Education Committee

Lynda Thompson
Secondary Principal, European Azerbaijan School
Lynda Thompson has worked in international schools across four continents, with extensive experience of IB curricula. She has held diverse leadership roles and supported learning communities through growth, towards excellence. She has published in international journals and presented at many global conferences. Her passion is enabling our students to achieve their dreams!

Oxana Akimova
Head of IB Primary Years and Middle Years Programmes (PYP and MYP), European School Tbilisi
She started her IB journey in 2002 as a PYP homeroom teacher and MYP English language teacher. That was the moment when she fell in love with IB philosophy. So, from 2002 till now, She has been working in IB schools with the PYP, MYP, and DP/CP programmes. For 20 years, She is fully involved in PYP & MYP programmes’ implementation, systems development, and evaluation visits as MYP coordinator and Head of PYP and MYP. As an IBEN member: MYP consultant, and team member, She is keen on supporting IB schools in our region. Contribution to the CCAAIBWS educational committee is her new role, which is inspiring.

Nazarke Khamitkyzy
PYP Coordinator. International School of Astana
Nazarke Khamitkyzy is a dedicated educator and administrative professional with a strong background in education and language proficiency. She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Foreign Languages (English, French) from Korkyt Ata Kyzylorda State University in Kazakhstan, where she focused on innovative language pedagogy. Nazarke has worked at the International School of Astana AEO “Nazarbayev Intellectual Schools” in various roles, as well as a PYP Coordinator. Her contributions include organizing cultural events, conducting training sessions, and building connections within the school community.
Coordinators
ARTS. STEAM. OLYMPIADS.

Fidan Akbarova
Arts Coordinator, European Azerbaijan School
Fidan Elkhan is a seasoned musician and arts professional with extensive experience in event organization, performance management, and music production. She has collaborated with esteemed organizations such as UNICEF, the Ministry of Youth and Sport, Erasmus, and The State Committee for Family, Women, and Children Affairs. Fidan has completed international programs from institutions like McKinsey & Company, the International Business Management Institute (Berlin), and The Open University.
Currently, she serves as the Curriculum Leader of Arts and Arts Event Coordinator at the European Azerbaijan School. Passionate about cultural exchange, Fidan has participated in various international festivals and is pursuing a second Bachelor’s Degree in Management at Azerbaijan Oil and Industry University.

Gulzar Abbasbayli
Olympiads and STEAM Coordinator, European Azerbaijan School
Gulzar Abbasbayli is a highly experienced educator with over 10 years of teaching expertise. She currently serves as an Olympiad Coordinator and MYP-DP Mathematics Teacher at the European Azerbaijan School. Gulzar is a qualified IB Math teacher with 7 years of experience in international math subjects and project olympiads, having worked with students in Korea, China, the UK, America, Spain, Türkiye, and other countries.
She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Applied Mathematics from Baku State University and a Master’s degree from Khazar University.
With her dedication to mathematics education and a proven track record of success, Gulzar continues to inspire and guide her students toward academic excellence on a global scale.