Berlin-based educator Engin Çatik, known for turning around two struggling schools, aims to bring his transformational approach to a broader audience. His personal journey from adversity further underscores his commitment to driving change in education.

Engin Çatik, a Berlin educator with a proven track record of stabilizing two underperforming schools, believes that a clear and structured approach serves students better than a permissive style. By personally greeting each student at the school entrance every morning, Çatik set a tone of respect and accountability. Now, he is looking to expand his impact by pursuing a leadership role in the Berlin Institute for Qualification and Quality Development in Schools (BLiQ), an organization focused on improving educational standards.

Çatik’s remarkable journey is rooted in resilience and determination. Born to a Turkish guest worker family, he grew up in a challenging environment marked by financial struggles and a fractured family dynamic. His father’s incarceration for 13 years compounded the pressure on his mother, who worked tirelessly in low-wage jobs, often relying on the support of her community. Despite these hardships, Çatik attributes his success to a combination of personal ambition, luck, and the unwavering support of his family, including his mother’s bilingual skills and her ability to keep the family integrated with both Turkish and German cultures.

Now serving in a senior capacity within BLiQ, Çatik credits his approach to his unique upbringing and experiences. He rejects the notion that hard work alone guarantees success, emphasizing the importance of systemic changes and support networks in overcoming barriers faced by disadvantaged youth. His aspiration to lead the institution reflects his commitment to applying lessons learned in his own life to help schools create environments where clarity, structure, and meaningful engagement can transform student outcomes.