Aga Khan School, Osh strengthens teaching through continuous professional development
AKS, Osh prioritises continuous professional development as a fundamental cornerstone of its educational approach, where the emphasis is on the development of core competencies – critical thinking, analytical capacity, communication skills and the ability to apply knowledge in real-life contexts.
The school’s professional development programme is designed to blend advanced teaching methodologies with essential digital skills – all aligned with the national primary and secondary school educational frameworks. These training sessions refresh the staff’s knowledge of critical thinking strategies in the classroom; the integration of science, technology, engineering, art and mathematics (STEAM)-based approaches; and comprehensive computer literacy aligned with the International Computer Driving License (ICDL) standards.
Nafisa Gulshaeva, Head of Academics for the Aga Khan Education Service, Kyrgyz Republic, shared how the teachers’ professional growth impacts their students.
“Our commitment to teachers’ professional development at AKS, Osh is a direct investment in the long-term success of students,” she said.
An example of this can be seen with the school’s strong emphasis on STEAM education. Since 2020, the school has conducted over 10 specialised STEAM training sessions for its teachers, with the approaches subsequently embedded into the classrooms, benefiting over 500 students each year. Each session is carefully tailored to meet the specific needs of each grade level, encompassing both primary and secondary teachers.
Following the training sessions, AKS, Osh recognises the teachers for their commitment to enhancing their teaching practices through a “Teacher of the Year” competition. In this competition, the teacher who has significantly improved the academic performance of their students is recognised and receives a certificate to acknowledge the vital role they play in their school’s progress.
In addition to participating in professional development opportunities at the school, some staff have also engaged in external opportunities. In early 2026, the senior management team, including the school’s director and deputy directors, undertook an intensive 72-hour course facilitated by the Osh Institute of Professional Development. The programme supported the implementation of critical national education reforms, including the “Altın Kazyk” initiative and the transition to a 12-year education model. For both teachers and school leaders, the training was a reflective process of professional growth.
School Director Natalya Deryabkina emphasised the weight of this certification.
“Certification upon completion of the programme serves as tangible evidence that a commitment to quality is grounded in rigorous academic standards and practice-oriented experience,” she said.
The programme also promotes competency-based, inquiry-driven learning through inter-institutional exchanges. By visiting other schools in Osh, AKS, Osh’s leadership team were able to adopt effective strategies to enhance the quality of teaching at the school.
"Such professional engagement broadens perspectives and informs concrete pathways for the contextual adaptation of best practices to enhance teaching and learning quality," Deputy Director Gulzina Myrzaibraimova said.
However, the professional development offered by AKS, Osh is not limited to its staff alone. The school frequently welcomes educators and administrators from the region to participate in training sessions to enhance their pedagogical practices. This collaboration reinforces a commitment to collective advancement in education across the Kyrgyz Republic.
"This culture of openness is essential for sustained professional interaction that fosters critical reflection, continuous improvement and the generation of innovative solutions,” Deputy Director Jypara Ikramova said.
Through this culture of continuous learning, AKS, Osh aims to foster a professional environment where educators are encouraged to evolve, collaborate and strive for excellence – ultimately enhancing the quality of education delivered to every student.
Photos (top to bottom):
- School principals from the southern region of the Kyrgyz Republic attending the professional development programme at AKS, Osh.
- One of the specialists from the Osh Institute for Teacher Development conducting a training session for primary school teachers.
- AKS, Osh teachers posing for a photo with their certificates from the Lingua Educational Center upon the successful completion of the year-long STEAM programme.
