Innovating Education Through Sustainability
How can education become more effective, balanced, and sustainable for the future?
The “Innovating Education Through Sustainability” conference brings together instructors, teachers, lecturers, school leaders, directors, teacher trainers, and education professionals who are exploring exactly this question. The event focuses on practical ideas that can be applied in everyday teaching, while also recognising the important role of leadership in supporting meaningful and lasting change across institutions.
In this context, sustainability goes beyond environmental awareness. It also means using time and resources wisely, supporting teacher wellbeing, promoting inclusive practices, and developing approaches to teaching, learning, and assessment that remain effective over the long term.
The conference explores a range of areas, including teaching methods, curriculum design, assessment and testing, digital tools, and whole-school practices. It aims to provide realistic and adaptable strategies that improve learning while supporting both teachers and students.
By bringing together different perspectives and experiences, the event creates a space for sharing ideas, building connections, and encouraging collaboration across educational contexts.
Together, we move from ideas to impact, shaping education that lasts.
İnanç Uçaröz
İnanç Uçaröz is a dedicated and accomplished English language educator with over 25 years of teaching experience and a distinguished record of leadership in higher education. She currently serves as the Director of the English Preparatory School at ARUCAD University, where she leads initiatives focused on academic excellence, innovation in language education, and continuous professional development. A graduate of Eastern Mediterranean University with a Bachelor’s degree in English Language and Literature, she began her academic career at Near East University, where she taught for two decades and contributed extensively to curriculum design, assessment development, and teacher mentoring. Her leadership journey includes roles as Speaking Coordinator, Curriculum and Testing Unit Coordinator, and Vice Director before assuming directorial responsibilities at ARUCAD University. Ms. Uçaröz has successfully led major institutional quality assurance and accreditation processes, ensuring the continuous enhancement of academic and administrative standards. Her strategic leadership emphasizes sustainable growth, staff development, and educational quality, contributing significantly to institutional advancement and student success.
Sena Tanta Gülaydın
Sena Tanta Gülaydın is an Instructor at ARUCAD University. She earned her B.A. degree in English Language Teaching from Cyprus International University, where she also completed her M.A. degree in the same field. She began her academic career as a Research Assistant at Cyprus International University, gaining valuable experience in language education and academic research. Between 2021 and 2024, she taught English at the Preparatory School of Final International University, where she also worked in the Testing Unit and served as the A2 level organiser. She is currently working at ARUCAD University, where she teaches English. In addition to her teaching responsibilities, she is an active member of the Testing Unit, contributing to the preparation and evaluation of language assessments
Benjamin Bailie
Benjamin Bailie is a Senior Instructor at ARUCAD – Arkin University, where he teaches Academic English in the English Preparatory School. He holds a TEFL certificate, an MA in Communication and Media Studies, and a Bachelor’s degree in Music. His teaching experience includes IELTS and Cambridge English preparation, academic writing, and general English courses at various CEFR levels. He previously worked in journalism as a sub-editor and reporter, and also provides online instruction through online platforms.
Arif Celal Sözer
After graduating from Yükseliş Private High School in Ankara, Arif Celal Sözer continued his studies at Hacettepe University Faculty of Fine Arts, Graphic Design department. Afterwards, he studied philology at Ankara University, Faculty of Language and History-Geography and graduated in 2000. Throughout his first business experiences in the field of import-export in Turkey, he made international correspondence, organization and English – Turkish translations. During those times he also worked as a translator in coordination with translation offices. After his teaching experience in a private English course, he broadened his teaching practice skills with the most contemporary methods through an intensified English teachers’ training program in American Culture UK which provided him with the international TESOL English teaching certificate accredited by Harvard. He worked as a supervisor in IELTS exam programmes at the British Council for four years. He taught English in private English courses, and four different private schools in Ankara until 2023. He joined ARUCAD family by the beginning of 2023 – 2024 academic year.
Özge Güzeltepe Gönç
Özge Güzeltepe Gönç graduated from the English Language Teaching Department of Girne American University in 2011 as the top student of her faculty. She completed her M.A. in English Language Teaching at the same university in 2015. She worked as a lecturer at Girne American University in 2013 and later taught English in well-known private institutions such as TED and Bahçeşehir Colleges. In 2020, she successfully completed the “Launching Innovation in Schools’’ program offered by the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). Since 2023, she has been working as a lecturer in the English Preparatory School at Arkın University of Creative Arts and Design.
Asu Uzbaşlı
She studied English Language and Literature at Hacettepe University in Ankara and got her Teaching Certificate from 9 Eylül University in 1998. Since then, she has been teaching in private sector including various colleges and language schools consisting different age groups. She joined Arucad family in 2025.
Yasemin Kılıç
Yasemin Kılıç is an English teacher with 12 years of experience teaching students across a wide range of ages, proficiency levels, and cultural contexts. Her work centers on building inclusive learning environments where all learners feel supported and motivated to develop their language skills. She is passionate about fostering global awareness through language education and helping students connect English learning to meaningful real-world experiences.
Sinem Atamsoy Koşar
TITLE: ELT Specialist / Advanced Neurolanguage Coach®/ Co-founder InspirED Minds
With over 33 years of teaching experience and 15 years as a learning consultant, I am deeply passionate about empowering educators, leaders, and learners to grow with confidence and curiosity. My expertise lies in teacher development, trainer training, leadership, assessment, brain-based learning, and Advanced Neurolanguage Coaching®, supporting personalised and science-informed learning journeys.
During my time at Ege University in İzmir, I served as the Vice Head of the School of Foreign Languages, member of the Continuous Professional Development Unit, and exam writer. I am a founding member and former president of TESOL Türkiye and continue to contribute actively to teacher education and professional development initiatives nationally and internationally. I currently serve as a committee member at TESOL Turkiye Teacher Education and Development Special Interest Group (TED SIG) and have recently joined the IATEFL Teacher Development SIG as a committee member.
Dawn Dickson Bio
Learning Consultant
Dawn is an experienced language professional with a passion for lifelong learning. Her early love for languages led her to a career in translation after university. With experience in translation, education, and learning consultancy, Dawn has thrived in diverse roles. As an international teacher, Dawn has taught in various settings worldwide. This experience has given her valuable insights into both the challenges teachers face and the learning experiences of students. This dual perspective informs her work in learning consultancy, where she effectively relates to the needs of educators and students. Currently based in UAE.
Abstracts
“Sustainable Education Begins with Sustainable Humans: Well-Being, Leadership, and Quality in Learning”
In an era of increasing pressure, rapid change, and emotional exhaustion in academic environments, sustainability in education must extend beyond environmental concerns to include human well-being and relational health. This plenary explores sustainability through the interconnected lenses of well-being, leadership, and educational quality, aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-Being) and SDG 4 (Quality Education).
Many educational institutions continue to function within cultures of urgency, stress, and burnout, where performance is often prioritized over psychological safety and meaningful human connection. This session argues that sustainable education requires a shift from survival-oriented systems toward human-centered learning cultures grounded in compassion, emotional intelligence, trust, and reflective leadership.
The presentation highlights the strong connection between teacher well-being and student success, emphasizing that exhausted educators cannot sustainably foster engagement, creativity, or deep learning. By integrating supportive communication, brain-friendly teaching practices, and emotionally safe environments, institutions can promote both academic excellence and long-term well-being.
Ultimately, the plenary invites educators and leaders to rethink quality in education as a balance between high standards and humanity, creating healthier systems where both teachers and learners can thrive sustainably.
Innovating Education Through Sustainability: Preparing Future-Ready Learners for a Sustainable World
As the world faces increasingly complex environmental, social, and economic challenges, education must evolve to equip learners with the knowledge, skills, and values needed to thrive in a rapidly changing landscape. This presentation explores how sustainability can serve as a catalyst for educational innovation by transforming teaching practices, learning environments, and institutional culture. Through the integration of sustainable principles, technology-enhanced learning, experiential education, and community engagement, educators can foster critical thinking, creativity, collaboration, and responsible leadership. By embedding sustainability into the educational experience, institutions can prepare future-ready learners who are empowered to drive positive change and contribute meaningfully to a more resilient, equitable, and sustainable world.
- Registration deadline: 22 June 2026
- Submission of abstracts: 22 June 2026
- Announcement of Accepted Abstracts: 23-24 June 2026