Teaching and Learning in the Era of Pedagogical Transformation

Vafa Kazdal is Vice-Rector of Strategy and Advancement at ADA University. She joined ADA in 2009 as a Director of the English for Academic and Professional Purposes Program. She developed a variety of English language programs, including English for Diplomats, Academic and Professional English for graduate students, a one-year Foundation English for undergraduate students, as well as different custom-tailored English programs. In 2012, she became Founding Dean of the School of Arts and Humanities, which introduced the first-of-its-kind Liberal Arts program in the country. From 2014 till 2017, she served as the Founding Dean of the School of Education, which encompasses graduate, diploma and certificate programs in the areas of educational leadership and teacher development. Prior to joining ADA, she was a Director of the Center for Academic Reading and Writing and a professor of Applied Linguistics at Azerbaijan University of Languages. She holds a Master’s degree in English Language Studies and Methods from the University of Warwick, UK and a doctorate in Pedagogy from the Azerbaijan University of Languages. She is also a recipient of such professional development awards as Junior Faculty Development Program (Indiana University, Bloomington, USA), Oxford Hospitality Scheme Program (Oxford University, UK), Ronald and Eileen Weiser Professional Development (University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, USA). Her teaching and research is in the areas of teacher education, program design, implementation and evaluation, as well as language and identity and developing writing skills.

Dr. Ulviyya Mikayilova has an extensive experience in the design and implementation of innovative educational projects. Her experience in education development started in 1998 with the management of the Step by Step Early Childhood Education Program at the Open Society Institute – Azerbaijan. She worked as an Executive Director of Center for İnnovations in Education, local non-governmental organization from 2004 to 2015. Since 2003 she has served as a consultant to many countries in the region under auspices of UNICEF, OSF and the World Bank. U. Mikayilova is a member of several professional international educational associations. She is a Member of the Program Committee of the International Step by Step Association. Since 2016, U. Mikayilova is an Assistant Professor at School of Education of ADA University. Her professional interests are in Early Childhood Education, Inclusive Education, and social inclusion of children from socially disadvantage families, children with disabilities, refugee and IDP children, and other vulnerable children.

Samira Rasulova is the Director of Faculty Affairs and Academic Administration at ADA University. Having an extensive experience in project management, she is a results-driven professional seeking to contribute her character and skills toward positive social and economic input through education.

Saida Nabiyeva is currently a Director of PhD Support and Development Department at ADA University. She is an experienced project manager with the demonstrated history of working in education and social sectors, particularly focusing on program design, curriculum development, program evaluation, in-service training, teaching at higher education level. Saida Nabiyeva earned her master’s degree in Education (M Ed) with the concentration on educational policy, international education from the University of Massachusetts at Amherst (USA). Prior to joining ADA University, Saida Nabiyeva worked at different international organizations (SOS Children’s Villages Azerbaijan, British Council, Save the Children, IFES, World Bank Education Project Coordination Unit, US Peace Corps), mainly involved in the management of various educational programs. Additionally, she has provided consultancy services and training facilitation to World Bank, UNDP, OSCE. As a professional, she participated in a variety of continuing education programs both in Azerbaijan and abroad.

“Natella Tariverdiyeva is an Advisor, Graduate and Certificate Programs at ADA University. She is also a Language Instructor. Holds Master Degree from Russian Literature, and Bachelor Degree from Russian language and Literature. Went to the Baku Slavic University.”