This paper draws from an ongoing doctoral study that is based on the analysis of data from in-depth interviews with teachers and close observation of their work. Uchitelya s bolshoi bukvy (teachers with a capital ‘T’) is a metaphor used to characterise teachers who are able to demonstrate a positive attitude, adopt and sustain a fresh and innovative response to their teaching despite the adversities of the education system, are well-considered by their colleagues and set benchmarks for their profession, and aspire for greater roles and influence other teachers (Teleshalyev, 2014). These teachers demonstrate high levels of resilience (Gu & Day, 2007). The paper features an initial exploration of their leadership skills as an essential element of their professionalism. The paper explores the factors that influence experienced teachers to initiate and contribute to education reforms. It illustrates emerging practices of exemplary experienced teachers who exercise leadership in their schools by improving their classrooms and creating drive for change in their schools by empowering other teachers, without having a designated power to do so. These teachers bring invaluable expertise and experience for other teachers to learn from, and for policy makers to capitalise on. The research suggests that the experience of teachers, many of whom are facing retirement, require attention if the teaching is to be sustained as a profession by the current and future generations of teachers in Kyrgyzstan. It may help governmental authorities to understand how experienced teachers may equally contribute to education reforms that improve schools and teaching, and possibly provide answers to many problems in schools, including the teacher quality retention problem.

Gu, Q. and Day, C. (2007). Teachers’ resilience: A necessary condition for effectiveness. Teaching and Teacher Education, 23, 1302-1316 Teleshaliyev, N. (2014) Teachers with a Capital ‘T’ in Kyrgyzstan: moral purpose, self-efficacy and resilience, a paper presented in the symposium: ‘Changing teacher professionality: research and practical interventions in Europe and beyond’ at ECER 2014, Porto 2nd-5th September.