavil completed his undergraduate degree in 1992 and his PhD in 2005 in Special Education at Gazi University. His academic work focuses on family education, behavior modification, inclusion, assessment in special education, autism spectrum disorder, social skills instruction, and teacher education. He has supervised numerous master’s and doctoral theses and has published articles in SSCI-indexed journals, other international peer-reviewed journals, and national journals. He has participated in TÜBİTAK 1001 and European Union projects and teaches undergraduate and graduate courses on special education, family education, behavior management, and assessment. He also contributes through books, chapters, and conference work.
Dr. Özlem İlker
Dr. Özlem İlker
Special Education Teaching
Research Areas
  • Specific Learning Disabilities
  • Intellectual disabilities
  • Literacy and Turkish Language Instruction in Special Education
Summary +
Dr. Özlem İlker is an academic and researcher in special education, focusing on specific learning disabilities. Her work covers literacy development, reading comprehension, writing skills, and evidence-based instructional strategies such as repeated reading and self-regulation. She also studies social-emotional learning, peer victimization, and communication skills in children with special needs. Dr. İlker has authored book chapters on inclusive education, ADHD, dysgraphia, sexuality education for individuals with intellectual disabilities, and twice-exceptional learners. Her research aims to support effective, evidence-based, and inclusive educational practices for diverse learners.
Research Assistant Gülşah Pabuçcu
Special Education Teaching
Research Areas
  • Intellectual Disability
  • Inclusive Education
  • Instructional Adaptations
  • Differentiated Instruction
  • Teacher Practices in Special Education
Summary +
Gülşah Pabuççu is a doctoral candidate in Special Education conducting research on intellectual disabilities and inclusive education practices. Her work focuses on instructional adaptations and differentiated instruction aimed at supporting diverse learners in general education classrooms. She has conducted qualitative research on teachers’ experiences, classroom practices, and strategies aimed at enhancing students’ independence and participation. Her academic interests include teacher education.
Dr. Ayşe Atlas Bogenç
Dr. Ayşe Atlas Bogenç
Guidance and Psychological Counseling
Research Areas
Summary +
Dr. Tuba Kalay Usta
Dr. Tuba Kalay Usta
Guidance and Psychological Counseling
Research Areas
Summary +
Research Assistant Dilruba Şahin
Research Assistant Dilruba Şahin
Early Childhood Education
Research Areas
Summary +
Research Assistant Elvan Baran Karalar
Research Assistant Elvan Baran Karalar
Guidance and Psychological Counseling
Research Areas
Summary +
Research Assistant Rümeysa Bilgin
Research Assistant Rümeysa Bilgin
Elementary Mathematics Education
Research Areas
Summary +
Lecturer İsmail Filiz**
Lecturer İsmail Filiz**
Special Education Teaching
Research Areas
Summary +
Lecturer Fatma Nur Görür**
Lecturer Fatma Nur Görür**
Research Areas
Summary +
Lecturer Zülfikar Özkan**
Lecturer Zülfikar Özkan**
Research Areas
Summary +
Lecturer Merve Doğan*
Lecturer Merve Doğan*
Atatürk’s Principles and History of Reforms I–II
Research Areas
Summary +
Lecturer Abdulkadir Korkmaz*
Lecturer Abdulkadir Korkmaz*
Turkish Language I–II
Research Areas
Summary +
Lecturer Serap Gül Akgüneş**
Lecturer Serap Gül Akgüneş**
Foreign Language I–II
Research Areas
Summary +
Partnerships

Mission
To offer an education and training program at the level of national and international education and teacher training programs, the validity and currency of which is accepted, and which provides qualified career planning for its stakeholders.

Vision
To carry teacher training programs to the highest point in national and international dimensions in terms of quality/quantity; to develop multi-dimensional science and education philosophies, policies, models, and interdisciplinary programs and studies; to be a faculty that trains teachers who aim to raise individuals required by a contemporary and democratic society—individuals who can express their feelings and thoughts freely, transfer basic life skills to daily life, are creative, investigative, entrepreneurial, capable of self-control, value differences, respect human rights, are eager to learn, and are healthy in terms of mind and body.

International Partners

Industry Partners

fatih belediyesi
zeytinburnu
çekmeköy

Alumni

Sümeyye CEYLAN
Sümeyye CEYLAN
  • Biruni University / Special Education Teaching Department / Undergraduate Program
  • 2025 Graduate
  • Mobile No: 05522640247
  • Mail: ceylansumeyye434@gmail.com
  • Institution: Zeytinburnu 2nd Level Practice School
  • Role: Paid Special Education Teacher

"Studying at Biruni University was a truly special experience for me, and I feel lucky because of it. Thanks to the internship opportunities offered by the school, I found the opportunity to get to know business life closely while I was still a student; especially the internships I did in the institutions of my department professors gave me both professional knowledge and real field experience. Besides being well-equipped in their fields, my professors being smiling, interested, and always supportive made me feel valuable. Their raising me not just to graduate me, but as an individual truly ready for the profession has been my biggest advantage while working today. Behind my high self-confidence when I started work and feeling like someone who knows what they are doing lies this strong and sincere education process I received at Biruni University."

Hanım Beren KARSLI
Hanım Beren KARSLI
  • Biruni University / Special Education Teaching Department / Undergraduate Program
  • 2025 Graduate
  • E-mail: brnkrsl63@gmail.com
  • LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/hberenkarsl
  • Institution: Albatros Special Education and Rehabilitation Center
  • Role: Special Education Teacher

"I started working actively in the field of special education from the first years of my student life. Adopting the principle of conducting theoretical knowledge and practice simultaneously, I gained experience in one-on-one and group studies with students having different development profiles. To make my professional development continuous, I followed current approaches closely by participating in various summits and conferences related to my field. I am currently actively serving as a special education teacher in a rehabilitation center; I continue my work with a holistic education understanding centered on student, family, and team cooperation. My goal is to create qualified and sustainable education processes that support the potentials of individuals with special needs at the highest level. Dear Special Education Teacher Candidates, Special education is a field where knowledge and responsibility gain meaning in the field. Every experience you gain during your student process will strengthen your professional competence and sphere of influence. Do not hesitate to improve yourself and be active in the field."

Merve POLAT
Merve POLAT
  • Biruni University / Special Education Teaching Department / Undergraduate Program
  • 2021 Graduate
  • E-mail: merve.evrem462@gmail.com
  • Institution: ISTANBUL / BAHÇELİEVLER Siyavuşpaşa Girls' Vocational and Technical Anatolian High School
  • Role: Special Education Teacher

"On 25.06.2021, I graduated from Biruni University / Faculty of Education / Special Education Teaching Department in three years with a 3.33 GPA. Yes, I completed my undergraduate education in three years. Before that, I studied Child Development for one year at the Faculty of Health Sciences at another foundation university. However, I decided to pursue my true dream of becoming a teacher, retook the university entrance exam, and placed Biruni University Special Education Department as my first choice, where I was admitted.

Throughout my university life, I maintained a GPA above 3.00 and took courses from upper years, which enabled me to graduate early. After graduating in 2021, I was appointed to my first place of duty, a primary school in Bağcılar, on 03.02.2022 within the framework of the teacher appointment calendar dated 24.11.2025. On 28.07.2023, I returned to Biruni University as a master's student with thesis at the Graduate Education Institute, Department of Special Education.

While continuing my duty in Bağcılar, I applied for the Ministry of National Education project school teacher appointment. As of 27.06.2025, I have been working in the Special Education classroom at Siyavuşpaşa Girls' Vocational and Technical Anatolian High School, teaching high school students diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder, while also continuing my master’s studies and working on my thesis. It may sound cliché, but never give up on your dreams. We shape our own lives, and although challenges are inevitable, we must continue to strive for the life we envision for ourselves without giving up."

Berk Paralı
Berk Paralı
  • Biruni University / English Language Teaching Department / Undergraduate Program
  • 2023 Graduate
  • Cell No: 0546 546 0601
  • Institution: İstanbul Gaziosmanpaşa, Sultangazi and Bayrampaşa English Time Language Schools – Education Coordinator
  • Title: Coordinator

"I began my teaching journey at the English Time Gaziosmanpaşa branch in 2020 while I was still a university student and continued there for approximately two years. At the beginning of 2022, I was appointed as Head Teacher at the English Time Sultangazi branch. With the opening of a new branch in 2024, I became responsible for coordinating the educational processes of the Bayrampaşa, Gaziosmanpaşa, and Sultangazi branches, and I continue to serve in this role.

My goal for 2026 is to establish my own institution, train teachers with the same perseverance I have demonstrated, and provide high-quality language education to students. Our priority is always to perform our work properly and set high goals. The earlier we step into the sector we aim for and gain maturity, the sooner we see its rewards. When you start working, do not only think about doing your job—think about what you can achieve in your field one or two years later. If you adopt this mindset, success in any field becomes possible."

Burcu BAYDUR
Burcu BAYDUR
  • Biruni University / English Language Teaching Department / Undergraduate Program
  • 2023 Graduate
  • LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/burcu-baydur-a7a386318/
  • Institution: Interactive Language Schools
  • Role: Head of Education

"She is responsible for planning education programs, executing teacher training, managing academic processes, and developing quality standards. At the same time, she plays an active role in digital learning projects and educational technology processes carried out within the institution.

She built her educational journey on a strong teaching foundation and strengthened her professional development through in-class practices, academic studies, and field-based experiences. Having worked with different age groups for many years, she developed her teaching competencies and gradually specialized in educational management.

Currently, she continues her academic leadership role in educational institutions, conducting studies on teacher development, student-centered learning approaches, and innovative education models. Additionally, she plays an active role in the development and pedagogical implementation of an artificial intelligence-supported language learning platform called AvoLingo, contributing to the effective use of digital learning solutions. “Learning is a journey where small steps taken with courage lead to major transformations over time. Believe in yourself and never give up learning.”"