An Interview With the Karabağlar District Governor of Education: Aydın YÜZBAŞIOĞLU

Can you tell us about yourself?
I was born in Manisa-Demirci in 1976. I've finished my high school education at İzmir Atatürk Lisesi. I've graduated from Hacettepe University Education Faculty Biology Teaching (German). I've got my Bachelor's Degree with a thesis from Hacettepe University Science Institute Secondary Education Science and Mathematics (2003). My article titled “Determining the Level of Students' Learning of Biology Topics Related to Daily Life” was published in 2004 in the Hacettepe University Journal of Education. Additionally, in 2013 I completed my second Master's degree in Management and Organization.

I started my teaching career in 2000, and for the majority of my career, I worked as a manager in public schools under the Ministry of National Education. I served as Vice Principal at Buca Hoca Ahmet Yesevi Lisesi and Balçova Salih Dede Anadolu Lisesi and as Principal at Karabağlar Ülkü Ortaokulu, Karabağlar Cemil Midilli Ortaokulu, and Konak İbn-i Sina Mesleki ve Teknik Anadolu Lisesi.

Afterward, I held various positions including Branch Manager at Konak District National Education Directorate, District National Education Director at Kınık, Menemen, Menderes, and Tire. Since 23.08.2024, I have been serving as the District National Education Director in Karabağlar. I am married and have two children.  

What are the main principles you prioritize in life?
My main principle is to focus on people while supporting the strength of the state and the well-being of society. I believe a good education system is the key to this. That’s why I value fairness, equal opportunities, and a clear, open way of working. I aim to protect our culture and traditions and pass them to future generations. By working together with everyone and staying open to new ideas, I focus on improving and keeping up with the changing world. I also believe that hard work and dedication are essential because a strong state depends on well-educated and happy individuals.  

What were your dreams as a student? Have you achieved your goals?
Since childhood, my biggest dream was to be a successful individual and contribute to society as a valuable citizen for my country and people. I have always deeply understood the role of education in a society's progress, and taking responsibility as a leader in this field was one of my dreams.

Today, I believe I have achieved many of these goals. However, this journey is never truly complete; there is always more to do and greater goals to reach. With every step, I strive to improve the education system, fulfill my dreams, and create value for society.

Which book, series or movie would you recommend to us young people?
I would like to recommend a few works to help you reflect on the challenges, choices, and emotions you will face in life. The Shawshank Redemption is an inspiring story about the power of freedom and hope; it reminds you that you should never give up in the face of the obstacles you encounter while pursuing your dreams. My Father and My Son is a masterpiece that emotionally addresses the importance of family ties, love, and forgiveness, and invites you to empathize with your own life. Dostoyevsky's novel The Idiot is a profound work that will help you understand human nature and the story of an individual trying to survive in the complex world around him with pure goodness, life, and people. These works can be guides that will enrich you both emotionally and intellectually while guiding your life.

What advice would you give us to young people about choosing a career?
My most important advice is to understand your interests and talents well and choose a field that will truly make you happy and allow you to contribute to society. Success is not just about earning money but also about finding satisfaction in your work and making a positive impact on others. Ask yourself, "How can I use this career to add value not only to myself but also to society?" At the same time, make hard work and lifelong learning a part of your philosophy. No matter the challenges, if you stay determined, you can achieve your dreams and become a valuable contributor to our country.

If you were to describe teaching in one word, what would it be?
For myself, I would say "my profession." But to describe this profession, I would choose the word "dedication".

Can you briefly talk about the future education plans and projects in our district?
In our district, we are working on several plans and projects to improve the quality of education and better prepare our students for the future. One of our main goals is to help students feel more connected to their schools. To do this, we are creating a supportive environment and strengthening the relationship between students, teachers, and parents. We are also using programs to encourage students to attend school and reduce absenteeism. Additionally, we focus on social activities and projects that help students develop social skills and express themselves. Through these projects, we aim to help students grow not only academically but also socially and culturally. We are committed to continuing these efforts to improve education in our district.

Finally, what would you like to say to the students of Karabağlar Nevvar Salih İşgören Anadolu Lisesi?
My most important advice to you is to first discover your own potential and start your journey believing in it. Every individual has unique talents and strengths; what matters is recognizing and developing these qualities. Education is not just a school process; it’s a lifelong journey of learning. Keep improving, explore, and keep up with the changes in the world. It is also very important to work towards contributing to society. Don’t focus solely on individual success but aim to grow into individuals who benefit your surroundings and your country. Another important piece of advice is to be patient and determined; working without giving up in the face of challenges will help you overcome the obstacles you encounter in life. Being successful in education is not just about having knowledge, but also developing a strong character and a sense of responsibility. Believe in yourself, work hard, and become individuals who contribute to the development of society. 

Edited by Rüzgar Kaçmaz
Interview from Aydın Yüzbaşıoğlu, Karabağlar District Governor of Education