New Guidelines for Teacher Education Discussed at Abai Kazakh National Pedagogical University

On June 20, 2025, an extended meeting of the Republican Educational and Methodological Association on the theme “New Guidelines for the Development of Teacher Education: Inclusion, Quality, National Context” was held at Abai Kazakh National Pedagogical University.

The event was attended by Member of the Mazhilis of the Parliament of the Republic of Kazakhstan and member of the Committee for Socio-Cultural Development, Yekaterina Smolyakova; Director of the Bolat Utemuratov Foundation, Ainur Karbozova; Director of the public foundation “Erekhshe Bakyt” Aliya Abdibaitova; President of the Association of Applied Behavior Analysis Specialists of Kazakhstan, Zhanat Akhmetova; Behavioral Analyst of the Bolashak Corporate Foundation, Assiya Kizatova. Participating online via Zoom were First Vice Minister of Education of the Republic of Kazakhstan, Mayra Meldebekova, Deputy Chairperson of the Committee for Higher and Postgraduate Education of the Ministry of Science and Higher Education, Gulzhan Zharasova, as well as heads of non-governmental organizations, international experts, education specialists, and the leadership and faculty members of Abai Kazakh National Pedagogical University.

The event was opened by the Chairman of the Board — Rector of Abai Kazakh National Pedagogical University, Bolat Tlep, who in his welcome speech noted:

“President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev of the Republic of Kazakhstan places particular emphasis on promoting inclusive values in society. He has commissioned the development of a new law to ensure comprehensive support for the rights of individuals with special educational needs. Positive changes are already taking place in organizing psychological and pedagogical support services, diagnostics, and in the regulatory framework. Across many regions of Kazakhstan, networks of support organizations are expanding, with successful cases of integrating children with special educational needs into mainstream educational environments. Today’s event is of significant importance for the future of the national teacher education system. Modern challenges such as globalization, digitalization, and social inclusion require us to adopt new approaches that harmoniously blend national values with global trends. In this regard, the modernization of teacher education remains one of the key priorities in preparing future generations for our country.”

The main goal of the event was to address the strategic modernization of teacher education, taking into account national priorities and contemporary challenges within the education system. Particular attention was given to the implementation of inclusivity principles, improving the quality of teacher training, and integrating national values into the educational process.

The meeting was structured around three main areas: forming an inclusive educational environment, conducting research in the field of education, and providing psychological and pedagogical support. Discussions focused on the implementation of the national teacher education development concept, strategies and mechanisms for improving the quality of education within the national context, as well as innovative approaches and technologies in inclusive education — such as resource centers, digital solutions, and accessible educational programs.

Presentations were delivered by developers of the SoileApp program, international experts in inclusive education, and heads of public foundations, who shared their experiences and addressed pressing issues in the advancement of teacher education.

At the conclusion of the meeting, participants presented their proposals and opinions, outlining specific steps to improve the quality of teacher education and to further develop inclusion practices.

Confidence was expressed that this initiative will contribute to enhancing the quality of education and strengthening the inclusive environment in the country.