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Evidence of Instructional Impact

The Secondary Newcomer Teacher Support Partnership model is grounded in nearly two decades of embedded work with educators, multilingual learners, and refugee-serving organizations.

While this structured partnership is a refined and formalized evolution of that work, its foundation is built on years of coaching cycles, curriculum development, educator training, and multilingual learner support across diverse institutional contexts.

The reflections below represent the instructional growth, educator confidence, and sustainable shifts that informed the development of this model.



I was fortunate enough to work with Mehtap while serving in my role as Assistant Teacher during the Newcomer Youth Summer Academy (NYSA) at the IRC. Her positive attitude and care for our students were the heart and soul of the program. Her knowledge of culturally and linguistically responsive strategies is something that I carry forward from this experience. Mehtap's continuous support and constructive feedback gave me more confidence in the classroom and helped me develop as an educator.

Ben Kupferman, Assistant Teacher


As a lead teacher, I had the privilege of working with Mehtap, the Education Coordinator, during the Newcomer Youth Summer Academy (NYSA). Her passion for education and commitment to our youth were truly inspiring. Mehtap excels at connecting with students from diverse backgrounds, fostering an inclusive environment that encourages engagement.

Working alongside her was transformative. Her dedication and positivity greatly impacted our students and inspired the entire team. I highly recommend Mehtap for any initiative where she can positively influence as an educational coach and consultant.

Celine Diene, Lead ESL teacher

Over the last 15 years of my work as an educator, I have met many wonderful professionals involved in education, business, or both. I have worked with teachers, teacher assistants, principals, managers, and program coordinators, all well educated, experienced and willing to share their knowledge with youth and colleagues alike. However, I have never met anyone as committed, dedicated, and passionate as Dr Akay. I had the opportunity to work with her as a Teacher Assistant in 2024 during the Newcomer Youth Summer Academy (NYSA) at the International Rescue Committee (IRC) while she was the Education Programs Manager. This initiative alone was deeply meaningful: opening doors and helping refugee youth transition into American schools. Dr Akay’s contribution made it even more valuable and impactful: she led and guided our team while generously sharing her wealth of wisdom on effective educational strategies and trauma-informed practice leading to student success in a differentiated classroom, all delivered with exceptional care and personal involvement. I will always be grateful for the opportunity to have worked with and learnt from her and for the experience we shared.

Aneta Stejzygier, M.Ed., ESL Teacher



I had the privilege of working with Mehtap during my time as a newcomer youth tutor at the IRC, while she served as the Education Coordinator. From the very beginning, she acted as a mentor to me, generously sharing her wealth of knowledge and experience in teaching refugee children. At the time, I had no prior experience, but Mehtap’s guidance, insight, and unwavering support gave me the confidence to grow. What inspired me most was her deep love for the children and her tireless dedication to supporting them. Her ability to combine expertise with empathy and humility created a learning environment where both students and tutors could thrive. Thanks to her mentorship, I gained invaluable skills in adapting my teaching methods to meet the needs of multilingual learners and in building meaningful connections with students. I carry forward the lessons I learned from Mehtap in my own professional journey, and I am grateful to her for instilling in me the confidence, strategies, and passion needed to effectively support refugee youth. Working with her was truly transformative, and I will always credit much of my growth to her mentorship and example. 

Heba, Youth ESL Tutor, IRC Tutoring Program

I had the privilege of working with Dr. Akay while participating in the Newcomer Youth Summer Academy with the IRC in the summers of 2023 and 2024. The time devoted to the activities at the Academy is among the most memorable in my experiences in an almost thirty-year career in education as a teacher and learning disabilities consultant.

From the carefully constructed training program of invaluable trauma-informed practices, as well as instruction in research-based culturally and linguistically responsive strategies, Dr. Akay’s humanitarian spirit resonated in and through her deep, passionate mission for the universality of the human condition. Dr. Akay is a formidable presence and professional leader with comprehensive knowledge, expertise, and practical problem-solving strategies to achieve the most positive, fulfilling, and meaningful experiences for the young newcomers. My memories of the Summer Academy, the students, and Dr. Akay’s integrity, devotion, and commitment will remain close in my heart always, and I am thankful for having the honor of learning under her tutelage as well as the opportunity to follow her example of understanding and compassion.

Dorothy K., ESL teacher



I had the opportunity to work with Mehtap while I was a Lead Teacher during the Newcomer Youth Summer Academy (NYSA) at the IRC.  What stood out to me was Mehtap’s integration of intellect and compassion in her pedagogical and leadership approaches: she took the time to get to know both the teachers and the students by listening in a patient and empathetic manner while providing insightful advice and perspectives.   I feel our work together made a difference in helping the students to feel at ease while gaining confidence in their language ability while also challenging the students to reach their highest potential.  The literacy-centered techniques and approaches that Mehtap taught during the program were helpful in allowing me to better serve the students.  The observations provided by Mehtap during initial assessments allowed me to better tailor the lessons to suit the individual needs and goals of the students.  I’m grateful for her insights and support throughout the program.

-Dr. Andrea B.


I had the wonderful opportunity of working with Mehtap while serving as a newcomer youth tutor at the IRC. From the very beginning of my journey, I instantly connected with Mehtap. She was so encouraging, and truly helped with the ton of nerves I had when I first started! I was provided with all of the tools I needed, as well as a listening ear whenever I was unsure of where to go with a lesson plan. During my tutoring experience, I actually was switched from one student to another - and Mehtap helped me adjust accordingly to the needs of the new student. I truly am grateful not only for having worked with Mehtap, but for all the opportunities I had to learn from her. She is truly one of a kind.

Ebony Nuchurch - Former IRC MLL Tutor 

I was fortunate to work alongside Dr. Akay while serving as a teaching assistant during the Newcomer Youth Summer Academy (NYSA) at the IRC. From the very beginning, she guided me through lesson planning and ensured that our orientation program was inclusive and welcoming for students of many different backgrounds. I always felt comfortable turning to her with questions. Her support always helped me grow in both skill and confidence. Her mentorship helped me develop the ability to support multilingual learners and engage students more effectively. Her professionalism, patience, and commitment made a meaningful difference for the students we served and for me as a colleague. After working at the IRC for three years, I continue to carry the lessons I learned from her. I will always remember her hard work and dedication to creating opportunities for students from diverse backgrounds to feel valued and supported. I am forever grateful for the experience of working alongside Dr. Akay. Thank you Dr. Akay for being such a guiding presence and for the lasting impact you’ve made on my journey.

Kelly R. Assistant Teacher

I had the pleasure of working with Mehtap as a Lead Teacher during the Refugee Youth Summer Academy (RYSA) at the International Rescue Committee. Her warmth, professionalism, and deep commitment to supporting multilingual learners created an inspiring environment for both students and colleagues. Mehtap’s collaborative approach and trauma-informed, culturally responsive practices made a meaningful impact on our team and the youth we served. I’m truly grateful for the opportunity to have learned from her and to have witnessed her passion for empowering educators and students alike.

Abdallah M. Vwich, Lead ESL teacher


I had the opportunity to work with Mehtap while serving as a Teacher Assistant at the Newcomer Youth Summer Academy (NYSA) with the IRC in 2024. What stood out to me was how she approached every interaction—be it with students or faculty—with her full attention, empathy, and understanding. Whenever I needed guidance from Dr. Akay, I felt that she not only listened to what I had to say but also genuinely put herself in my shoes to understand my experience and provide the most effective solution, utilizing her depth of knowledge and expertise in education coordination for disadvantaged populations.

Our work together significantly influenced how I support students who can benefit from trauma-informed practices. I feel more confident after expanding my arsenal of teaching strategies and observing how Dr. Akay interacted with the students at NYSA, meeting them with such compassion. As the education coordinator, she provided all the teachers in the program with the knowledge, resources, and tools necessary to best support our multilingual learners. I’m beyond grateful for the experience of working with Mehtap.

Patrick K., ESL Teacher Assistant





My name is June, and I had the opportunity to work with Dr. Akay for two summers while serving as a Peer Mentor during the Newcomer Youth Summer Academy (NYSA) at the IRC. What stood out to me was Dr. Akay's constant attentiveness to the well-being of students and staff alike. She consistently provided encouragement and words of affirmation for young students, as well as genuine, individualized appreciation for staff members' contributions. She knew every person's name at NYSA, and I was always amazed at how she could make meaningful connections with people from any background, age group, or temperament. She worked hard to be approachable and dependable for students, who needed consistency above all. She set the standard for any professional needing to serve as a reliable, positive role model for kids. Our work together made a difference in students' expectations of classrooms and educators, in the best way. I felt more confident in supporting multilingual learners after hearing from Dr. Akay. She taught me how to employ culturally responsive strategies and trauma-informed practices while simultaneously celebrating students' strengths. She supported me as a Peer Mentor and beyond, and I’m grateful to have had the opportunity to work with her. 

June G., Peer Mentor



I’m so grateful to Mehtap Akay — not only a true professional but also a wonderful, kind person. She guided me through the process of starting my teaching career in the U.S., helping me review my resume and other materials, and sharing insights about the working culture that you simply can’t find online. After talking with her, I felt a real boost of confidence and realized, “I can do it” — and I did. Her support and encouragement made a huge difference in my journey.

Olha L.





When I moved to the United States, I struggled to balance my personal life with my academic goals. Dr. Mehtap Akay introduced me to practical techniques for time management and showed me how to apply them to my ongoing tasks. She guided me through applying for and completing my master’s degree, making it much easier to adapt to a new environment while pursuing my academic passions.

Meryem A., M.A. student



Mehtap has been an invaluable source of support and guidance throughout my graduate school application process. Her insightful recommendations, such as tailoring my cover letter to align with each program's mission and vision and including cultural components, were truly pivotal. Thanks to her thorough feedback, I was accepted to a highly competitive graduate program, which marked one of the most significant milestones in my academic career. I am deeply grateful for her unwavering support, professionalism, and expertise.  

~ S.B., PhD. student




Newcomers to the U.S. job market, especially those who arrive with rich cultural experiences and established professional backgrounds, often find themselves starting over in ways they never anticipated. We bring knowledge, skills, and ambition, yet quickly discover that navigating résumés, interviews, and networking in a new culture can feel like learning an entirely new language. The journey can be humbling, confusing, and eMehtaphausting—and at times, deeply lonely. That’s why having someone like Mehtap makes such a powerful difference. When I first connected with Mehtap, I was immediately struck by her warmth and genuine understanding of what it means to rebuild a career in a new country. She didn’t just provide guidance; she offered empathy, drawing from her own lived experience as a newcomer professional. Her support went beyond career advice; it was about restoring confidence and fostering a sense of belonging.

Our collaboration soon grew into something truly meaningful. Together, we worked to build trust among future job seekers, helping them navigate the unwritten rules of the U.S. job market. Mehtap also partnered with schools, nonprofits, and multilingual professionals, expanding her impact across communities that share a commitment to inclusion and opportunity. What I admire most about Mehtap is her authentic passion for helping others thrive. Every workshop, every coaching session, and every shared story reflects her sincere dedication to others’ success. Mehtap doesn’t just teach people how to adapt; she helps them rediscover their confidence and voice in a new world. Her international perspective, cultural understanding, generosity, and sincerity continue to leave a lasting impact on everyone fortunate enough to work with her.

Yubi Z.

I had the pleasure of working with Mehtap Akay during her tenure as Education Manager at New Jersey Office of Refugees (NJOR), where she consistently demonstrated exceptional leadership, strategic thinking, and a deep commitment to inclusive and quality education. In her role, Mehtap effectively led education programs from planning through implementation, ensuring alignment with organizational goals and community needs. She brought a strong ability to translate educational policy and program frameworks into practical, impactful initiatives, while maintaining high standards of accountability and learning outcomes. Her work was marked by thoughtful coordination within the NJOR team, partners and stakeholders, fostering collaboration and trust across diverse environments.

Mehtap’s strengths lie not only in her technical expertise in education management, but also in her people-centered approach. She mentored team members with clarity and empathy, encouraged innovation, and navigated challenges with professionalism and resilience. Her attention to detail, combined with a strategic mindset, made her a reliable and respected leader within the organization. I confidently recommend Mehtap Akay for leadership roles in education, program management, or policy-oriented settings. She would be an asset to any organization committed to advancing equitable and effective education systems.

Jasmine Maharjan, RCA Payments Coordinator