Kulyash Shamshidinova
Statesperson and social activist of Kazakhstan, Honoured teacher of Kazakhstan, Kazakhstan
“Born on 4 March 1958 in Almaty region. In 1979 graduated from the Faculty of Chemistry of Kazakh National University named after Al-Farabi.
She began her professional career in 1979 as a chemistry teacher at secondary school named after Amangeldy in Koksu district of Almaty region.
From 1981 to 1986 was on Komsomol work. From 1986 to 1991 – instructor of the Taldykorgan Regional Party Committee, secretary of the Taldykorgan City Party Committee. From 1991 to 1992 – Deputy Director of the Taldykorgan Regional Institute for Advanced Training of Teachers. From 1992 to 1996 – Director of secondary school No. 18 named after B. Zholbarysuly in Taldykorgan. From July 1996 to February 2002 – Deputy Akim of Taldykorgan.
From February 2002 to May 2005 – Vice-Minister of Education and Science of the Republic of Kazakhstan.
From 2005 to 2007 – General Director of State Enterprise National Scientific and Practical Educational and Health Centre “”Bobek”” RSFE.
From April 2007 to October 2009 – Vice-Minister of Education and Science of the Republic of Kazakhstan.
From October 2009 to February 2019 – Chair of the Executive Board of JSC “Nazarbayev Intellectual Schools” (since June 2011 AEO “Nazarbayev Intellectual Schools”).
From February to June 2019 – Minister of Education and Science of the Republic of Kazakhstan.
From July 2019 to March 2023 – Chair of the Executive Board of AEO “Nazarbayev Intellectual Schools”.
Awarded with the Orders “Parasat” and “Kurmet”.
2022 (14 October) – awarded the honorary title “Honoured Teacher of Kazakhstan”, the award was presented from the hands of the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan in Akorda.
In 2022 she was appointed Commissioner in the Asian Hub of the Global Commission on Education. For the first time the representative of Kazakhstan entered the ECA – the top leaders of the world educational ecosystem.
Since 2023 she holds the title of “Honourary Professor of the Kazakh National University named after Al-Farabi”.
“Colleen McLaughlin, PhD, Professor Emerita at the University of Cambridge, is now an independent researcher and developer. She has held various positions at the Universities of Cambridge, Special Advisor to the VC, the Director of Education Innovation at the Faculty of Education and Deputy Head of Faculty; and Head of Dept at the University of Sussex. She has worked with governments on education reform in many international contexts, including in Kazakhstan, Nigeria and Central Asia. She is a trained counsellor and ran a training course at Cambridge to quality as a psychotherapeutic counsellor.
Her interests are mental health and the school’s role, education reform, teacher development, and school-university research partnerships. Her recent publications are:
McLaughlin, C. and Ruby., A. (forthcoming). Politics And Knowledge Shaping Educational Reform: Case Studies From Around The Globe. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press
McLaughlin, C., Winter, l. and Yakavets, N. (2023) Mapping Educational Change in Kazakhstan. Cambridge; Cambridge University Press.
McLaughlin, C. and Ruby., A. (2021) Implementing Educational Reform: cases and challenges. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press
McLaughlin, C. (2022) ‘Connecting to school and each other: Towards a new paradigm of a school response to mental health.’ Impact, Journal of the Chartered College of Teaching, Issue 15, May 2022.”
“Oistein Kristiansen – is a globally renowned cartoonist, author, and media personality, dedicated to teaching drawing and creative skills to children.
His TV shows for kids, such as “Learn To Draw,” “Right On Top,” and “Box Yourself,” have been broadcast in over 80 countries worldwide, reaching more than 300 million viewers. He has also engaged large audiences around the world with his live drawing shows and adventure travel journals.
Oeistein is also a public speaker on creativity, human rights, and nature conservation topics.”
“Darius Radkevicius is the Director of “”Post-traumatica sanitatem”” an organization dedicated to aiding children dealing with psychotrauma, an expert affiliated with the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD).
His journey into the world of medicine began with his graduation from the Faculty of Medicine at the University of Tartu in Estonia, followed by a residency at Vilnius University in Lithuania. Building on his medical foundation, he expanded his expertise by delving into the realm of system management. As the former main expert at the Lithuanian Business Assistance Agency (LVPA), he played a pivotal role in evaluating the implementation of various business systems within Lithuanian companies, including methodologies like TOC and LEAN.
Since 2015, Mr. Radkevicius has been recognized as an esteemed expert by the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD). From 2019 to 2023, he served as a Deputy of the Vilnius City Council and was an active member of the Committee on Education and Culture.
Beyond his professional commitments, Darius Radkevicius serves as an Ambassador for HundrED, a non-profit organization dedicated to discovering and disseminating innovative practices in secondary education.
In addition to his various roles, Mr. Radkevicius is the founder of the consulting firm and publishing house UAB Rgrupe in Lithuania, specializing in business books. Mr. Radkevicius is four thought-provoking projects: “”Doodles for Life,”” a book designed to guide teachers in developing emotional intelligence in children; “”God, Quantum Physics, Organizational Structure, and Management Style””; “”Awaiting the Golden Age,”” a profound exploration of yoga and the quest for meaning; and “”Style as a Mirror of the Archetype.”” He has also conducted a compelling series of interviews with leading visionaries in the field of children’s education, collectively titled “”School of the Future and/or Happiness.”””
Kate Evans
Founding CEO of Anglian Learning Multi Academy Trust, UK
“Kate Evans has been involved in education in the UK in a variety of roles for the past 40 years. She was appointed as Headteacher of Bottisham Village College in 2005 , leading the school to be judged outstanding by Ofsted.
The school was committed to working collaboratively with other institutions, including The Faculty of Education, Cambridge University. Bottisham was the lead school in the development of Anglian Gateway Teaching School Alliance, which offered local provision for initial teacher training & continual professional development. Bottisham was subsequently identified as a National Support School and Kate was appointed as a National Leader for Education by the Department of Education.
In 2016 Kate was appointed as the founding CEO of Anglian Learning Multi Academy Trust, with responsibility for a group of primary & secondary schools.
Since 2018 Kate has worked as an educational consultant, both in the UK and through the SHARE project in Kazakhstan.”
Victoria Charbonneau is one of the co-founders and program director for Caring Heart Public Fund in Taraz, Kazakhstan. Caring Heart has been working with single mothers, aged-out orphans and children with special needs. Their focus is to provide support to help strengthen families, particularly those who find themselves in difficult life situations. With over 45 years of experience working with at-risk children, Victoria provides the knowledge, skills, passion, and love that makes Caring Heart a place called “home” for so many. Victoria has a profound ability to connect meaningfully with people through her life experiences and through story-telling, inspires others to pursue their dreams and passions. Victoria’s years of experience as a foster parent, adoptive mother, and artist make her uniquely qualified to oversee the residential and day program of Caring Heart.
Elizabeth Turnock is one of the co-founder and director of Caring Heart Public Fund in Taraz, Kazakhstan. Originally from the United States, Elizabeth’s education and experience is in social work. Prior to Caring Heart, Elizabeth worked 8 years for a humanitarian aid company in Taraz as their Director of Operations. In the US she worked for 15 years with at-risk families in the largest residential treatment facility in the Midwest as the Director of Operations. In that role she actively worked with the juvenile court system, probation department, special investigative unit on child abuse, department of social services and the department of education. She helped design the alternative education program for children with special needs and the treatment programs working delinquent, abused and neglected children and their families.
Khasanova Indira Ospanovna, teacher-expert of Russian language and literature. Total pedagogical experience – 25 years. She has been working at Nazarbayev Intellectual School since 1 October 2012 (11 years). In 2012-2013, as a member of the creative group, she took part in the development of the integrated educational programme of Russian language for grades 6, 9, 10 within the framework of the CLC project. She is a co-author of Russian language (L2) for 1st, 2nd, 3rd grades for NIS, Russian language (L2) 1st grade for LS, approved by the Ministry of Education and Science of the Republic of Kazakhstan. She has experience in assessing students 11L2 and 12L1 in the final certification in Russian language and literature. She provides systematic assistance to teachers of Russian language and literature of the city and region within the framework to transfer experience in updating the educational content, conducting seminars, workshops, and demonstration lessons. She is a trainer of gifted children.
Gulnara Suleimenova
expert teacher of Russian language and literature at Nazarbayev Intellectual School of Physics and Mathematics in Almaty
Teacher expert, certified trainer. 9 years of experience in the NIS network, 26 years of experience in education. Completed an advanced training course for teaching staff under the program “Differentiation and individualization of teaching in the classroom”, “Education of gifted children at school” of the Center for Pedagogical Measurements..
Jane Larsson
Executive Director of the Council of International Schools (CIS), the Netherlands
“Jane Larsson has led the Council of International Schools (CIS) as Executive Director since her appointment in 2010. Over the past 25 years, Jane has led the international education community with a focus on the development of collaborative partnerships to enable and support educational exchange and the development of international and intercultural perspective. Prior to her appointment at CIS, Jane was Director of International Partnerships with the Visiting International Faculty Program (VIF) in Chapel Hill, North Carolina, where she led outreach to promote international educational exchange, establishing relationships with ministries of education, universities, international schools and educational associations. She began her career in international education as the Director of Educational Staffing and Publications for International Schools Services (ISS) providing recruitment services and resources to international schools.
Jane lends her voice to key topics shaping the future of international education, those which enable school and university communities to provide socially responsible leadership as they continually develop their programs. She currently serves as Chair of the International Taskforce on Child Protection and on the Board of Directors of the International Commission Advancing Independent School Accreditation (ICAISA).”
“Ji Han joined CIS as an Associate Director of School Support & Evaluation in May 2023.
Ji has served international education as a teacher, school leader, educational consultant and leadership coach for over 30 years. Prior to joining CIS, Ji served as the Director of Curriculum and Learning at the Zurich International Schools and as an independent consultant for organizations such as the IB, NEASC and Carney Sandoe.
During her tenure as an international educator, her varied roles include Director of Curriculum and Learning, Campus Principal, Primary Years Programme Coordinator, Lower School Assistant Principal and Coordinator for the Early Childhood Center. Ji’s professional leadership and growth practice includes serving as an experienced course trainer for the Principals Training Center, an Accreditation Team Chair, a certified curriculum and instruction trainer and a workshop leader and school visitor for the International Baccalaureate Organization. For the past 25 years, Ji has demonstrated her strong commitment to accreditation and school improvement through her years of service as team chair for school visits. She has also served as a Commissioner at NEASC for the Commission on International Education.
Ji is deeply committed to working collaboratively with teams and brings her extensive experience in many areas of school organization including recruitment, curriculum design, inquiry, concept based instruction, accreditation, professional growth, strategic planning, and developing school culture. She is deeply committed to international education, and has strong connections to partners from around the world. In addition to her work as a consultant in leadership, strategic and curriculum development, Ji is passionate about supporting growth through coaching and mentorship.
Ji holds a B.A. from the University of California – Los Angeles, an M.A. in Educational Leadership from Lehigh University, and a Certificate of International Leadership from the Principals Training Center.”
“After graduating from the Zhezkazgan Pedagogical Institute in 1995, she began her career as a physics teacher at the Zhezkazgan College.
In 2013, she continued her work as a methodologist in the educational and methodological center of the Karaganda region, then since 2018 in the methodological center of Astana. Coordinator of the SPARE international project in Astana. Qualification category – teacher-researcher, 27 years of teaching experience.”
In 2007 he graduated from S. Amanzholov East Kazakhstan State University with a degree in computer science teacher with honors. Since 2007, she began her pedagogical activity as a computer science teacher at secondary school №40 named after A. Margulan in Astana. Since 2011, she has continued to work as a computer science teacher at the Mirzhakip Dulatuly Gymnasium №68. She is also the head of the methodical association of mathematics, computer science and physics, graduated from the first (advanced) level course, school coordinator of the international project SHARE, qualification category – teacher-researcher, work experience of 22 years.
Zhanna Suleymenova
project coordinator for “SHARE”, School-lyceum No. 72
“In 1994 he graduated from the Akmola Pedagogical School, in 2008 he graduated from the Kazakh philological Faculty of the Eurasian humanitarian Institute of Astana. He began his pedagogical career in 1994 in Shchuchinsk as an educator in the Sandugash kindergarten. In 2001, he was appointed director of the House of children’s creativity of Korgalzhyn district. In 2003, he worked as the head of the methodological Office of the Department of Education of the Korgalzhyn district, in 2005-deputy director for educational work of the Korgalzhyn Gymnasium school. Since 2014, he has been working as a deputy director for scientific and methodological work at school-Lyceum No. 72 in Astana, and since 2017-as a teacher of the Kazakh language and literature. Head of the methodological Association, intra-school trainer, intra-school coordinator of the International Project SHARE, qualification qualification-teacher-master, teaching experience –
28 years.”
English teacher of the M. Makatayev Gymnasium No. 74 in Astana, coordinator of the international project coordinator of the SHARE project, city coordinator of the international project “Global scholars”, head of the methodological association, intra-school coach, qualification category – teacher-researcher. 18 years of teaching experience.
English teacher of the Lyceum school No. 50 “Kazgarysh” named after Rayymbek batyr. Head of the methodological association of the English language, member of the expert group of English teachers in Astana. Coordinator of the SHARE international project. Qualification category – teacher-researcher. 12 years of teaching experience.
“- Student of the Year at NIS PhM Astana (2019)
– Best Delegate, I International Central Asia Model United Nations (2018)
– Chair of the General Assemby at International MUN – Letter of Appreciation, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Kazakhstan (2019)”
“Ainur Kanapyanova works as the director of the MPI “City Multidisciplinary Kazakh School-Gymnasium” of the education department of the Ayagoz district of the education department of the Abay region.
In 1989 she graduated with honors from Semipalatinsk Pedagogical College named after M. Auezov with a degree in “Teaching in primary grades in a comprehensive school.”
From 1989 to 1991 she worked as a counselor in her native village, then as a primary school teacher. In 1991 she entered Semipalatinsk Pedagogical Institute named after N. Krupskaya and in 1996 graduated from Semey State University with a degree in Kazakh language and literature.
Since 2003 she taught Kazakh language and literature, and from 2003 to 2015 she continued her educational activities as a deputy director of secondary school No. 1 in Ayagoz.
Since October 2015 she has been appointed a director of secondary school No. 5 in Ayagoz and led this team until May 3, 2022. During her tenure in this position, following the results of the 2017-2018 academic year, the school received the certificate “Best Educational Organization 2018” and won a grant from the East Kazakhstan Regional Akimat in the amount of 23 million tenge.
In 2021 Ainur Kanapyanova was awarded a Certificate of Honor from the Minister of Education and Science of the Republic of Kazakhstan.
Since 2022 due to rotation she has been transferred to the position of the director of the city multidisciplinary Kazakh school-gymnasium in the city of Ayagoz.
Currently, Ainur Kanapyanova works as a director at this gymnasium and has the category of master teacher, director-leader.
At the end of the 2022-2023 academic year, the team was awarded the title “Best Educational Organization 2023” and received a grant from the Abay region akimat in the amount of 10 million tenge.”
Viktor Sossin – the Principal of NIS in Taldykorgan. Teaching experience – 14 years. He has a Master’s degree in Education (The University of Sussex, UK) and a Master’s degree in Information Systems (Kazakh-British Technical University). He is an expert on school accreditation for the Council of International Schools (CIS). Co-author of the book on preparing for participation in mathematical Olympiads “Mathematical Academy. 7th grade”. In 2007-2013, he was a member of the jury of republican and international mathematics Olympiads held in Kazakhstan, including the International Mathematical Olympiad 2010 (IMO).
Kaken Merey is a mathematics teacher at the Nazarbayev Intellectual School in Taldykorgan. Graduate student of Ilyas Zhansugirov University 2016-2017. Since 2018, he has been working at the Nazarbayev Intellectual School. 1st place in the 2023 Olympic competition held among Zhetysu mathematics teachers. The author of the external summative evaluation set for the 10th grade mathematics subject. The author of www.224.kz website of video lessons in mathematics.
Shynar Bazilbekova, head of the dormitory of Nazarbayev Intellectual School of Physics and Mathematics in Taldykorgan, master of Economic sciences, general experience in education – 11 years, in NIS system – 9 years. Certified trainer for professional development of teachers.
Alumni of NIS PM in Taldykorgan. World Robot Olympiad medalist. Student of Nazarbayev University majoring in Robotics Engineering. Currently working in Institute of Smart Systems and Artificial Intelligence (ISSAI), focusing on building walking robots. In Beyond Curriculum, I created various educational materials on robotics and programming (Beyond Robotics)
Aigul Sartayevna Toleubayeva has 30 years of teaching experience, including 15 years in NIS system. Since 2013, she has been guiding educational activities in NIS Primary School, including the language immersion method implementation. Aigul Toleubayeva actively shares her experience through participation in regional, national and international conferences (International workshop on language immersion “Learning together!”, Narva, Estonia, 2014), also in August conferences through trainings and master-classes on the implementation of language immersion in Primary School on the organization of teachers’ research work. She has numerous publications on the language immersion method implementation, and is currently working on creating a training website on this method for secondary school teachers. At present Aigul Toleubayeva works as a Russian language and literature teacher, and acting Deputy Director.
Azhar Kenesovna Boranbayeva is a Primary School teacher-expert. She has 25 years of teaching experience, including 8 years in NIS system. Since 2015 she has been working in language immersion classes. Every year she broadcasts her experience through master classes and training workshops within the framework of annual August conferences, republican, regional and regional seminars. She takes an active part in the development and proofreading of Technical Specifications and Subject Programmes for primary grades of secondary schools and NIS. Azhar Boranbayeva is a member of “Teaching gifted children” Creative Research team.
“Aitbaeva Zhanna, expert teacher, 25 years of experience in education, 12 years in the NIS system, of which 8 years IB NIS. Trainer CITO, CLIL. Member of the Online-Mektep
project, developer of lessons on the history of Kazakhstan. Member of the project group, developer of educational programs on the history of Kazakhstan МYP, DP under the International Baccalaureate program.
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Teacher-expert, SAT teacher, coach, developer of programs for specialized and secondary schools, curriculum developer, test specifications developer. 15 years of experience in the field, 24 years of experience in education. Professional interests: conceptual teaching, social-emotional intelligence development, values-based teaching.
Ainur Meiramovna Sembekova has a 12-year experience, including 9 years of experience in NIS network. She is a CELTA (Certificate English Language Teaching to Adults) holder. She has experience in preparing students for international IELTS and SAT exams. Master of Pedagogical Sciences in the specialty “Foreign Language: Two Foreign Languages”.
“Rashit Shabdinovich Tatimbekov is deputy Principal for scientific and methodological work at Nazarbayev Intellectual School of Physics and Mathematics in Kostanay:
certified trainer on professional development of teachers
trainer in advanced training programs at the Center for Pedagogical Excellence
winner of the republican competition “Festival of Pedagogical Ideas”
developed a system for observing lessons according to 9 aspects together with colleagues; the system includes 16 criteria at 5 levels of descriptors.”
Vashchenko Yelena Valeryevna, Deputy Principal for Academic Affairs at NIS PhM in Kostanay, general experience in education – 26 years, in NIS system – 8 years, experience in the managerial position – 24 years. Certified trainer for professional development of teachers. Co-author of the platform “Lesson Observation System”, received a certificate of entry into the state register of rights to objects protected by copyright.
Adela Mae Martinez-Alguno has 21 years of teaching experience and has taught varied subjects like physical education, world language, and performing arts (drama) across primary to secondary level students. She obtained her doctorate degree in education at Southwestern University PHINMA, Philippines, in 2019. She was a former aerobics, dance, and fitness instructor, Head of the PE Department, Deputy Athletics Director, Productions Committee chairperson, and teacher representative at the East Asia Regional Council of Schools (EARCOS). She has conducted workshops in Bangkok, Thailand, and different schools and universities in the Philippines. She is currently a PYP teacher at the International School of Astana, Kazakhstan.
Psychologist, additional specialty teacher-defectologist. Level of pedagogical mastery – 1, trainer of the program for teachers “Peculiarities of Gifted Education”, also a child-parent program created by the school of health and social well-being at Oxford Brookes University “Strong Family”, member of the professional methodological community of teachers of the school “Project and Research Work”.
Psychologist. The level of pedagogical mastery is basic, publications in the Republican scientific and educational newspaper “Bilim Ainasy”, the article “Zhenil okytu theoriyasy men practicasy”. Experience broadcasts at regional seminars “Psychologiya salasyndagy uzdik idealar”, “Kiyn omir zhagdaylarynda shydamdylykty nasikhattau”.
Axyonova Inna has been working for 10 years at the Branch of the Nazarbayev Intellectual School of Physics and Mathematics in the city of Taraz as a teacher-expert in biology. Graduate of the Bolashak program in the Leadership in Education program at the Elliott School of International Affairs, George Washington University, majoring in Pedagogy. She is a certified STEM trainer “Jana Talap” as part of the roadmap for the development of STEAM education in Kazakhstan and a PBL trainer (Singapore, Temasek Polytechnic University). Engaged in research activities on the methodology of STEM education for students in middle and high schools. Member of the Kazakhstan Association of Educational Researchers “KERA”. Heads a research group on the implementation of STEM education at the Taraz NIS. Author-developer of the elective course “STEM class” for secondary school students and a training program for teachers. She is the winner of the Republican competition “Best Teacher of the Year” (2019). Winner of the national stage of the international festival for STEM teachers Science on Stage Europe with the right to represent Kazakhstan at the global finals in Finland in 2024. Founder of the children’s volunteer club “Biotact” to assist in the education of visually impaired children.
Inna G. Bogucharskaya has a teaching experience of 22 years, of which she has been working for 10 years in the Branch of the Nazarbayev Intellectual School of Physics and Mathematics in Taraz as an expert teacher of mathematics. He is a certified STEM coach of “Jana Talap” within the framework of the roadmap for the development of STEAM education in Kazakhstan. He has experience in conducting research in the field of introducing problem-oriented teaching and STEM education to students in middle and high school. He is a co-author and developer of the elective course “STEM class” of a secondary school and a training program for teachers.
“Maxim Andreyevich Rybalkin is an informatics teacher at NIS PhM Taraz. Work experience: programming, development of mobile applications and 3D modelling/animation.
He is a certified trainer in robotics for general education schools in the Republic of Kazakhstan.
He is also a member of the scientific community of students: he is engaged in project activities; the students are repeated winners and prize-winners of national and international competitions and projects, such as “”The Baltic Science and Engineering Competition””, “”Paris International Competition “”The Big Progress””, and others.”
Mirlan Jussambaev is an expert physics teacher at the Nazarbayev Intellectual School (NIS) in Taraz, Kazakhstan. He holds a master’s degree in pedagogical sciences and is a certified CLIL (Content and Language Integrated Learning) expert. He is a member of the Kazakhstan Educational Researchers’ Association (KERA) and has research experience in the field of trilingual education in Kazakhstan, with presentations at international conferences. He leads a research group at NIS Taraz focused on the implementation of Artificial Intelligence in the education process. He achieved first place in the network competition “Best Teacher of the Year” in 2023.
“Since 2016, a computer science teacher at the Nazarbayev Intellectual School and a master’s student at the Nazarbayev University 2022-24
Winner of international competition among teachers, English language IELTS 7.5
Field of work: project programming: website creation, mobile application development and 3D modeling/animation, preparation for exams in computer science and international A-level, NIS-Programme programs.
Result:
Since 2018, he has been successfully working with students in international level competitions (gold, silver, bronze medal, Infomatrix Asia, gold, silver, bronze medal in the Republican Scientific Projects competition)!
2019-2023 students have a quality indicator of 95-100% in the NIS-Programme external summary examination. At the same time, results of the students among NIS schools were in high places: 2019 1st place, in 2021 1st place, 2023 2nd place.”
“Dr. Graham Ranger is an experienced leader of change and development in school systems in the public and private, not-for-profit, sectors. He joined AKDN in January 2017 as Academic Director of The Aga Khan Academies and was interim Director of the Academies from April 2020 -July 2021, when Aga Khan Schools was created from the coalescence of Aga Khan Education Services and the Academies.
He was Director of School Support & Evaluation at The Council of International Schools (CIS) from 2012-2016, with global responsibility for all aspects of the quality assurance and development of international schools. Dr. Ranger led the research and subsequent development of the CIS International Accreditation framework and protocol.
Prior to this, Graham was Head (Director) of The British School, New Delhi, and Director of Education for the English Schools Foundation (ESF) in Hong Kong, a group of 20+ high-achieving schools, where he oversaw the introduction of the IB programmes and helped establish two new K 12 international schools. His doctorate, awarded by the University of Durham (England) in 2012, after fieldwork in India, focused on the professional development needs of leaders of international schools.”
Kaiyrbek Buksukbayev currently serves as the principal of the Nazarbayev Intellectual School of Physics and Mathematics in Aktobe. He earned his bachelor’s degree in Chemistry from Abai Kazakh National Pedagogical University in 2011. In 2023, he successfully completed his master’s degree in Pedagogy and Psychology at Mukhtar Auezov South Kazakhstan University. From 2011 to 2013, he dedicated his expertise as a chemistry teacher at Murager School in Kyzylorda. In the period from 2013 to 2018, he continued to excel in his teaching career, eventually assuming the role of vice principal at the Nazarbayev Intellectual School of Chemistry and Biology in Kyzylorda. His commitment to education led him to the Nazarbayev Intellectual School of Chemistry and Biology in Almaty, where he served as a teacher and later as vice principal from 2018 to 2021. In 2021, Mr. Buksukbayev took on the position of principal at the Nazarbayev Intellectual School of Chemistry and Biology in Shymkent, where he contributed his leadership and educational expertise to 2022.
“Established the Bilimkana Public Foundation in 2011 with a vision to grow a young generation in the Kyrgyz Republic to be more competitive in the age of globalization.
Tolondu Toichubaev is an investor in healthcare area since 2007. Main regions of his investment are CIS, Asia and China.
In 2011, he also established a Tolon Museum of Modern Art.
The museum specializes in post-totalitarian art and focuses around authoritarian countries and regimes. The collection contains unique fine art paintings, graphics, objects, installations, photographs, and films.
Prior to his business experience, he was a government employee, including the Office of the Prime Minister of the Kyrgyz Republic. He has a public activity experience, which includes the UN Economic Commission for Europe.
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“Duishon Alievich Shamatov is an Associate Professor in the Graduate School of Education at Nazarbayev University. He is a director of MSc Educational Leadership in Higher Education, Inclusive Education and School Education.
In the NUGSE, Duishon teaches courses on Educational Leadership and Research Methods. Duishon obtained his PhD in Education from the Ontario Institute for Studies in Education at the University of Toronto in Canada in 2005. His doctoral thesis was titled “The Beginning Teachers’ Professional Socialization in Post- Soviet Kyrgyzstan: Challenges and Coping Strategies”. He has experience of conducting research and consultancies in Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan, Pakistan, Tajikistan and Yemen. Duishon’s area of interest includes educational reforms, rural education and equity, teacher education, curriculum development, education quality and student assessment. Duishon is a winner of the NU Teaching Awards in the following categories: Sharing NU Experiences in 2022, the Inaugural NU Master Teacher Award in 2020, Leadership in Teaching Award in 2019 and Innovative Teacher in 2018. In 2019, Duishon got a medal “Excellence in Education” from the Ministry of Education and Science of Kyrgyz Republic. In 2020, he got a medal “Altynsarin” from the MOES of Kazakhstan.
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Author of the books “Barsa Kelmes : The Nomads Return”, “The Ships of Knowledge: NIS, BIL, RSPM” and ” Fundamentals of Critical Thinking”. Founder of Urban Schools and Perspective Elementary; first director of RSPM Astana. Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts (UK), graduate of Duke and Oxford Universities. CEO and founder of education consulting and investment company Paradigm Shift. Founder of educational leadership incubator Maruf Fellows (100+ alumni in Central Asia).
“Dr. Gulmira Qanay is an expert on teacher leadership development. She led the nation-wide Teacher Leadership in Kazakhstan initiative, which involved 35 school principals, 62 vice-principals and 500 teachers in urban and rural schools of Kazakhstan. She is an alumna of “Таlap” and “Bolashak” international scholarships. She holds a PhD in Education from the University of Cambridge Faculty of Education and MA in School Leadership and Management from the Institute of Education University of Warwick (UK).
• Rector (President) of Kazakh National Women’s Teacher Training University in Almaty, Kazakhstan
• Member of the National Congress supervised by the President of Kazakhstan (2022 – present), Kazakhstan
• Member of the National Commission on Women Affairs, Family and Demographic Policy supervised by the President of Kazakhstan (2022 – present), Kazakhstan
• Member of Kazakhstan Educational Research Association (2017-present), Kazakhstan
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At different times he worked in NCE “Atameken” (director of the department, 2017-2019), Municipal Public Institution “Tourist Information Centre” of the akimat of East Kazakhstan region (director, 2014-2017), “Shahar” LLP (director, publications “Ust-Kamenogorsk”, “Оskemen”, “1720.kz”, 2013-2014). Previously worked in the field of youth policy. Director and co-founder of the Fund for Sustainable Development of Education (FSDE).
FSDE seeks and creates cases and best practices that contribute to narrowing the gap in the quality of education between urban and rural areas. The Fund’s projects covered 86 secondary and 134 multigrade schools, which underwent the procedure of modernising their material base and upgrading the qualifications of teachers. In total, FSDE activities cover more than 70,000 rural pupils and 5,000 teachers in Kazakhstan.
The Fund’s portfolio includes projects as: “Rural School Powered by NIS” (6 schools, 4,000 students, a sponsorship amount of 1.5 billion tenge), “Development of the Hub School Potential in Rural Areas” (80 schools, 58,000 students, 6,800 teachers, a sponsorship amount of 20 billion tenge), “Network of rural STEM laboratories” (83 laboratories in Kazakhstan), “FURO engineering (FabLAB) (pilot project, 1 laboratory at a rural school, a sponsorship amount of 7 million tenge). Additionally, within the framework of the partnership, FSDE serves as a sponsor and co-organizer of the Roboland Festival and the EdCrunch Conference.
The sponsors of the Fund are Aitas Holding, Fund “Kazakhstan Khalkyna”, Beeline Kazakhstan, Marwin. The partners of FSDE are Nazarbayev Intellectual Schools and the Ministry of Education of the Republic of Kazakhstan.
“President of “”Kazak tili”” international society, founder and head of “”Bilim Media Group”” company, developing educational content and e-learning services.
He has experience in government and diplomatic service. In different years he worked as Deputy Akim of Kyzylorda region, Director of TV and radio company, First Secretary of the Embassy of Kazakhstan in Russia, columnist and bureau chief of Khabar agency in the Russian Federation.
He has an MBA degree from the Higher School of International Business and Academy of National Economy under the Government of the Russian Federation.
He studied at Harvard University in 2010-2011 (Fellows Programme).
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“Director, ICU coach, English teacher
International Baccalaureate programmes expert, Council of International Schools, CIS international accreditation expert. Master in Education Management, Nazarbayev University Graduate School of Education. Founder of the Caucasus and Central Asia Association of International Baccalaureate World Schools (www.ccaiwbs.org). Has held administrative positions at Nazarbayev Intellectual Schools.”
“Anara Istegulova is the director of Bestamak secondary school in the Alga district of the Aktobe region. She has a higher education; in 2004 she graduated from Aktobe State University named after K. Zhubanov with a degree in Computer Science.
From 2001 to 2004 she worked as a Computer science teacher at Zhemsky secondary school No. 5, Mugalzhar district, Aktobe region.
From 2004 to 2007 she worked as a Computer science teacher at the Lomonosov secondary school in the Mugalzhar district of the Aktobe region.
From 2007 to 2013 – Computer science teacher at Bestamak Secondary School, from 2013 to 2017 – deputy director on academic affairs; since December 2017 – director of Bestamak Secondary School.
In 2020 she was awarded a Certificate of Honor from the Minister of Education and Science of the Republic of Kazakhstan for her contribution to the development of the education system and improving the quality of education on the path of spiritual and social development of independent Kazakhstan.
In 2021 she was awarded a Letter of Gratitude from the Commissioner for Human Rights of the Republic of Kazakhstan, as well as a Letter of Gratitude from the Minister of Information and Social Development of the Republic of Kazakhstan.
In 2022 she was awarded a Letter of Gratitude from the Chairman of the “Amanat” party.
In 2020-2023 she was a deputy of the Alga district maslikhat. Chairman of the primary party organization of the village of Bestamak, member of the Public Council.
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Christina Salmivalli is a professor of psychology and the deputy head of the INVEST flagship research center (https://invest.utu.fi/) at the University of Turku, Finland. She has done research on school bullying and its evidence-based prevention for three decades. Her team developed the KiVa® antibullying program, which is implemented in large scale in Finland and in 23 other countries. Salmivalli has published widely on children’s peer relations and bullying in top-tier scientific journals. She received the Finnish Science Award in 2017. The award is granted by the Ministry of Education, Science and Culture based on the proposal of the Board of the Academy of Finland, in recognition of significant scientific achievements. In 2020, she was a recipient the European Research Council’s (ERC) Advanced Grant for a 5-year project to study the most challenging cases of bullying. In 2021, Salmivalli received the William Thierry Prayer Award (European Association for Developmental Psychology) for excellence in research on human development.
Makhatayeva Zhuldyz is a manager of the Student Well-being Department, AEO “NIS” with over a decade of experience as a psychologist, she serves as a national trainer for UNICEF and the Republican Research and Practical Center for Child and Adolescent Mental Health. Furthermore, she is a trainer at the NIS Center of Pedagogical Excellence, specializing in enhancing the qualifications of psychologists.
Akmaral Kazhigumarovna Zhumykbayeva – CPM AEO NIS, Head of department, PhD. An assessment expert certified by Cambridge Assessment International Education, has experience in assessing teachers through attestation and advanced training courses as well as in developing assessment tools.
Baurzhan Tanyrbergenovich Yessingeldinov – Center for Pedagogical Measurements branch of AEO NIS, Deputy Director, doctoral student. Participated in the project ‘Modernisation of Secondary Education’ implemented by the Ministry of Education and Science of the Republic of Kazakhstan and the World Bank. A member of the working group for improving the monitoring of students’ learning achievements.
Saule Aifovna Vildanova -CPM AEO NIS, Deputy Director. Master of Humanities. An assessment expert certified by Cambridge Assessment International Education. Participated in the development of a system of teacher attestation of Nazarbayev Intellectual Schools and a system for assessing advanced training courses for teachers. Has experience in assessing teachers through attestation, advanced training courses as well as in developing assessment tools. Participated in the project ‘Modernisation of Secondary Education’ implemented by the Ministry of Education and Science of the Republic of Kazakhstan and the World Bank. As a member of the working groups of the Ministry of Education of the Republic of Kazakhstan participated in the development of an updated attestation model for school teachers, a professional standard for teachers in Kazakhstan, and criteria for assessing teachers’ materials within the national contest ‘Best Teacher of the Year’.
Kanysh Tleuzhanuly Bibekov – Еxpert of the Center for Pedagogical Measurements branch of AEO NIS, Candidate of Philological Sciences, Associate Professor. An assessment expert certified by Cambridge Assessment International Education, has experience in assessing teachers through attestation and advanced development courses as well as in developing assessment
Gaukhar Zhanbulatova is a senior manager of Science and Mathematics Department, a methodologist in Chemistry.Master of Chemistry, Eurasian National University named after L.N. Gumileva, second year of PhD program, specialty: D089 – “Chemistry”
Aziza Abdurakhmanova is a senior manager of Science and Mathematics Department, a methodologist in Biology. Aziza coordinates, develops and monitors the implementation of educational programmes, textbooks, seminars, trainings and courses in Biology.
“Senior manager of the Experience Dissemination Department of AEO “”Nazarbayev Intellectual schools””, Master of Pedagogical Sciences, certified trainer of advanced training courses on updating the content of education in the subject of English Language, on the development and examination of tasks for assessment in the subject of English Language.
Has 10 years of experience in training teachers in various advanced training courses.
In 2012 she was certified as a trainer by the Cambridge International Examinations Council. Participant of international conferences, co-developer of the MOOC “Learning to teach remotely.” Author of more than 10 teaching aids published by the Center of Excellence.
From 2009 to 2012 worked as an English teacher at Nazarbayev Intellectual School.”
Askar is a senior manager at Experience dissemination department, AEO «Nazarbayev Intellectual schools», since March 2023. He supervises the work of the department in analytics. Askar holds a Master’s degree in business administration from the University of Ljubljana. He began his career as a teacher at Karagandy State University. Over the years he worked at National Information Technologies JSC as an IT analyst, at Samruk-Kazyna JSC as a research analyst, project manager, and at the Center for Pedagogical Measurements — an analyst. Specializes in data processing, conducting sociological research (qualitative and quantitative), developing professional business presentations, data visualization in Python, building dashboards in Excel, etc.
Manager and Analyst of of Experience Dissemination Department AEO “Nazarbayev Intellectual Schools”
“Manager of the Experience Dissemination Department of AEO “Nazarbayev Intellectual schools” since September 2023. Graduated from Kostanay State University named after. A. Baitursynov, specialty “Philology: Kazakh language”. At the same university he received a Master of Arts degree. Has a second higher education in the specialty “State and Local Administration”.
From 2017 to 2020 he worked in the Education Department of the Akimat of Kostanay region in the following positions: methodologist, head of department; also he had experience in teaching Kazakh language and literature at School-Gymnasium No. 3 in the city of Kostanay.
From 2020 to 2022 he worked in the Education Department of Amangeldy District of the Education Department of the Akimat of Kostanay Region in the positions of methodologist, chief specialist, and head of the department.
From 2022 he has worked at the JSC “Center for International Programs”, Ministry of Education, and the Mazhilis of the Parliament of the Republic of Kazakhstan.
He is a participant of the International and Republican conferences and seminars. Over the years of work, he was awarded diplomas, letters of gratitude from the Head of the Education Department, akims of several districts of Kostanay region, from the deputy akim of Kostanay region and other Republican centers and institutions. The author of the scientific articles.”
Certified trainer of upgraded/level programmes and professional development courses for heads of secondary schools of the Republic of Kazakhstan (Cambridge International Examination Council). She was trained at seminars of international experts “Formation of the school of the future: the practice of sharing innovations of successful leadership and education” (Interconference Ltd, London, 2014). Co-developer of professional development programmes for heads of educational organizations and on the subject of “Mathematics”. Co-developer and consultant of the program for the development of managerial competencies of the heads of educational organizations on the computer simulator “Management of a secondary school”.
Expert, trainer of the Center of Excellence in Astana city completed an internship at the University of Sussex “Leadership in Education” (Great Britain, Brighton, 2013). Certified trainer of upgraded/level programmes and professional development courses for heads of secondary schools of the Republic of Kazakhstan (Cambridge International Examination Council). Member of the Expert Council of the Ministry of Education of the Republic of Kazakhstan for the examination of educational programmes of professional development courses for teachers, member of the Scientific and Methodological Council of the Center of Excellence. Winner of the republican competition “Trainer-researcher” (Grand Prix, 2019)
Olga Salamakhina has worked as senior teacher-librarian of Nazarbayev Intellectual school of Physics and Mathematics in Kokshetau, Kazakhstan since 2012; her main professional objective is to inspire a love of reading in students, develop informational and functional literacy and research skills, create inclusive and comfortable library space for all students. Author of many professional development programs and masterclasses for librarians and educators, co-author of new library management system for NIS libraries.
Zhurumbaeva Asel is a senior teacher-librarian of the Nazarbayev Intellectual School of Physics and Maths in Taraz. She has 16 years of teaching experience, 10 of which she has been working in the network of Intellectual schools. The aim of her professional object is making a contribution into the development of students’ academic and functional literacy, strenthening their memorizing skills, formation their ability to use information and communication technologies.
“Mukanova Saulet Serikovna – Vice Principal Pastoral of the Nazarbayev Intellectual School in Petropavlovsk. M.A. Teaching experience is 25 years.
As part of the certification, there is experience in assessing and supporting the activities of NIS employees. Participant of the AEO NIS project “”Otandastar”” and member of the working group for the project “”Uly Dala Muragerleri””, 2018-2019.
Since 2015, the teacher has been a regular speaker at methodological seminars and scientific conferences at various levels. She spoke at the August conferences of teaching staff of Nazarbayev Intellectual Schools on the topics: “Organization of self-government is an environment that develops leadership” (2019), “Creating a safe, favorable school environment is the priority goal of the school community” (2020) and also spoke at the August conference of the North Kazakhstan region on the topic “Values-based education is the key to the future” (2023).
At the school, she is the leader of focus groups of teachers and equivalent persons to study their Lesson Study practice.
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“Bimanova Zhuldyz Zhaksybekovna – Deputy Director for Educational Work of the Nazarbayev Intellectual School in Karaganda. Teaching experience 22 years. From 2014 to 2018 was a member of the working group for the development of the 10th grade “Geography” course program, an expert in the educational center of the subject “Geography” for the training programs of the Ministry of Education and Science of the Republic of Kazakhstan. Since 2014, he has been the leader of a school focus group for lesson research in the “Lesson Study” and “Young Teacher School” approach.
Information on advanced training at AOO:
• Advanced training program “Strategic planning in an educational organization and implementation of data-based development programs”, National Research University Higher School of Economics, 2021
• Online course “How to achieve understanding between parents and teenage children”, January 2023
• Advanced training course “Analytical competencies of school teachers to improve teaching practice”, 2023.
Since 2014, the teacher has been a regular speaker at methodological seminars and scientific conferences at various levels. Speeches at the August conferences of teaching staff of Nazarbayev Intellectual Schools, 2019, 2020. Presentation of the practice “Student to student: through social projects and practices to leadership.” as part of the “Panorama of Successful Practices”, 2019. “Creating a safe, supportive school environment is the priority goal of the school community,” 2020
The teacher provided methodological support (as part of a working group) and conducted a series of seminars on the “Rukhani Zhangyru” program for teachers of secondary schools of the Republic of Kazakhstan and teachers of colleges and universities, 2021”
Graduated from NIS Aktau in 2017 with the Altyn Belgi badge.In 2022, graduated from National University with honors in World Languages, Literature and Culture (with a GPA of 3.71). Since 2020, has been working as a researcher at Nazarbayev University in collaboration with the University of California, Santa Barbara (California) and Gumilev ENU in the project “Multimedia Corpus of Modern Spoken Kazakh Language.” An active participant in the social project “InQazaq”, which won a grant of 1,000,000 tenge (translated more than 100 videos into Kazakh, received more than 150,000 views on YouTube)”
NIS ‘15
NU’19
LSE’20
Investment banker
NIS, NU Alumna,Founder of Smartestprep, AI Backed B2B2C platform and LMS for admission to the best universities in the world, 4500+ students on scholarships abroad. Alumni of the Hero Training acceleration program from Draper University, ASU GSV California. Pre-seed investment: $230,000 at a valuation of $3 million.
