Teachers and Teacher Education in the Post-Soviet Context of Kazakhstan explores the rich and evolving history of teacher education in Kazakhstan, from its deep-rooted traditions and pre-Soviet foundations to Soviet-era transformations and post-Soviet reforms designed to meet the demands of the 21st century. Featuring contributions from leading experts, this book explores key topics like the internationalization of teacher education, professional teacher development, teacher identities, recruitment, retention, gender equity in teacher education and teacher well-being. With insights from empirical research, lived experiences, and real-world case studies, this book offers fresh perspectives for policymakers, educators, and researchers looking to engage with Kazakhstan’s educational reforms.
Contributors are: Ainur Almukhambetova, Nazgul Anarbek, Arman Asssanbayev, Daniel Hernández-Torrano, Laura Ibrayeva, Aiida Kulsary, Kairat Kurakbayev, Zhadyra Makhmetova, Tsediso Michael Makoelle, Aigerim Mynbayeva, Gulnara Namyssova, Dana Nygmetzhanova, Assel Sharimova, Elaine Sharplin, Mir Afzal Tajik, Lyazat Turmukhambetova, and Elaine Wilson.
Tsediso Michael Makoelle is a full professor at Nazarbayev University Graduate School of Education, Astana, Kazakhstan. Michael is a distinguished scholar, having been awarded the prestigious Nelson Mandela Scholarship to the United Kingdom (UK). He holds the degrees of Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Inclusive Education from the University of Manchester, UK, and a Doctor of Education (D Ed) in Education Management and Leadership from the University of South Africa (UNISA).
Kairat Kurakbayev is an assistant professor at Nazarbayev University Graduate School of Education, Astana, Kazakhstan. Kairat holds a PhD in Comparative and International Education from Columbia University Graduate School of Arts and Sciences. Kairat’s research interests mainly focus on teacher education, transnational policy transfer and internationalization of curriculum.
Foreword
Daniel Muijs Preface
Ian Menter List of Figures and Tables
Notes on Contributors
Introduction
Tsediso Makoelle
1 Teacher Education in Soviet and Post-Soviet Times: Historical and Policy Perspectives
Aigerim Mynbayeva and Nazgul Anarbek
2 Teacher Recruitment, Preparation, Induction, Retention, and Attrition in Kazakhstan
Tsediso Michael Makoelle
3 From Global Ideas to Local Classrooms: Teachers Enacting Curriculum Reforms in Kazakhstan
Kairat Kurakbayev
4 Kazakhstani Novice Teachers’ Understanding of Teacher Professionalism: Strong Knowledge Base, Limited Autonomy, and Grand Responsibilities
Gulnara Namyssova, Daniel Hernández-Torrano and Elaine Sharplin
5 Access, Equity, and Inclusion in Kazakhstani Teacher Education
Arman Assanbayev and Tsediso Michael Makoelle
6 Trends and Challenges in STEM Education in Kazakhstan
Ainur Almukhambetova
7 Teacher Professional Learning: The Role of Social Media in Promoting Professional Networks
Assel Sharimova and Elaine Wilson
8 Teachers and Action Research in Kazakhstan: A Collaborative Action Research Case at a Technical Vocational Education and Training Institution
Arman Assanbayev and Tsediso Michael Makoelle
9 Teacher Leadership in Kazakhstan
Tsediso Michael Makoelle
10 Gender Equity and Equality in Teacher Education
Tsediso Michael Makoelle
11 Running on Fumes in the Steppe: An In-Depth Exploration of Teacher Burnout in Kazakhstan
Dana Nygmetzhanova and Daniel Hernández-Torrano
12 Mentoring in ITE Practicum Programs in Kazakhstan
Lyazat Turmukhambetova
13 Navigating Transformations: Early Childhood Education and Care in Kazakhstan
Aiida Kulsary, Laura Ibrayeva and Daniel Hernández-Torrano
14 Exploring Opportunities and Challenges of Rural Teachers in Kazakhstan
Gulnara Namyssova and Mir Afzal Tajik
15 Exploring Assessment in Kazakhstani Pre-Service Teacher Education: Insights and Experiences
Zhadyra Makhmetova
16 Teachers and Teaching during the Times of Crisis: Reflections of the COVID-19 Pandemic
Tsediso Makoelle
Conclusion: Teacher Education in Kazakhstan—Past, Present and Future
Tsediso Michael Makoelle and Kairat Kurakbayev
Index
This book is essential for academics, researchers, policymakers, postgraduate students, and practitioners in education, particularly those focused on teacher education, curriculum reform, and post-socialist transformations, especially in Central Asia.