HI, I’M ALARA
I see English not just as a school subject, but as a way to think, to express yourself and to open up to the world. My aim is to bring together pedagogy, creativity, psychology and technology to help every student find their own path.
I graduated from English Language Teaching at Yeditepe University ranked first in my department and second in the faculty, and completed a double major in Psychology and a minor in the Global Teacher Certificate Program. Combining the two fields, I try to understand how each student learns and shape the lesson around them.
I know the IB from the inside
I completed the IB Diploma Programme at American College Institute in İzmir and was awarded the IB Bilingual Diploma. I took English A: Language & Literature at HL, so I know what Paper 1, Paper 2, the Individual Oral and the HL Essay really ask for — from both the student’s and the teacher’s side.
I did my teaching practicum at İstek Acıbadem High School in both the national (MEB) curriculum and the IB Diploma Programme Language B course, with 152 hours of observation and lesson delivery in the IBDP.
What my lessons look like
- A plan built for you: around your goals, your level and the IB assessment criteria
- Task-based (TBLT), interactive activities — learning by using the language
- Psychology-informed: motivation, managing exam anxiety, learning strategies
- Thoughtful, ethical use of technology and AI tools
- Lesson notes and homework after every lesson — in your student area
Education & qualifications
- Yeditepe University — English Language Teaching (100% English) · GPA 3.93/4.00 · Ranked 1st in department, 2nd in faculty
- Yeditepe University — Psychology, double major (100% English) · GPA 3.70/4.00
- Yeditepe University — Global Teacher Certificate Program (GTCP), minor · GPA 3.85/4.00
- IB Bilingual Diploma — American College Institute, İzmir (2018–2020)
- English C1 (IELTS) · YDS 92.5/100 · Spanish A2
- Understanding by Design (UbD) in ELT · MEB “Emotion Regulation for Language Teachers” programme
Research interests
- How do high-school EFL teachers make grammar engaging? (2025)
- The impact of Task-Based Language Teaching on EFL proficiency (2024)
- AI-integrated English teaching and engagement in middle school (2024)
- Loneliness, social media use and FoMO in emerging adults (2026)
Beyond the classroom
I have played the piano for over ten years and did ballet for nine. I love volleyball, tennis, surfing and swimming, hiking and discovering new places. I play chess and make miniature origami and quilling pieces — the patience, focus and creativity carry over into my teaching.
Let’s work together
Book a free intro call and let’s talk about your goals.