SPECIALIST TEACHING TEAM 2020/21

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Bishkek International School

SPECIALIST TEACHING TEAM 2020/21

Head of Computer Science & Design

Thierry Taberna

Mr Thierry has a Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science from the

University of Nantes, a Master’s Degree in Computing from the University of

Toulouse and a Degree of Teaching French as a Second Language

(DAEFLE). He has previously worked as a software engineer and software

developer in various companies in France. Mr Thierry joined BIS in August

2015 and has been very effective in inspiring a wide range of students to

improve their computer science and design skills and in guiding students

through their graduating year.

Head of Science; Physics & Science Teacher

Alisher Arstanbek

Mr Alisher has a Degree in Engineering from the Kyrgyz Russian Slavic

University (KRSU) and has teaching and research experience at several

educational institutions. He is currently working on his dissertation for

postgraduate studies in Engineering at KRSU while he works full time at BIS.

He enjoys teaching and helping students discover their abilities and talents.

Mr Alisher joined BIS in 2016 and teaches Physics, Science and

Mathematics in middle and high school. Mr Alisher is currently completing

the UK Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) remote learning program.

Biology & Science Teacher

Pamela Reed

Ms Pamela has a Bachelor's degree in Anthropology from Georgia State

University. Her undergraduate research focus was primarily related to

medical anthropology with a special interest in cancer cell biology and public

health accessibility in the United States. She has many cultural interests and

spent some time in Taiwan in 2013, where she served as an academic

ambassador at China Medical University in Taichung. She has been

teaching both Biology and Chemistry for four years in the Texas education

system. Ms. Pamela joined BIS in August 2020.

Chemistry & Science Teacher

Soumiya Srinivasan

Ms Soumiya has studied in India and Singapore and has obtained

Bachelor’s Degree in Microbiology, Genetics and Chemistry and two

Master’s Degrees in Biochemistry. She has research experience and has

worked for several years as a technical support and marketing specialist for

researchers in Singapore. Ms Soumiya joined BIS in August 2020.

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Science Laboratory Technician & Science Teacher

Zhandos Bocholoev

Mr Zhandos graduated with a Masters in Food Technology from Kyrgyz-

Turkish Manas University, and has work experience in both Turkey and the

Kyrgyz Republic, including laboratory experience with food companies. Mr

Zhandos joined BIS in August 2019.

Head of Math; Math Teacher

yo

Adelia Kadyralieva

Ms Adelia graduated from the American University of Central Asia with a

degree in Applied Mathematics and Informatics and a minor in Software

Engineering. During her studies, she completed two academic exchange

programs in the USA, worked as an English language and Math tutor, taught

programming skills to teenagers and prepared high school graduates for the

Republican Test. Ms Adelia joined the BIS team in July 2018 and was

appointed as Head of Math Department in summer 2019.

Math & DP Theory of Knowledge Teacher

Toon Cavens

Mr Cavens is originally from Belgium, where he studied Mathematics and

Economics. He has also studied Philosophy in Paris, and English Literature

in London. He joined BIS in August 2016 to teach Mathematics and Theory

of Knowledge. Mr Cavens hopes to instill in his students a life-long passion

for learning, and to help them to develop their own ideas.

Math & Economics Teacher

Azamat Kasymov

Mr Azamat has a Master’s Degree in Business Administration from the

American University of Central Asia (AUCA), where he also taught

undergraduate level mathematics. He is a part-time research assistant at

AUCA and has helped to write several mathematics textbooks for primary

through to university level mathematics. Mr Azamat enjoys teaching

mathematics at BIS with a special focus on our more advanced students.

Mr Azamat is also currently completing his PhD in Economics.

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Makerspace Manager; Math & Design Teacher

Reza Danaei

Mr Reza is originally from Iran. He graduated from the Charles Molnar

University in Malaysia with a degree in Electronics Engineering at the

Charles Molnar University in Malaysia, and worked in an electronics and

physics lab at the APIIT University in Kuala-Lumpar after graduation. In

recent years he has worked as an English language tutor in different

language schools and international schools, though his passion has always

been in math and applied sciences. He loves to encourage students to

research, question the world around them, explore their environment, come

up with ideas and solutions, and find answers of their own. Mr Reza joined

BIS in August 2020.

MYP Coordinator, Math and Spanish Language Acquisition Teacher, Extended Essay Coordinator

Tim Johnson

Mr Tim has a first-class honours degree in Modern Languages from the

University of Oxford, and is a qualified teacher (University of Newcastle) with

a Master’s in Education from the University of Leeds. His work experience

covers both NGO leadership and teaching in Austria, Portugal and the UK.

Tim joined BIS in August 2019. He is MYP Coordinator, as well as teaching

some Math and Spanish in MYP. He is also Extended Essay Coordinator for

the IB Diploma Programme.

Head of Individuals and Societies Department; History Teacher

Darren Simpson

Mr Darren has a teaching qualification and Master’s Degree in education

policy from the University of Glasgow. He joined BIS in August 2019

following teaching in the UK and South Korea and three years at Wellington

College, Shanghai, where he led the history department and worked in

student welfare roles. Mr Darren is also Head of Student Welfare and

Designated Safeguarding Lead at BIS.

Individuals and Societies & History Teacher

Claire Berger

Ms Claire graduated with a Master of Arts in International Affairs from Texas

A&M University. She worked in the private and non-profit sectors before

earning a social studies teaching license. She has previously taught in South

Korea, Washington, and Texas. Ms Claire joined the BIS community in

August 2020.

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Geography Teacher; DP CAS Coordinator

Andrew Wheeler

Mr Andrew has a Bachelor of Arts in International Studies, Cross-Cultural

Studies, and Peace Studies from Whitworth University, Washington State.

Before joining the BIS team in August 2018, he served for two years as a

Peace Corps Volunteer teaching English as a Foreign Language in Naryn,

Kyrgyzstan. As well as teaching Geography and being CAS Coordinator, Mr

Andrew also leads Model UN and leads the annual international educational

visit for students.

Economics & Business Studies Teacher

Jacques Prinsloo

Mr Jacques has a PGCE in Secondary teaching from the University of

South Africa, a Diploma in Investment Management from the University of

South Africa, a Bachelors in Economics from the University of Pretoria, a

Diploma in teaching English as an Additional Language and is currently

completing a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from the University

of Illinois. Mr Jacques taught EAL in South Korea for several years before

joining BIS in August 2017. Mr Jacques is also Assistant Head of School

and IGCSE Coordinator.

Individuals and Societies Teacher

Olen King

Mr Olen graduated from Hastings College, Nebraska, with a B.A. in

Secondary Education, Language Arts. A desire to learn Russian led him to

a semester abroad in Pyatigorsk, Russia. After graduating, he taught English

in the Republic of Georgia and southern Russia, while also getting a

certification in TEFL. He then spent 6 years teaching in an international

school in Khartoum, Sudan. He enjoys being active in school activities,

including the arts. A passion for sports, particularly basketball and

track/running, are personal interests, along with coaching sports.

Head of Performing Arts; Music Teacher

Grant Chamberlain

Mr Grant has a Master’s Degree in Music from the Australian National

University (ANU) and Graduate Diploma of Education from the University of

New England (UNE). He has been teaching music for over 20 years in

Australia, the West Bank, Washington DC, Sri Lanka, Kenya, Tanzania,

Vietnam and Ethiopia, including substantive experience teaching music in

the Primary Years Programme and Middle Years Programme. Mr Grant

joined BIS in August 2019 and since then has been developing all aspects

of music performance for students from Preschool to IB Diploma graduates.

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Music & Drama Teacher

David Lien

Mr David has a BA in Music Composition from The New England

Conservatory of Music and an MA in Theatre Education from Emerson

College. He most recently taught Music and Theatre at a Public Middle

School in Massachusetts. He has been involved in a variety of music and

theatre projects in the Boston and Seattle area (where he is originally from).

Mr. David joined BIS in August 2020.

Music Teacher

Munara Korpotaeva

Ms Munara graduated from Kyrgyz National Conservatory as a pianist. In

2015 she finished her postgraduate studies in the class of Professor

Tsokurenko. Currently she is also working in the Conservatory at the “solo

singing” department. She is the prize winner of national competitions and

the scholarship holder of the KR President’s scholarship “Altyn Shaty”. Ms

Munara joined BIS in October 2019.

Head of Visual Arts; Art & Design Teacher

Anna Phillips

Dr Anna has over twenty-five years teaching experience in both

international and Australian schools, and a PhD from the University of

Tasmania. She is a practicing artist and has exhibited her work in Germany,

South Korea, and Australia. Dr Anna believes in student centered and

enquiry-based learning, and is certain that making art assists students in the

problem-solving process and encourages them to gain confidence and

imaginative thinking while learning new skills. Dr Anna joined BIS team in

summer 2019.

Art & Host Country Studies Teacher

Anna Balduk

Ms Anna studied at the Children’s Art School and graduated from the Kyrgyz

State Art School in 1991 with a degree in Teaching Art. She has over 20

years’ experience in teaching art to children of various ages and has

encouraged wonderful art and built theatre stage sets as part of the BIS team

since 2013.

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Head of Physical Health Education; Athletics Director

Zeljko Jovetic

Mr Zeljko graduated with a Bachelors degree in Physical Education and

Sport from the University of Belgrade, and a Masters degree in Physical

Education from University of Novi Sad, Serbia. He has worked as PE

teacher and coach in schools and sports clubs in Serbia before working

in athletics and PE teaching in an international school in the United Arab

Emirates. He has school teaching licenses from both the Serbian and

UAE ministries of education and is also a licensed basketball and

swimming coach. Mr Zeljko joined the BIS team in August 2019.

PE Teacher

Slava Klychev

Mr Slava graduated from Kyrgyz State Technical University and has several

years’ experience in sports teaching, with a particular focus on swimming

and table tennis. Mr Slava joined BIS in August 2018.

PE Teacher, English Language Acquisition and Inclusive Education Support

Faez Kanji

Mr Faez is the creator of Hockey Jam Sessions, an international ice hockey

and floorball school promoting skills development and social emotional

resilience in challenging circumstances. He has worked with children in

North America, Europe and Central Asia through his Hockey Jam Sessions

program. Mr Faez has a degree from the Sauder School of Business at the

University of British Columbia in Vancouver, Canada. Mr Faez joined BIS in

January 2020.

Dance & PE Teacher

Aliman Madylbekova

Ms Aliman graduated from the Bishkek Choreographic school and

American University in Central Asia majoring in European Studies. Before

joining BIS in August 2020, Ms Aliman worked in the event-theater 'Mirrors'

and in kindergarten as an English teacher. Ms Aliman joined BIS in

September 2020.

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Head of English Department; English Language & Literature Teacher

Allison “Sunny” Stimmler

Ms Sunny has taught high school and university literature and writing

classes for the last 17 years in the US, Bosnia, Japan, Serbia, Turkmenistan,

and Bulgaria. She holds a MA in Education from Columbia University and

has served on two international school boards, taught public writing

workshops, and mentored independent writers all over the world. Ms Sunny

has a daughter at BIS and has been Head of English Department from

August 2019.

English Language and Literature Teacher

Grace Park

Ms Grace has a Bachelor of Arts in Secondary Education and English from

Gordon College, Wenham, Massachusetts, USA, and teaching experience

in both the US and in Kyrgyzstan. Ms Grace joined BIS in August 2017. Ms

Grace teaches English language and literature in both the MYP and IGCSE

programs.

English Language and Literature Teacher; DP Theory of Knowledge Teacher

Jan Scott

Mr Jan has a Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy and Russian from the University

of Florida and also brings his experience of successfully completing the IB

Diploma Programme at a public school in the US. He joined BIS in August

2018 following teaching work in Kyrgyz universities and language schools.

Mr Jan teaches English in both the Cambridge IGCSE programme and IB

Diploma Programme.

English & English Language Acquisition Teacher

Amith Ravindar

Mr Amith grew up in the United States but graduated high school in

Singapore. He went on to receive a Bachelor of Arts in Economics and

International Studies from the University of Miami, Florida. He is a licensed

teacher in the United States and holds a Cambridge qualification in teaching

English. Mr Amith has teaching experience at schools and universities in

Vietnam where he taught English as a Foreign Language and Academic

English courses. In his free time, he enjoys learning languages, traveling,

and reading about current events. Mr Amith joined BIS in August 2020.

English & English Language Acquisition Teacher

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Tom Clifton

Mr Tom has a Bachelor of Arts in English from Queen Mary University in

London, as well as a Certificate in Teaching English to Speakers of Other

Languages from Anglia Ruskin University in Cambridge. He has worked in

language schools and universities in countries such as Spain and Iraq, as

well as 2 years working in the Kyrgyz Republic. Outside of the classroom,

Mr Tom enjoys travelling around the region and documenting Kyrgyzstan

through photography. He joined BIS in August 2020.

Head of Language Acquisition; Spanish Language Teacher

Esther Johnson

Ms Esther graduated with an Honors degree in Russian Studies with French

and Spanish from the University of Leeds. She worked for four years at the

University of Leeds promoting the study of languages throughout the UK,

and has worked as an ELA teacher as well as advising on the reformed

Russian GCSE and A-level qualifications in 2016. She trained as a

languages teacher in the UK and taught Spanish and French in primary and

middle school. Ms Esther joined BIS in August 2019.

French and Russian Language Acquisition Teacher

Lailo Youssoup-Akhounova

Ms Lailo joined BIS as a French and Russian Language Acquisition Teacher

in 2016. She has extensive experience teaching both French and Russian

languages, including at local universities, the Alliance Française and

Embassies. She graduated in 1984 from the Kyrgyz National University. In

addition to teaching, Ms Lailo is also a professional translator.

French Language Acquisition Teacher

Nurzhamal Alymova

Ms Nurzhamal graduated from the French Department of foreign languages

at the Kyrgyz National University. Since graduating with a Master’s Degree,

she has worked as a French teacher at the National University, with Alliance

Française and with international organizations. Ms Nurzhamal joined BIS in

October 2019.

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Spanish, French and Russian Language Acquisition Teacher

Adele Antheunissens

Ms Adele has a Bachelor’s degree in Communications from Saint-Louis

University, Belgium and is currently completing a degree in International and

Comparative Politics at the American University of Central Asia. Prior to

university she attended French schools in Uzbekistan and Belgium. Ms

Adele speaks six languages and joined the BIS team in August 2020 as a

Spanish, French and Russian Language Acquisition Teacher.

Spanish Language Acquisition Teacher

Krisha Gandhi

Ms Krisha graduated with a first-class degree from University of London’s

School of Oriental and African Studies (SOAS) where she studied Mandarin

and History. She is a qualified Primary Teacher (PGCE) with teaching

experience in the UK and China. Ms Krisha gained her Master’s degree in

Educational Leadership and Policy from University of Warwick. She lived in

Spain during her schooldays and has advanced Spanish language skills. Ms

Krisha is also overall the Director of Studies and PYP Coordinator at BIS.

German Language Acquisition Teacher

Arzygul Almasbekova

Ms Arzygul has a bachelor degree in German Language and Linguistics

from Kyrgyz National University. While completing her degree she received

a scholarship in Universitat Passau in Germany as a participant of the DAAD

international exchange program. Prior to university she attended the Kyrgyz-

German “SOS Hermann Gmeiner” school in Bishkek. Ms Arzygul enjoys

working with children and helping them achieve their dreams through

enhancing their education by increasing their knowledge of German

language and broadening their outlook on life. Ms Arzygul joined BIS in

August 2018.

Mandarin and Russian Language Acquisition Teacher

Saikal Alamanova

Ms Saikal graduated from the Kyrgyz-Turkish Manas University with a

bachelor degree in Public Relations. She then received a scholarship from

the Confucius Institute to learn Mandarin at Beihang University in Beijing,

followed by a scholarship to complete her Master’s degree in teaching

Chinese for speakers of other languages from Tongji University in Shanghai.

Ms Saikal joined BIS in August 2019.

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Mandarin and Russian Language Acquisition Teacher

Erkeayim Zhekshenalieva

Ms Erkeayim has a Bachelor’s degree from International University of

Central Asia and has diverse experience working with children within the

Kyrgyz Republic. She taught Mandarin and English in an orphanage in

Tokmok and taught English to students of Hong Kong Polytechnic University

in Ivanovka school. She worked in the special school of Hong Kong with

children who were addicted to drugs. Ms Erkeayim enjoys working with

children as they are open to speaking their minds, being silly, and they make

learning fun. She believes that the students she teaches now will one day

be the people running the country. Ms Erkeayim joined BIS in October 2019.

Japanese Language Acquisition Teacher

Makiko Inaba

Ms Makiko has a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology from Waseda University

in Japan. Foreign languages and cultures have always been her passion

and she has lived in the United States, South Korea, France, China and the

Kyrgyz Republic in pursuit of that passion. She has experience tutoring

students ranging from elementary to high school level, and of teaching at

publicly funded educational centers in South Korea. Ms Makiko joined BIS

in August 2014 and is a much-loved teacher with exceptional skills in

education. Ms Makiko has been IB Diploma Programme Coordinator since

2017.

Russian Language Acquisition Teacher

Olga Taberna

Ms Olga has a Bachelor’s degree in Russian philology from Kyrgyz-Russian

Slavic University and a Master of Law from Kyrgyz State Academy of Law.

She has taught Russian Language and Literature to high school students at

one of the local schools in Bishkek. Ms Olga joined BIS in August 2020.

Kyrgyz Language Acquisition and Host Country Studies Teacher v

Saikal Maatkerimova

Ms Saikal has a Bachelor of Arts in Archeology and History from the Kyrgyz-

Turkish Manas University. In 2010 she took part in archeological expeditions

and in 2015-2016 she taught ‘Central Asian History’ at the School of Russian

and Asian Studies. She also has 5 years’ experience of teaching Russian

and Kyrgyz as a foreign language. Ms Saikal is currently also studying

Kyrgyz Philology at Bishkek Humanitarian University. Ms Saikal joined BIS

in October 2017.

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Kyrgyz Language Teacher

Nazgul Sultakeeva

Ms Nazgul has a Postgraduate degree in Kyrgyz Philology from Arabaev

Kyrgyz State University. She has over 10 years teaching experience in

universities in the Kyrgyz Republic and joined BIS in August 2017 to teach

Kyrgyz language.

Russian Language and Literature Teacher

Indira Bekkoenova

Ms Indira graduated from the Kyrgyz National University, where she studied

Russian philology. She has extensive experience teaching Russian

language and literature to school and university students. She joined the BIS

team in 2013 and loves the warm and friendly environment.

Russian Language and Literature Teacher

Nazgul Kakelova

Ms Nazgul has a Degree in Teaching Russian Language from the Kyrgyz

State National University and over 20 years teaching experience in schools

in the Kyrgyz Republic. Ms Nazgul joined BIS in August 2016 as a Russian

Language Teacher.

Learning Diversity & Inclusion, and Language Acquisition Assistant

Aikel Tashtanbaeva

Ms Aikel has a degree in English Language and Literature from the Kyrgyz-

Turkish Manas University and a Master’s degree in Linguistics from the

Social Sciences Institution in Kyrgyz Turkish Manas University. Previously,

she has worked in the Bishkek Turkish Secondary School as an ESL

teacher, as well as in private language schools and courses. For her

“Teaching is learning twice”, as she believes that children are the ones from

whom adults should always learn to love and be happy. Ms Aikel joined BIS

in November, 2020.

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ELA Teacher & Library Support Assistant

Aidem Baketaeva

Ms Aidem graduated from the Academy of Public Administration under the

President of the Kyrgyz Republic with a degree in Public Administration.

Since 2016 she has worked for non-governmental organizations working

with young people of different ages. In 2019 she volunteered as an English

teacher in South Korea in 2019. Ms Aydem joined BIS in November 2020.

ECA Coordinator; Houses Coordinator

Bojana Askovic

Ms Bojana has a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology and Masters Degree in

Marketing and Public Relations from the University of Belgrade. She is also

a qualified physiotherapist. Ms Bojana founded a local youth NGO in Serbia

and she has worked as Head of the Department for Education in local

municipality in Serbia organizing educational, cultural and sports programs.

Ms Bojana joined BIS in August 2019 and is responsible for the school ECA

program and coordinating House competitions between students.

Librarian

Irina Pak

Ms Irina has a Master’s Degree in Russian Language and Literature from

Kyrgyz National University. She has 19 years’ experience in library services,

first with the National Library of the Kyrgyz Republic as senior librarian in the

computer technologies department, then with the American University of

Central Asia (AUCA) as electronic service librarian. Ms Irina is also the

Executive Director of the ‘Library and Information Consortium of the Kyrgyz

Republic’ and country licensing coordinator of the project ‘Electronic

Information for Libraries - elFL’. Ms Irina joined BIS in 2019.

Learning Resources Explorer & Guide

Gulbara Akunova

Ms Gulbara has a Bachelor’ degree of English Language Teacher from

Bishkek Humanities University. During her study she experienced two

exchange programs in the USA and China. From September 2019 to August

2020 Gulbara worked as a Reference and Instruction Specialist in the

American University in Central Asia Library. Currently she is completing her

post graduate study in the field of Central Asian region at The Diplomatic

Academy of the Russian Federation in Moscow. Ms Gulbara joined BIS in

November 2020 and works in the BIS Library to help students find and

explore all of the resources available.