Eaquals Teacher Award: Meet Isil Ozdemir

Celebrating Passion in Practice: The Eaquals Teacher Award

Every year, the Eaquals Teacher Award gives us a privileged glimpse into what really drives language educators. The applications are always thoughtful, often moving, and consistently inspiring, and they remind us just how many teachers bring deep care, reflection, and purpose into their classrooms every single day.

The award exists to recognise this commitment, not just excellence in teaching, but dedication to learners, to professional growth, and to the values that sit at the heart of quality language education.

This year’s recipient, Isil Ozdemir, stood out for her student-centred approach, her reflective practice, and her belief in teaching as a force that reaches far beyond the classroom. We spoke to Isil about her journey, her motivation, and what teaching continues to mean to her.

“It reminded me why I do this”

When Isil found out she was the recipient of this year’s Eaquals Teacher Award, the news came as a genuine surprise.

“I felt deeply honoured and very grateful,” she says. “It really did catch me off guard, in the best way. What stayed with me most was the feeling that meaningful, student-centred teaching was being recognised. That was incredibly motivating.”

For Isil, the award wasn’t just a personal milestone but rather reaffirmed her belief in the importance of impact, the kind of teaching that leaves a mark long after the lesson ends.

A decade of teaching and still curious

Isil has been teaching for over ten years, with a particular focus since 2018 on higher education and English for Academic Purposes.

“Teaching has evolved a lot for me,” she reflects. “Working in higher education pushed me to think more critically about what students really need, not just linguistically, but academically and personally.”

Working at an Eaquals-accredited school has played an important role in that development.

“It genuinely means a lot to me,” she explains. “There’s a culture of quality and reflection. Teachers are encouraged to grow, and students benefit from clear standards and thoughtful practice. Being in that kind of environment motivates me every day.”

The moment it all clicked

Like many teachers, Isil didn’t arrive at her career through a single dramatic decision, but there was a moment that made everything fall into place.

“I’ve always believed in the power of education to touch lives,” she says. “But one day, I received an email from a student thanking me, not just for teaching English, but for helping them see their own potential.”

That message changed how she saw her role.

“I realised I wasn’t simply teaching a language. I was supporting someone’s journey. That was the moment teaching stopped being just a profession and became something deeply meaningful to me.”

Learning from students, every day

When asked who inspires her most, Isil doesn’t hesitate.

“My students,” she says. “Always.”

She describes them using the metaphor terra rossa – rich, fertile soil.

“They’re open, full of possibility. If you nurture that space with care, ideas, confidence, and creativity can really take root. Their growth constantly shapes me as a teacher.”

Her advice to new teachers is grounded and refreshingly honest.

“Prioritise bonding. Truly see your students. Listen to them,” she says. “When people feel understood, learning follows naturally. Teaching isn’t just about passing on knowledge, it’s about creating impact, encouraging reflection, and helping students discover who they are.”

Looking ahead

In ten years’ time, Isil hopes to be contributing to the field in new ways — both inside and outside the classroom.

“I’d love to be working as a practitioner and a researcher,” she says, ideally after completing a PhD in language education. “I want to be involved in projects that promote global awareness, inclusion, and social impact through language teaching.”

It’s a vision rooted in growth…her own, and that of others.

Congratulations, Isil

Isil Ozdemir’s passion, thoughtfulness, and commitment to her students embody exactly what the Eaquals Teacher Award was created to celebrate. Her reflections remind us that great teaching is often quiet, relational, and deeply human — but its impact can be lasting.

We warmly congratulate Isil on receiving this year’s award and look forward to welcoming her at the Eaquals International Conference, where conversations like these continue, between sessions, over coffee, and among colleagues who care deeply about what they do.