Primary Teaching Team

Grade 5 Homeroom Teacher

Rebecca Peters

Ms Rebecca has a Post Graduate Certificate of Education from the UK and 12 years’ experience teaching primary students in the UK, Mexico, Montenegro and Spain, before joining the BIS team in summer 2020. She believes that teaching children to read is one of the biggest gifts we can give them and that it’s never too early to start teaching independence. When she’s not teaching, you’ll find her taking long hikes with her two dogs or relaxing on a comfortable chair with a good book.

Grade 5 Co-Teacher

Aisedep Syrgakova

Ms Aisedep graduated from Kyrgyz-Turkish Manas University with a degree in International Relations with part of the course and internship completed in Turkey. She has worked as a tutor for both English and Turkish, as a language teacher for children in an education centre, and as English Teacher at a private preschool in Bishkek. Ms Aisedep joined BIS in August 2019 and is currently studying part-time for her Masters in Education at the American University of Central Asia.

Grade 4 Yellow Homeroom Teacher

Rona Butler

Ms Rona graduated from the University of California with a degree in Political Science, and later trained as a teacher. She has worked in South Korea as both an English language teacher and for 10 years as a teacher trainer for the Seoul Metropolitan Education Training Institute. During that time, she completed her Post Graduate Diploma at the University of Birmingham. After leaving South Korea, Ms Rona taught in a research center for autism at Youngstown State University, Ohio. Ms Rona joined BIS as a Homeroom Teacher in August 2018.

Grade 4 Yellow Co-Teacher

Nuraida Asanbaeva

Ms Nuraida graduated from the Kyrgyz Russian Slavic University and has a diploma in the Theory and Practice of Translation. She has 5 years experience working with school students from age 7 to 10. She very much enjoys the opportunity to be with children to help them grow and flourish. Ms Nuraida joined BIS as a Primary Co-Teacher in August 2019.

Grade 4 Blue Homeroom Teacher

Shelley King

Ms Shelley has a Postgraduate Certificate in Education as well as a Master’s Degree in Social Science from the University of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. She has taught in South Korea, Kuwait and Saudi Arabia. Her broad experience has enabled her to value inclusivity and diversity. Ms Shelley is passionate about empowering children with knowledge, skills, opportunities, and motivation to become lifelong learners. In her spare time, she enjoys reading novels and watching documentaries. Ms Shelly joined the BIS team in summer 2021.

Grade 4 Blue Co-Teacher

Emima Amankulova

Ms Emima has a Bachelor’s degree in English Language and Linguistics from the International University of Central Asia. She has diverse experience working with children within the Kyrgyz Republic. She believes that early childhood development is important and has significant influence on children’s future lives. In her spare time, she enjoys reading and hiking. Ms Emima joined BIS as a Primary Co-Teacher in 2019.

Grade 3 Yellow Homeroom Teacher

James Long

Mr James graduated from the University of Wisconsin Platteville (B.A. in English) and received his teaching licenses from the Teach-Now School of Education. He has taught internationally since 2013, first teaching in South Korea as an English teacher. He then moved to Myanmar where he taught as a grade 3 teacher and finally China as a grade 2 teacher before joining BIS in August 2020. He is a firm believer in the effectiveness of guiding pupils to develop the skills they need to not only understand but thrive in the world around them. Mr James is also the Professional Development Coordinator for BIS Staff.

Grade 3 Yellow Co-Teacher

Diana Kurbanova

Ms Diana has a Bachelor degree in Educational Psychology from Bishkek Humanities University. She has been working with children since graduating in 2017 and prior to that she was a volunteer in children camps. She truly believes that a happy child is recipe for success. Ms Diana speaks Kyrgyz, Russian, English, and Turkish; and she is currently learning Spanish. In her free time, she like reading. Ms Diana joined BIS as a Primary Co-Teacher in September 2019.

Grade 3 Blue Homeroom Teacher

Angelina Banda

Ms Angelina graduated from Rhodes University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Social Sciences. She completed her Postgraduate Certificate in Education and went on to complete another Postgraduate diploma in Media Management, all at Rhodes University. A true life-long learner, Ms Angelina continues to enjoy her studying today through additional inquiry into early education practices at The University of South Africa. Ms Angelina joined BIS in summer 2021, having already experienced the PYP approach in Beijing, China. As well as an eager eye for innovative curriculums, Ms Angelina brings with her a love of music, books and healthy living.

Grade 3 Blue Co-Teacher

Erkinai Abdiakhat kyzy

Ms Erkinai graduated as an English Teacher from Bishkek Humanities University, faculty of European civilization. She joined BIS in August 2019 as a Co-Teacher. Ms Erkinai enjoys working with children and seeing them grow and develop.

Grade 2 Yellow Homeroom Teacher

Monica “Moni” Gustafson

Ms Moni earned her state teaching qualification and a Master of Education specializing in the globalization of education before she graduated Loyola University New Orleans with a double major in Psychology and Modern Languages and Cultures. She has taught primarily elementary age children in international schools and language schools in the USA, Argentina, South Korea, Myanmar, and most recently in China. Ms Moni joined BIS in August 2020 and since then has been building on her educational focus of cultivating joyful inquiry and developing inclusive learning communities at BIS.

Grade 2 Yellow Co-Teacher

Kamila Kakelova

Ms Kamila holds a Bachelor degree in International Relations from Lanzhou University and a Master’s degree in International Law from Fuzhou University in China. She has experience teaching international relations to university students as well as co-teaching Russian language. Having lived in China for 7 years and learned Mandarin, Ms Kamila has developed a passion for international relations and languages that she wishes to communicate to her students. She speaks Kyrgyz, Russian, English and Mandarin. Ms Kamila joined BIS as a Primary Co-Teacher in March 2020.

Grade 2 Blue Homeroom Teacher

Oksana Chichilova

Ms Oksana studied the theory and practice of intercultural communication at the Kyrgyz-Russian Slavic University and has a bachelor honours degree in Linguistics and a British Council certificate of ‘Language Learning and Development in Early Childhood’. Prior to joining BIS in 2016, she had experience teaching English to children. Ms Oksana enjoys working with children and believes that not only do children learn from their teachers but that teachers also learn new things from their students every day. Ms Oksana received UK Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) in June 2021.

Grade 2 Blue Co-Teacher

Aidai Baubekova

Ms Aidai graduated from Ala Too International University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Translation Studies. She is a very motivated educator and language specialist with a deep passion to learn more. She started her work with children in 2018 as English language teacher and enjoys working with young students as well as dedicating her time for professional development to learn more about educational innovations. Ms Aidai joined the BIS team in August 2021.

Grade 1 Yellow Homeroom Teacher

Gillian Mcguigan

Ms Gill has a Postgraduate Certificate of Education and a Masters Degree in Education from the UK, and long term experience of teaching children in the UK, Russia, and Uzbekistan. Ms Gill joined the BIS team in summer 2021 and is excited to be teaching in Kyrgyzstan. She believes in teaching children to be independent and resilient learners, who know that making mistakes is how we grow and learn. When not teaching, she loves making things, visiting museums and galleries and photographing old buildings.

Grade 1 Yellow Co-Teacher

Gulsana Niiazbek kyzy

Ms Gulsana has a Bachelor’s degree in International Relations from the International University of Central Asia. She has experience working with children in Poland and the Czech Republic in primary, middle and high school. She believes that bilingual education has a very positive influence on children’s development. Ms Gulsana joined BIS as a Co-Teacher in 2019.

Grade 1 Blue Homeroom Teacher

Michaela Kilbride

Ms Michaela graduated from the University of South-Eastern Norway with a degree in International Teaching for Primary Schools. She has taught in primary schools in Norway, Philippines, Cuba and Canada. Ms Michalea joined the BIS team in summer 2021 and is excited to work with the wide range of students at BIS.

Grade 1 Blue Co-Teacher

Zhazgul Omorova

Ms Zhazgul graduated from Ala-Too International University with a Bachelor of Linguistics – Translation, Interpreting and Translation Studies. After graduation she worked at private language schools as an English teacher. She really enjoys working with children and loves books and sports. Ms Zhazgul joined the BIS team in August 2021.

Grade 0 Yellow Homeroom Teacher

Kathleen Lewis-Workman

Ms Kathleen has a Masters Degree from the American University in Washington D.C. and holds a teaching license for Pre-Kindergarten through 3rd Grade. She has worked with young children for over 12 years, including teaching Kindergarten for 6 years at the American School in Japan. Ms Kathleen loves teaching young children and is an experienced classroom and English Language Acquisition (ELA) teacher. She has served on many curriculum development committees and joined BIS in January 2020, initially in ELA and now as a Homeroom Teacher.

Grade 0 Yellow Co-Teacher

Aiperi Zhyrgalbekova

Ms Aiperi graduated from the International University of Central Asia and has diverse experience working with children, including teaching English at private educational centers in China. Her language skills include Russian sign language, and her hobbies include learning languages, travelling, cooking, drawing and reading. Ms Aiperi joined BIS in September 2019.

Grade 0 Blue Homeroom Teacher

Altynai Isabekova

Ms Altynai has a Bachelor’s degree in Pedagogy from the International University of Central Asia and 5 years’ teaching experience. Before joining BIS she worked with children in Kyrgyzstan and Vietnam. She believes that early development is very important and has significant influence to children’s future life. Ms Altynai joined BIS as an Inclusive Education Support Teacher and English Language Acquisition Teacher in August 2020 and her exceptional work led to her being appointed as a Primary Homeroom Teacher in summer 2021. Ms Altynai is also completing a parttime Postgraduate Certificate in Education with the University of Nottingham, while teaching at BIS.

Grade 0 Blue Co-Teacher

Guldana Muratalieva

Ms Guldana graduated from Bishkek Humanities University, Faculty of European Civilization, as an English Language Teacher, then worked in business organizations in both Bishkek and Qatar, before returning to teach in Bishkek. Ms Guldana joined the BIS team in summer 2021.

Primary school students are also taught by specialist teachers following the PYP approach for language options, Art, Music, Dance, Physical Education, and ‘Host Country Studies’.