Zehra Sarıca Kaplan, PhD

Researcher | Teacher Trainer | Professional Development & Instructional Design Specialist | Early Childhood Education

Türkiye

About

I am a researcher specializing in Social Emotional Learning (SEL), teacher professional development, and instructional design. My work focuses on supporting teachers in developing the knowledge, skills, and reflective practices needed to create emotionally supportive and inclusive learning environments. My professional journey began in early childhood education, where I worked as an English and preschool teacher. These early experiences sparked my interest in how teachers’ beliefs, emotions, and professional identities influence classroom practices and children’s learning experiences. I currently work as a teacher trainer at the Teachers Academy Foundation, where I design and facilitate professional development programs for educators. My work focuses on creating meaningful learning experiences for teachers through reflective practice, collaborative learning, and evidence-based instructional design. I completed my PhD in Learning Sciences with a research focus on teachers’ Social and Emotional Learning Identity (SEL-ID). My research explores how teachers’ social and emotional competencies, professional identities, and learning experiences shape their classroom practices and their ability to foster SEL in educational settings. My areas of interest include: • Social Emotional Learning (SEL) • Teacher Professional Development • Instructional Design for Adult Learning • Teacher Identity • Early Childhood Education I am particularly interested in bridging research and practice by designing professional learning experiences that support teachers’ SEL and strengthen classroom practices. I enjoy connecting with educators, researchers, and organizations interested in teacher professional development and SEL.

Experience

  • Uzman Eğitimci at Öğretmen Akademisi Vakfı
    May 2024 - Present · 2 yrs 3 mos

  • Private school (4 yrs)
    • English Teacher
      Sep 2018 - Aug 2022 · 4 yrs

    • Preschool Teacher
      Sep 2018 - Sep 2019 · 1 yr 1 mo

  • Freelance Translator at Private Publishing
    Sep 2015 - Aug 2017 · 2 yrs

  • Homeroom Teacher at Private school
    Sep 2012 - Aug 2017 · 5 yrs