We invite patriotic, proactive, and fearless professionals to engage in partnership.

Education is not limited to obtaining a diploma once. A teacher’s professional growth, continuous self-improvement, and ability to work in line with the demands of the times are among today’s most essential requirements. Especially in a rapidly changing world, an educator’s readiness for self-development, openness to innovation, and genuine love for the profession are the key factors determining the quality of education.

In this interview, Tashbolot Joroev, Director of the Center for Advanced Training at Osh State University, shares in detail his views on current issues in the education system, modern methods of enhancing teachers’ professional skills, experience in working with regions, and international cooperation.

– First of all, could you tell us about the Center for Advanced Training that you are currently leading, Mr. Tashbolot?

– The Institute for Teachers’ Professional Development at Osh State University was established in 2015 and was initially headed by Associate Professor Zhyldyz Artykova. I have been leading the institute since 2018. Along with improving the professional skills of teachers, my work in this field also involved expanding the institute’s base. On the initiative of the then Rector, Kanybek Isakov, the already operating “Yiman” Gymnasium and “Bilim” Lyceum were joined by the “Kara-Kulzha,” “Nookat,” and “Kara-Suu” gymnasiums, as well as the “Zirek” primary education complex.

The goal was to prepare students who receive high-quality education at the national level and are deeply rooted in national values. As a result, some of our schools achieved a 100% success rate in the National Scholarship Test, while others exceeded 90%. Nearly ten students were awarded the “Altyn Tamga” distinction. Special attention was paid to character education, and in order to instill national values into students’ inner world, character education classes were conducted twice a week.

In order to optimize Osh State University’s structural units, by the order of Rector Kudayberdi Kozhobekov, the Institute for Advanced Training, the Institute for Teachers’ Professional Development, and the “Adis” Training Center were merged and reorganized into the Center for Advanced Training in 2023. Schools were removed from the structural composition.

Currently, the Center provides opportunities not only for Osh State University’s educators but also for teachers of preschool, school, and higher education institutions across the republic to promptly familiarize themselves with educational-methodological and scientific-pedagogical achievements. The Center actively works on studying today’s professional challenges faced by educators, exploring scientific, practical, and psychological-pedagogical solutions, and equipping teachers with modern teaching technologies.

– Which courses are in the highest demand?

– The themes of the courses are determined based on the real needs of teachers. Preliminary surveys are conducted to identify which areas are in the greatest demand. Osh State University’s development strategy and the requirements for participation in international rankings are also taken into account. It is especially encouraging that teachers from non-pedagogical specialties are showing strong interest in improving their knowledge of pedagogy and psychology, as these areas are essential in today’s educational environment.

– What scientific-practical, pedagogical, and psychological methods are used in improving teachers’ qualifications?

– Trainers select teaching methods, approaches, and technologies according to the content of each course. Naturally, feedback plays an important role. As a result, it is evident that teachers are particularly interested in clear and result-oriented strategies, effective, positive, and user-friendly technologies for developing emerging competencies, as well as teamwork, project-based and collaborative activities. They prefer flexible, practical, and innovative technologies that are easy to apply.

– In what format is cooperation with regional schools carried out?

– Our university, with a century-long history, has been training thousands of pedagogical specialists in all regions of our country and abroad. Therefore, the quality of school education is of great importance to us. The Center works closely with schools across all regions of the republic. Methodological support has been provided on-site to schools in Chui and Osh regions and in Osh city. Seminar-trainings were organized in Naryn region and southern areas.

One of our most significant achievements last academic year was improving the professional skills of 85 teachers in the Kara-Suu district with the help of experienced instructors from Osh State University. Additionally, we assisted in enhancing the skills of 725 teachers in Osh city. Teachers from state and Uzbek-language schools in Nookat, Aravan, and Ozgon districts also upgraded their qualifications through our Center.

Across the country, general education schools are transitioning to a 12-year education system. Considering that the Singapore technology is based on the philosophy of developing critical thinking in education, there is a lot of work to adapt this program’s content for our teachers.

Under my authorship, and following the decision of the Scientists’ Council of the Kyrgyz Academy of Education, methodological guides have been published for use in general education institutions. These include courses on “Self-Knowledge and Personal Development for Adolescents” and “Lessons for Parents,” as part of teacher professional development and retraining at regional institutes and methodological centers. The guides were prepared and funded by the “Use of Osh” public foundation. We are pleased that these guides are now used in schools across all regions of the republic.

– Under what conditions did the cooperation with foreign universities begin, and what is its main goal?

– Agreements and memorandums signed between our university and both domestic and foreign educational institutions have opened new opportunities for the development of our Center. As a result, our teachers and students participate in mobility programs, studying and working at universities around the world. Such successes have also allowed specialists from other countries to improve their qualifications at our Center.

Of course, the expertise and high professional competence of our trainers, drawn from our faculty and teaching staff, have increased the number of international participants. Since this experience is still in the process of being refined, we are not free from shortcomings. Currently, we are cooperating with several universities in Uzbekistan, where their teaching staff are enhancing their knowledge. The experience of our university’s institutes and faculties has helped establish strong connections with Uzbek colleagues. These initiatives should be viewed not merely as the work of the Center itself, but as part of the collaborative efforts and overall activities of Osh State University.

– What are the benefits of short-term courses for students?

– Our people have a saying: “If you miss the time, you miss the opportunity,” which is very relevant today. Short-term courses help our students expand their life opportunities while gradually developing the competencies they will need in their future profession. By approaching learning from a different angle, they gain valuable life experience. Recently, we organized a first aid course based on student demand. It was remarkable that experienced teachers also participated alongside students. They noted that this extra opportunity can be applied in everyday life and is one of the many tools for a better life.

– What is the age range of participants and trainers in these courses, from the youngest to the oldest?

– At our university, many teachers continuously improve their knowledge and experience regardless of age. Last academic year, there were many participants over 70. This year, Associate Professor Iskandar Yusupaliev from the History-Law Institute successfully participated in the seminar-training “Using the Scopus Database and Effective Electronic Communication” at the age of 62. The youngest teacher, Luiza Kayimova from the MIT Institute, participated in the course “Teacher of the 21st Century: New Technologies and Creative Teaching” at the age of 23.

We proudly highlight our experienced trainers over 70, who are respected professors of our university: Kapar Zulpuqarov, Meilikan Altybaeva, and Nina Eshenova. The youngest trainer this academic year was 27-year-old Zhanbolot Kalbaev, trainer of the course “Web Technologies and Their Potential in Education,” who also won the “Modern Young Teacher of OshSU” award in the pedagogical debut nomination for the 2024–2025 academic year.

– Could you tell us about the books you read and your mentors?

– As a reader, I am interested in classical literature as well as works by representatives of the new generation. As a teacher, I need to continuously study teaching methodologies and innovative technologies. I also review materials on Kyrgyz history and social media whenever I have time. Currently, on my desk, there are Professor Dobayev Kyrgyzbay’s “New School, New Thinking” and Dastan Sarygulov’s “KYRGYZ History, Traditional Knowledge, Values”.

A mentor or guide is indispensable. It is impossible to claim, “I learned everything myself and did everything myself.” It is difficult to list all my mentors because they include school teachers, university instructors, scientific supervisors, domestic and foreign experts in education, trainers of programs, project staff, and authors whose works I have studied with interest. The list is truly very long.

– As a teacher, in your opinion, what are the three essential qualities every teacher must have today?

– I know that teachers’ competencies are officially defined by the relevant ministry. However, in my personal view: first, the ability to put oneself in someone else’s place – empathy, kindness, compassion. Second, love for the profession and the talent to develop oneself and others. Third, tireless curiosity and initiative.

– Could you tell us about the books you read and your mentors?

– As a reader, I am interested in classical literature as well as works by representatives of the new generation. As a teacher, I need to continuously study teaching methodologies and innovative technologies. I also review materials on Kyrgyz history and social media whenever I have time. Currently, on my desk, there are Professor Dobayev Kyrgyzbay’s “New School, New Thinking” and Dastan Sarygulov’s “KYRGYZ History, Traditional Knowledge, Values”.

A mentor or guide is indispensable. It is impossible to claim, “I learned everything myself and did everything myself.” It is difficult to list all my mentors because they include school teachers, university instructors, scientific supervisors, domestic and foreign experts in education, trainers of programs, project staff, and authors whose works I have studied with interest. The list is truly very long.

– As a teacher, in your opinion, what are the three essential qualities every teacher must have today?

– I know that teachers’ competencies are officially defined by the relevant ministry. However, in my personal view: first, the ability to put oneself in someone else’s place – empathy, kindness, compassion. Second, love for the profession and the talent to develop oneself and others. Third, tireless curiosity and initiative.

- Could you tell us about your family? Do you have children who, like you, have pursued a career in teaching?

- I am the father of a large family. I have four sons and two daughters. Thankfully, they are all married and have children. Two of my daughters have followed in my professional footsteps.

- What are the development strategies and plans for the center in the coming years?

- We have drafted a future development plan for the center. It is continuously being updated and refined. To expand the center’s capabilities, we proposed transforming it into an institute, which was approved by the Administrative Council of Osh State University. We are now awaiting the decision of the Academic Council. If this goal is achieved, several programs will be launched. Retraining and professional development will continue in a new direction, God willing. We are also considering taking on non-formal education—creating short-term courses for students, adults, and the general public, validating skilled practitioners who do not have formal qualifications, and perhaps adapting the “Silver University” project mentioned earlier.

In implementing all of this, we invite patriotic specialists, diligent professionals, and those who are not afraid of risks to join as partners. We collaborate with those who love Osh State University and want to contribute to its development.

Interviewed by: Zinagul Nuralieva