2 - IREX

Yelena Plaxina has beee teaching English at a public secondary school for the past 10 years. The
age of her students range from 15-18, and on average there are 28 students in her class. Yelena
provides training and workshops for Shymkent teachers. Yelena received a bachelor’s degree in
English from South-Kazakhstan State University in 2000. Yelena is married with two young
daughters. Her primary objective for participating in TEA is to explore new methodologies for
engaging students to improve their involvement and performance.
Kyrgyzstan
Zhainagul Abdyraeva, English Teacher
School #8
Naryn, Kyrgyzstan (Population: 269,000)
U.S. Host University: University of North Dakota
Zhainagul Abdyraeva has been teaching English language as a foreign language at a public
secondary school for the past 8 years. The age of her students range from 11-16 years old. She
provides trainings for her peers in teaching methodology. She received higher education in
English from Naryn State University in 2003. She is married with a son who is 5 years old and
her hobbies are growing flowers and reading. Her primary objective for participating in TEA is
to develop and increase her knowledge and active classroom setting.
Gulsara Ablasova, English Teacher
Chui Oblast School Gymnasium
Tash Dobo, Chui, Kyrgyzstan (Population: 60,000)
U.S. Host University: University of North Dakota
Gulsara Ablasova has been teaching English at a secondary school since 1972. She teaches
students from the 5th to 11th grades (the age of her students range from 11 to 17). She actively
volunteers with the English Discussion Club at school, teaching her students to debate in
English. She also provides trainings for her peers in teaching methodology. She’s married and
has two adult sons and two granddaughters. Her hobbies include walking in the countryside. Her
goal for participating in TEA is to explore new methodologies for engaging her students.
Eliza Akhtemova, English Teacher
Secondary School #1
Karakol, Kyrgyzstan (Population 70,000)
U.S. Host University: University of North Dakota
Eliza Akhtemova has been teaching English language at a public secondary school for 5 years.
The age of her students range from 13-17 years old, and on average there are 15 students in each
of her classes. Eliza is an active member of the regional English teachers’ association ―Forum‖.
In addition, she freelances at the local youth volunteer organization ―Leadership,‖ where Eliza
provides trainings for her peers and youth in leadership, advocacy, team building, creative
writing, critical thinking and project management. Eliza received a Bachelor’s degree in teaching