International Mentoring Day is January 17, and at BASIS International & Bilingual Schools China we celebrate the importance of mentorship across our schools. Every teacher and administrator benefits from the guidance of exceptional mentors, a practice at the core of our professional learning. This practice fosters a culture of teaching excellence, as educators are supported in their professional growth, enriching the learning environment for our students.
Mentoring takes many forms across our schools, from the individual coaching of teachers to providing support for those transitioning into leadership roles. Mentorship is woven into our culture, with academic managers involved in both teaching and coaching. Our Heads of School, Division Heads, and Department Chairs’ most important job is observing and coaching faculty to support the growth of effective teaching practice.
We asked our teachers and school leaders to share how they have benefitted and learned as both mentors and mentees. From engaging conversations about teaching practices to seamlessly integrating as a new teacher, their stories show the positive impact of mentoring on our learning community.
The Joys and Rewards of Mentorship
“My greatest joy as a mentor was seeing the growth that came from one teacher as he spent time reflecting and developing his ideas through metacognition. We were able to have deep discussions about the practice and art of teaching. This time together was rewarding for me as an educator as it allowed me to continue to develop my leadership skills.”
Dr. Kevin Jaramillo
Vice Head of School/Head of High School
BASIS International School Park Lane Harbour
“My greatest joy as a mentor has been witnessing the transformation of teachers into confident, innovative educators. Observing their growth and the positive impact on student engagement is immensely rewarding. It underscores the power of mentoring in building a supportive and dynamic educational community where both teachers and students thrive. This experience has not only been fulfilling but has also significantly contributed to my own growth as an educator and leader.”
Muzafar Malikov
Grade 7 Physics Course Advisor, Chair of Middle School Science
BASIS International School Shenzhen
“Some of my greatest joys and rewards as a mentor at BASIS include seeing my co-chair grow into a leader, working closely with a teacher and watching him develop his craft to the point where he is now a Course Advisor within the network, and learning from people who are the very best at what they do and appreciating my growth thanks to their leadership. The list goes on and on…”
Chris McGee
Vice Head of Upper School
BASIS Bilingual School Shenzhen
“As a Chair at BASIS, I have the privilege of supporting my colleagues by engaging in reflective and meaningful conversations through mentoring. This approach has been instrumental in developing our problem-solving, critical thinking, and decision-making skills while also enabling us to establish goals and devise strategies to attain them. Witnessing the transformation in pedagogical practices following a coaching conversation has been truly remarkable. As a team, we are more productive, efficient, and successful in all facets of teaching and learning.”
Josephine Grace
Chair of Early Years, Pre-K Art & Drama Subject Expert Teacher
BASIS International School Hangzhou
Evolving Through Mentorship
“I have gained several valuable insights and skills from mentoring relationships over my years working for BASIS. I am blessed that my new Department Chair is someone I have worked with closely for two years before she became Chair. I have learned a lot about efficiency, being proactive with reading and professional development, and time management from my Department Chair. These skills have enriched my teaching practice and my life. I am grateful to Ms. Grace and all the inspiring mentors that I have had the honor of working with.”
Benjamin Rushing
ECE Lead Teacher
BASIS International School Hangzhou
“I’ve been fortunate to have had a great series of mentors in my time at BASIS. During the pandemic, I took on a master’s degree in leadership, and the leadership team at my school was eager to help me when I needed someone to interview, shadow, and learn from. My mentors all took the time to help me learn new things y sharing their experiences with me and giving me opportunities to grow and to lead. Through these mentoring relationships, I learned so much about decision making, leadership, seeing situations from different perspectives, and more. I am grateful to all of my mentors I have worked with in my time here at BASIS.”
Jennifer Gunter
Founding Vice Head of High School Division
BASIS International & Bilingual Schools Chengdu
“Mentoring relationships at BASIS have helped me grow as an educator, helping me to deepen my understanding of how to use positive reinforcement to make students more motivated and involved.”
Dima Mishchenko
AP Physics 1 & Honors Physics Teacher
BASIS International School Park Lane Harbour
“Through my mentorship experience, I’ve realized the significance of being a patient and attentive listener in the coaching process. That way, coaching conversations organically create a space for self-reflection and accountability. As mentors, we don’t just guide; we grow alongside our mentees. The exchange of ideas, strategies, and insights during multiple observations and coaching conversations has expanded my educational toolbox. The process reinforces the belief that we grow through what we go through! A shared commitment to improving our teaching craft ultimately benefits our students, making their educational journey empowering, inspiring, and memorable.”
Polina Jackson
Vice Head of High School
BASIS International School Hangzhou
“The most effective part of faculty mentoring at BASIS is the structured process designed to support and guide new teachers in their professional development. This is my first year at BASIS, and being a part of both the middle and high school teams, I’ve had the privilege of being mentored by several administrators, all of whom have provided me with valuable guidance on lesson planning, classroom management, teaching methodologies, and assessment techniques.
Through observations and coaching conversations, my mentors helped me refine my instructional practices, leading to more effective and engaging teaching. These mentorships have provided a supportive environment where I can seek advice, share concerns, and receive constructive feedback.
Through ongoing dialogue and collaboration with the mentors, I have gained valuable insights into current educational research, policies, and practices. The inclusion of different formative assessment techniques and teaching resources has always been a focal point of my coaching conversations.
Mentors have often facilitated the collaboration by asking thought-provoking questions, encouraging self-reflection, and promoting continuous growth and learning. They have exposed me to diverse perspectives and fostered collaborative learning and idea-sharing.
Hence on this International Mentoring Day, I would like to express my gratitude to all my mentors at BASIS International School Hangzhou.”
Anil Khemani
Grade 8 Biology & Honors Biology Teacher
BASIS International School Hangzhou
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