English to become tuition language for STEM classes in Uzbekistan
Secondary students across Uzbekistan will soon learn maths, computer science and natural sciences entirely in English as part of a sweeping national education reform.
Starting next academic year, the government is piloting this bilingual initiative by dedicating one class in each of 100 selected schools to English-medium STEM instruction. The president announced the transition during a Wednesday event, framing it as a crucial step to integrate the national workforce with the global economy.
To incentivise participation and attract top talent, educators teaching these English STEM courses will receive a 100% salary bonus. This doubled pay also extends to teachers leading preschool preparation groups.
It is unclear at this stage whether teachers will be sourced locally or from abroad.
To further elevate instruction in subjects critical to technological advancement, the education ministry is placing new limits on class sizes. Schools must now divide groups exceeding 25 students into two separate classes for in-depth lessons in maths, physics, chemistry and biology.
Educators holding national certifications in these core disciplines will earn a 50% salary supplement, while those who prepare olympiad winners will receive an immediate promotion to the highest teaching category.
New quality indexes and flexible training
To drive systemic improvement alongside the English language rollout, the state is implementing a secondary education quality index. Officials will categorise institutions according to the capabilities of their pedagogical staff and the performance of their students.
Top-tier schools that mentor lower-ranked counterparts and help them advance will secure a 30% salary supplement for their entire teaching staff.
Headteachers are also receiving expanded authority to collaborate with local businesses, ensuring that school leavers enter the workforce equipped with tangible professional skills that complement their modernised STEM education.
The reforms simultaneously dismantle outdated professional training mandates. The government is abolishing the requirement for educators to travel to the capital or regional centres for mandatory month-long courses. Instead, the education ministry will issue professional development vouchers.
Under the new system, teachers will complete between 18 and 72 hours of training based on their qualification test results, maintaining full autonomy to select their preferred courses and locations.
