Teachers are at the heart of achieving the world’s educational goals. UNESCO’s Sustainable Development Goal 4 (SDG 4) calls for inclusive and equitable quality education for all by 2030. Yet progress remains uneven both globally and in Turkiye: approximately 1.2 million children of school-age children in Türkiye are out of formal education, and classrooms often face shortages of trained and supported teachers.
Strengthening teacher capacity is especially urgent. The latest PISA results place Türkiye 34th in mathematics and 33rd in science out of 81 countries, underscoring the need to equip teachers with the tools, training, and resilience required to prepare students for a rapidly changing world. By empowering teachers, we not only lift educational outcomes but also drive broader social and economic development—teachers are the catalysts for lifelong learning, civic participation, and innovation.
Through investments in professional development and mental health support for educators, we can improve classroom performance, enhance student well-being, and strengthen the very foundation of our communities. Together with our partners, we ensure that teachers are equipped to inspire, support, and rebuild, giving students the chance to learn, grow, and reach their fullest potential.
Join us at our upcoming Voices of Partners webinar on Wednesday, October 22nd, featuring ÖRAV (Öğretmen Akademisi Vakfı), Anadolu Vakfi, and Öğretmen Ağı. These organizations are shaping the future by reimagining teacher training, wellbeing, and professional development. From innovative classroom practices to building resilience in disaster-affected regions, their work demonstrates that supporting teachers is one of the most effective ways to advance educational goals and directly shape the future of entire communities.
Featured Speakers:
Arzu Atasoy, ÖRAV
Irmak Akıncı Canbaz, Öğretmen Ağı
Evrim Hizaler, Anadolu Vakfı
About ÖRAV (Öğretmen Akademisi Vakfı):
ÖRAV Vakfı is Türkiye’s first and only NGO dedicated to the professional and personal development of teachers. Through its innovative platforms and nationwide training programs, ÖRAV empowers educators to enhance their skills and adapt to modern teaching methods. By investing in teachers, ÖRAV strengthens the foundation of education, ensuring that every child has access to quality learning and the opportunity to thrive.
About Anadolu Vakfi:
Anadolu Vakfı is dedicated to supporting the social development of individuals and communities across Türkiye. Anadolu Vakfı has built and supported more than 50 educational institutions, dormitories, sports facilities, hospitals, and health centers, impacting countless lives. Through its initiatives, the foundation continues to invest in the future of Türkiye, fostering a brighter tomorrow for all.
About Öğretmen Ağı:
Öğretmen Ağı is a nationwide network that empowers teachers through collaboration, professional development, and peer support. With over 1,000 “Change Ambassadors” across 62 cities, the network fosters a culture of lifelong learning and collective impact. By connecting educators with diverse disciplines and resources, Öğretmen Ağı strengthens the teaching profession and drives educational transformation across Turkiye.
