Teaching in Kazakhstan

Nazarbayev Intellectual Schools (NIS) are a part of a wider programme of educational reform, which includes the establishment of Nazarbayev University, the Centre for Educational Excellence and further initiatives to focus on teacher training and development. Named after the president of the country, Nursultan Nazarbayev, the NIS schools are intended to change the way education is delivered to gifted and talented secondary (high school) aged children. Uniquely, the children in Nazarbayev Intellectual schools (NIS) are educated in a tri-lingual environment in Kazakh, Russian and English.

 Class sizes are small, between 11 and 22 pupils, and the purpose built schools are new and equipped with student laptops, electronic smart-boards and state of the art facilities. Besides teaching their subject, teachers involved in this project are also expected to informally mentor local Kazakh teachers and introduce best practice especially with respect to critical thinking and co-curricular activities.

Travel & Accomodation

Accommodation is paid directly to the landlord and provided upon arrival. The accommodation package includes utility bills and internet. Teachers will not be asked to share accommodation.

The NIS strategy is to provide accommodation as close to the school as possible. Each apartment is furnished with some basic essentials.

NIS offers 2 return flights a year on an economy class flight. The cost shall not exceed 2,500 USD for a one-way flight. Travel expenses are offered to the teacher, they are not offered to family members/dependents. Travel expenses will be reimbursed by the school within one month of the teacher’s arrival in the country. All teachers must retain their boarding pass stubs as they will be required to submit these in order to be reimbursed for flights. Expenses incurred on other modes of transport, e.g. car, bus, train, ferry, will not be reimbursed.

Airport transfer on arrival is provided.

Allowances

The NIS education allowance for children is equivalent to 4000 USD per year. The education allowance is subject to 10% tax deduction and requires submission of verifying documents.

International teachers will have a five day working week, with Saturdays and Sundays being days off. There are 56 calendar days of paid leave for teachers each year. This includes any weekend days sandwiched between days of paid leave. Teachers may take their leave during the longer student breaks. Leave at other times must be agreed in advance with the School Principal. Professional development for teachers normally takes place in the last two weeks of August.