Syrian Refugee Schools: A New Phenomenon for School Leaders and Teachers in Turkey

• In Event: Park Central Roundtable Session 3
  In Roundtable Session: School Leaders Navigating Diversifying Schools: Responsibilities and Approaches

Abstract

In 2012, Turkey received a massive influx of refugees,which has created unique challenges for school professionals. This study investigates and compares experiences, challenges, strategies and the emerging needs of both school principals and teachers working together in schools where Syrian refugee children are enrolled in Ankara. Qualitative data from interviews with five school principals and ten teachers from five Syrian Schools underwent content analysis. Findings revealed that these schools face multi-faceted challenges, teachers and school principals are inexperienced and less-informed in education for diversity. Relevant needs are voiced. Educators' humanistic personal approach, enlists religious values as a uniting force.Relevant implementations in public education in more experienced contexts such as the USA or Europe will be discussed to reach context-specific recommendations.

Authors

• Deniz Örücü, Baskent University

• Gulnur Ak Küçükçayır, independent researcher