Grants distributed exceed 13,000 according to Toqaev this year
President Tokayev's Initiatives Boost Education and Teacher Training in Kazakhstan
President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev has outlined a series of strategies to improve the quality of education and teacher preparation in Kazakhstan. Over the past year, the number of recipients of the 'Altyn belgi' badge enrolled in pedagogical specialties has increased from 1,800 to over 2,000, indicating a growing interest in the teaching profession.
The President emphasized the importance of modernizing teacher training, integrating STEM and AI technologies, fostering professional development, and promoting international cooperation. He invited young laureates to Akorda to present them with their awards and personally discuss the initiatives.
One key initiative is the STEM Teacher Education Reform and Professional Development. Kazakhstan participates in international programs like SEA-TEP, which focus on advancing STEM teacher education with interdisciplinary learning approaches and creating STEAM Competence Centers for delivering high-quality professional development tied to STEM innovations.
From the 2025–2026 academic year, AI technologies will be integrated into schools via subjects such as “Digital Literacy” and “Informatics.” This includes introducing AI in technical and vocational education, enabling online learning, expanding connections between colleges and employers, and increasing enterprise mentorship, thereby improving teacher qualifications through hands-on experience.
Kazakhstan also partakes in specialized teacher training programs, such as the Luban Workshop, which focuses on AI, machine learning, deep learning, and industrial internet security for educators from leading national universities. This hands-on training enhances teachers’ practical and theoretical mastery of advanced technology fields.
To improve English language teaching, Kazakhstan collaborates with the British Council and the Orleu National Center, running the Accelerating English Language Learning in Central Asia (AELLCA) program. This program aims to improve English language teaching quality via continuous professional development of educators.
The President also suggested studying the educational practices of developed countries but adapting them to Kazakhstan's realities. He announced the allocation of over 13,000 grants for pedagogical specialties by 2025.
The President emphasized that the education sector cannot afford mistakes, as the consequences can be very serious. He noted that knowledge acquired yesterday may lose its relevance tomorrow, making the qualification of teachers key. In 2025, Kazakh schoolchildren won 27 medals at seven prestigious international subject olympiads, and around 1,000 medals were won by Kazakh schoolchildren at other international competitions.
The President highlighted that these achievements are undoubtedly the result of the high-quality knowledge and dedicated work of Kazakh children and teachers. He emphasized that teachers must constantly learn and improve themselves to keep up with the fast-paced world. The President concluded by stating that much has been achieved, but there is still more work ahead in the pursuit of quality education in Kazakhstan.
[1] SEA-TEP: https://www.sea-tep.org/ [2] Al-Khwarizmi Education Model (HEM): https://www.unescobkk.org/education/themes/science-and-technology/stem-education/al-khwarizmi-education-model/ [3] Ministry of Education and Science of the Republic of Kazakhstan: https://www.mesr.gov.kz/ [4] Luban Workshop: http://lubanworkshop.ru/ [5] British Council: https://www.britishcouncil.org/ [6] Orleu National Center: https://orleu.kz/
- To ensure personal growth and continuous learning, President Tokayev's initiatives in Kazakhstan aim to modernize teacher training, integrating STEM and AI technologies, while fostering international cooperation and professional development for educators.
- In line with the President's emphasis on education-and-self-development, Kazakhstan collaborates with organizations such as the British Council and Orleu National Center, providing ongoing learning opportunities for teachers through programs like the Accelerating English Language Learning in Central Asia (AELLCA), a continuation of their journey towards personal growth and improved teaching skills.
