Baitursynuly University has launched a large-scale project for school students — the USTAZ START Junior Pedagogical Academy.
The opening ceremony took place at the U. Sultangazin Pedagogical Institute of KRU.
This is not just a club or an extracurricular course — it is an interactive educational space where school students can explore their teaching vocation, try themselves in the role of a teacher, build self-confidence, and gain their first professional skills.
The hall was full — more than 500 students from cities and districts across the Kostanay region gathered for the event.
Laughter, applause, and the chant “A teacher is the keeper of light!” filled the room. From the very first minutes, it was clear — a big journey had begun.
According to KRU Rector Seitbek Kuanyshbayev, USTAZ START represents an important step toward shaping the future pedagogical elite:
“The project aims to support early career orientation among school students and foster their interest in teaching.
As Akhmet Baitursynuly once said, ‘The future of a nation lies in the hands of a teacher.’
These words are especially relevant today, because it is the teacher who shapes the young generation — and thus, the future of our country.”
Students from all over the region took their first step toward their future profession.
The USTAZ START Academy operates in five key areas, each offering unique opportunities for development and self-expression:
Teaching for the new generation becomes more accessible than ever!
Now 11th-grade students can take part in the online course “Introduction to the Teaching Profession.”
Interactive lessons, live discussions with instructors, and practical exercises await participants. Upon completion, they will receive certificates exempting them from the special entrance exam for teacher training programs.
The program is designed to be engaging and inspiring — not dry theory, but real experience for those who want to become teachers of the future.
For students who want to strengthen their language skills, become confident speakers, and learn to communicate so that others truly listen — KRU offers two dynamic formats!
Workshop on Public Speaking
Want to speak beautifully and confidently in Kazakh and Russian? Perform without stage fright? Impress your classmates?
Then this is for you!
Every Friday, 14:00, Pedagogical Institute, Room 503.
Speaking Club “New Perspectives”
Love English or finally want to speak fluently? Join the Speaking Club!
Live communication, games, TED-style discussions, useful topics, and a friendly atmosphere.
Every Friday, 12:00, Pedagogical Institute, Room A205.
Format: online/offline.
For those who love exact sciences and solving complex problems — this is a space for real researchers and young engineers!
Robotics Olympiads and Competitions help students move from engineering thinking to pedagogical creativity.
Participants engage in team challenges, design and program robots, and take part in math, physics, and computer science competitions.
Natural Science Lab
Here, science turns into adventure!
Students conduct experiments, field studies, and practical projects — exploring the history of Earth, chemistry, biology, and environmental systems.
They also learn to use topographic instruments and modern digital tools for scientific modeling and data visualization.
This is a place where anyone can become a researcher!
For curious minds who love going beyond textbooks and want to experience real research.
Students explore history through creative tasks, projects, and real-world examples, learning to search for facts, analyze events, and draw conclusions.
They conduct mini research projects, prepare for competitions and olympiads, and take part both online and offline.
At the end, participants receive certificates and diplomas — but most importantly, they gain confidence, analytical skills, and real research experience.
Simply put, it’s a club for those who love history and want to think like scientists.
A space where creativity and sports unite, helping students grow into future leaders and inspiring educators.
Activities include team challenges, adventure quests, patriotic games, cross-country hikes, sports competitions, first aid training, and even drone piloting.
Here, participants not only move — they grow, test themselves, and learn teamwork.
Creative Workshop
Painting, graphics, singing, music, art projects, festivals, and exhibitions — a place where ideas find form, talents blossom, and curiosity turns into creativity.
Deputy Head of the Kostanay Regional Department of Education Danagul Syundikova noted the growing interest in the teaching profession and the significance of KRU’s initiative:
“In recent years, career guidance has become a national priority, and teaching specialties confidently lead the way.
Joint projects and programs have shown results — young people’s interest in pedagogy is growing.
Sitting here today are the future teachers — those who have chosen the path of serving knowledge and children.
Dear future teachers, welcome!”
Vice-Rector for Academic Affairs Elmira Nauryzbayeva emphasized:
“Our university is truly unique in teacher training.
We not only preserve the best traditions of classical pedagogy but also continuously modernize our approach, embracing innovation and technology.
Last year, the Pedagogical Class project achieved great success: over 40% of first-year students chose teaching majors — a testament to the trust of youth in the profession and in our university as a leader in pedagogical education.
Especially pleasing is that 80% of new students are graduates of schools in our region — and they chose KRU.”
Today, KRU brings together strong educators and researchers, true professionals devoted to their work.
The university aims not only to provide knowledge but also to cultivate humanistic values, broad-mindedness, digital literacy, leadership, and a culture of research.
Participants of the USTAZ START Junior Pedagogical Academy are already active in online chats — ahead lie master classes, projects, internships, contests, and meetings with mentors.
USTAZ START is just beginning — but one thing is already clear: before us stands a generation ready to teach, inspire, and shape the future.
Good luck on your journey!
