‘Artificial Intelligence’ Leaders Rising in English Education

Izmir University of Economics (IUE) School of Foreign Languages has launched a special program to promote the pedagogical, ethical, and effective use of artificial intelligence in English language teaching. Supported by the Regional English Language Office (RELO) of the U.S. Embassy in Ankara, the Artificial Intelligence in English Language Teaching Program (AIETP 2026) was held for the second time this year, with 20 English instructors from 17 different cities participating. The instructors who successfully completed the program at IUE will return to their respective regions to share their knowledge with over 900 educators who have applied to learn from them.

Directed by Asst. Prof. Dr. Donald Staub. Director of IUE School of Foreign Languages, and coordinated by Asst. Prof. Dr. Özge Coşkun Aysal, Vice Director, AIETP 2026 began with intensive foundational training on campus. Under the guidance of Alissa Nostas, a U.S. Embassy specialist from the Arizona State University Global Launch Program, participants engaged in hands-on workshops covering AI-supported language teaching, ethical use of AI, instructional design, and teacher training methodologies.

RECOGNITION WITH DIGITAL BADGES

Noting that AIETP 2026 is strengthening the professional development of English instructors across Turkey, Asst. Prof. Dr. Staub said, “This year, 20 people participated in our University’s program. As trainers, they will pass on their knowledge and experience to educators in their own regions. Nearly 900 people across Turkey applied to receive training from those who successfully completed our program. Thanks to the disseminator training model implemented under the AIETP, which was launched for the first time in 2025, approximately 700 English teachers across Turkey had the opportunity to develop their professional skills in AI-supported language teaching. This year, however, there has been a significant increase in the number of applications compared to 2025. As a result, AI-supported English teaching applications will become widespread throughout the country. The contributions of trainers who successfully complete regional training will be recognized with a digital badge issued by the Office of Micro-Credentials at Izmir University of Economics and certified to international standards.”