Yunus Akar
Renton, WA ***** 206-***-**** *********@*****.***
Summary of Qualifications
** *****’ professional experience in teaching and educational roles
Exemplary problem-solving skills; able to identify problems and implement effective solutions
Strong communication, interpersonal, and presentation skills
Strong leadership skills; able to prioritize, delegate tasks, and make sound decisions quickly while prioritizing results
Technology proficiencies: Microsoft Office suite, internet & e-mail, blogging
Experience
Alumni Relations Manager
Nejashi Ethio-Turkish International Schools – Addis Ababa, Ethiopia September 2013 – June 2014
Maintained communications with alumni on various matters.
Ensured accuracy of alumni database.
Made arrangements for various alumni functions.
Sent out alumni newsletters on a quarterly basis.
Developed and implemented initiatives to engage more alumni in scheduled activities.
Oversaw alumni donation efforts.
Turkish as a Foreign Language Teacher and School Counselor
Yahya Kemal College – Skopje, Macedonia September 2006 – June 2009
Nejashi Ethio-Turkish International Schools – Addis Ababa, Ethiopia September 2009 – April 2017
As Teacher:
Conducted lessons encompassing a range of skill building activities in the four areas of language learning (speaking, writing, reading, and listening)
Facilitated small group activities emphasizing critical learning
Contributed constructive feedback to program structure and management procedures
Demonstrated methodology to faculty through mock lessons and skills workshops
Organized extracurricular opportunities such as annual speech contests and field trips
Evaluated students monthly via academic reports
As Counselor:
Created a student center for career exploration, college search, and application process
Helped students complete application fee waivers, college applications, financial aid forms, and found scholarships for deserving students.
Created and maintained the master schedule; received professional development training on master schedule building
Worked with students on continuing education; helped plan for further schooling and employment
Conducted student transitional planning in collaboration with parents, social workers, and community workers
Evaluated transcripts and conducted testing for proper placement in academic setting
Housemaster
Yahya Kemal College – Gostivar, Macedonia September 2006 – June 2008
Planned and scheduled transportation and provided logistical support for nearly 35 students
Was successful in monitoring student grades, many of whom improved from failing to passing
Enforced an academic restrictıon system which penalized those wıth below par grades: provıded a compassionate, nurturing envıronment
Applied appropriate dısciplinary actions as necessary
Language Instructor
Yesilirmak Exam Preparation Courses – Bursa, Turkey September 2005 – June 2006
Korfez Exam Preparation Courses – Izmir, Turkey September 2003 – June 2004
Prepared students for taking National Exams in Turkish
Emphasized oral proficiency with explicit instruction on grammar as needed
Helped students acquire the appropriate way to use Turkish language in real situation by providing a variety of authentic materials
Created performance assessments to evaluate students' progress and status
Maintained students' interest, motivation, participation, and discipline through creative classroom techniques
Assessed students' progress using tests, quizzes, and portfolio based assessment strategies
Encouraged students to take control of their learning by using hands-on inquiry based program
Turkish Language and Literature Teacher
Orhaneli IHL High School – Bursa, Turkey September 2004 – June 2005
Teach reading comprehension, composition, and literary analysis of Turkish and Turkic Literature to 62 diverse students through large, small, and individual instruction
Collaborate with other Literature teachers across the Mastery network to share resources, predict and troubleshoot possible areas of lesson difficulty, and to strengthen instruction
Instruct students with moderate learning disabilities and emotional disturbances
Manage classroom by encouraging student responsibility and self-advocacy while reinforcing classroom expectations and using restorative practices.
Education
Ph.D. – Turkish Language and Literature 2019 (expected)
International Burch University Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina
Master of Arts - Turkish Language and Literature 2013
Fatih University Istanbul, Turkey
Bachelor of Arts – Social Studies (Major) and Turkish Language (Minor) 2003
Dokuz Eylul University Izmir, Turkey
Certificates
May 2015 Certification 13th International Festival of Language & Culture; Ethiopia
May 2011 Certification 9th International Festival of Turkish Language & Culture; Turkey
January 2015 Certification Teaching Turkish to Foreigners; Teacher Training Program
May 2013 Guidance Counseling Certificate; Ethiopia
January 2013 Certificate Program for Development of Human Resources
Publications
Transmission of Social Values in Language Teaching (International Journal of Cultural and Social Studies)
June 2017