Team

All our teachers are preschool education graduates and hold paediatric first aid certificates.

Özge Ilgaz

From the founder

I founded Yaban in 2019 after sixteen years as a classroom teacher. The moments I remember most from the classroom are the children looking out of the window.

Today the same children are on the other side of the glass: in the rain, the snow, the wind. When choosing our teachers I asked one question: do you love a wet morning?

Özge IlgazFounder and head of school

  • BA in Preschool Education
  • Forest pedagogy observation programme (two terms)
  • Paediatric first aid instructor certificate

MeltemAge 3–4 (36–48 months)

Ece Demirtaş

Ece Demirtaş

Meltem group teacher

The person families ask most during the little ones' settling-in. Known for her songs, stories and patience.

  • BA in Preschool Education
  • Paediatric first aid certificate
Favourite path
Spring; the pond edge
In her pocket: a magnifier, tissues, spare gloves
Burak Önal

Burak Önal

Meltem group teacher · tool workshop

The son of a carpenter. He set up the tool workshop; children hold their first saw beside him.

  • BA in Preschool Education
  • Woodwork workshop instructor
Favourite path
Winter; tracks in the snow
In his pocket: a pocket knife (closed), string, gloves

PoyrazAge 4–5 (48–60 months)

Selin Karaca

Selin Karaca

Poyraz group teacher · garden

She moved to early years after studying agriculture. The vegetable garden and planting day are her work.

  • MA in Preschool Education
  • BSc in Agricultural Engineering
Favourite path
Spring; the seedling beds
In her pocket: a seed envelope, a peg, a pencil
Mert Aydoğdu

Mert Aydoğdu

Poyraz group teacher · birdwatching

He counts birds at Lake Mogan at weekends. He teaches children to hold binoculars and to wait.

  • BA in Preschool Education
  • Nature guide certificate
Favourite path
Winter; between the black pines
In his pocket: children's binoculars, a notebook

KarayelAge 5–6 (60–72 months)

Zeynep Uluç

Zeynep Uluç

Karayel group teacher · school readiness

With nearly twenty years of experience, she knows the move to primary school best. She brings letter and sound games into the forest.

  • BA in Preschool Education
  • Pre-reading training
Favourite path
Summer; by the stream
In her pocket: chalk, a stone, an hourglass
Kerem Tok

Kerem Tok

Karayel group teacher · safety

He leads the school's risk-benefit assessments and first aid drills. The guide on long exploration days.

  • BA in Physical Education and Sports Teaching
  • First aid instructor certificate
  • Outdoor leadership training
Favourite path
Autumn; the long exploration route
In his pocket: a first aid kit, a radio

The best way to meet the teachers is a visit day.

Visit day