Education Committee

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.

Maria Elena Berardi

Pre I&S , TOK Teacher, Student Affairs at European Azerbaijan School

Maria Elena Berardi is an Individuals and Societies and IBDP Theory of Knowledge teacher at the European Azerbaijan School in Baku, where she also leads the Language Acquisition curriculum and supports student affairs. An IB TOK essay examiner, Maria has spent the past six years at EAS, previously serving as IBMYP Coordinator and teaching subjects like Geography, History, and Global Politics.

With over 22 years of experience, Maria has taught in American, IGCSE, and IB schools across Italy, Qatar, Kenya, and Azerbaijan. Her background includes teaching EAL, Humanities, and History to learners from early years to adults. She holds a degree in Political Sciences from ‘Orientale’ University in Naples, a CELTA, and a PGCE from Bath University.

Maria has led workshops on critical thinking, inquiry-based teaching, and classroom management.

Coordinators

ARTS. STEAM. OLYMPIADS.

ARTS. STEAM. OLYMPIADS.

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.