Today, the sound of the last bell was heard within school walls, marking the completion of another academic year. Meanwhile, the country’s leading pedagogical institution – Abai University – is preparing to send its graduates into a new stage of life. This means that on September 1, schools across the republic will be replenished with young specialists holding “brand-new” diplomas and beginning their professional journey as teachers. The first higher education institution of the country will contribute thousands of qualified specialists for schools and kindergartens to the labor market.

May 25 is one of the significant dates in the national education system. This is because the “Last Bell” rings in all schools across the country, and young graduates spread their wings toward a new future. According to the Ministry of Education of the Republic of Kazakhstan, more than 215,000 graduates are completing school this year, while 3.9 million students are finishing the academic year. This means that currently one-fourth of Kazakhstan’s population is receiving general secondary education. This indicator demonstrates the need for school teachers who provide students with knowledge and education.

Throughout its nearly century-long history, Abai University has trained more than 250,000 specialists. This year, the university is graduating more than 3,000 bachelor's students and around 800 master's students across 81 educational programs. The majority of them are future teachers. Approximately 70 percent of graduates studied under state educational grants. Starting from the new academic year, they will begin their teaching careers in schools.

At present, the education system is developing rapidly, and accordingly, modern schools are placing higher demands on young specialists. Today, it is important for teachers not only to possess professional competence, but also to understand students’ inner world, confidently use digital technologies, and foster creative individuals with critical thinking skills. In this regard, graduates of KazNPU named after Abai possess strong professional advantages. Young teachers educated in an innovative environment will undoubtedly bring fresh ideas and a new impulse to the educational process while quickly building rapport with school students.

For example, this year during teaching practice, students conducted 8,860 open lessons and improved their skills in lesson planning, applying teaching methodologies, and implementing assessment systems. Long-term practical training strengthened the professionalism of future specialists and helped shape their pedagogical mastery. As a result, 139 graduates were employed through the dual education system, while 446 students completed internships based on employer request letters.

The Kazakh proverb, “A good teacher shapes a worthy student,” reflects the status and prestige of the teaching profession. Enhancing the professional potential of every specialist stepping into the school environment is a shared responsibility of the entire educational community. When the valuable guidance of experienced teachers and the innovative pursuits of the younger generation come together in harmony, the national education system rises to a new stage of development.

“Abai University” Media Center