I have been teaching in China for six years and transferred to ECE five years ago. When I started my teaching journey, it felt like an entirely different whole from what it is now. I began in a training school and quickly found a passion for teaching young learners. This passion led me to redirect and focus my learning towards ECE and kindergarten. Since that transition, I started hearing about BASIS International & Bilingual Schools • China from peers, colleagues, and professionals throughout my three years living in Shenzhen. I remember thinking to myself, all those years ago, I hope to make BASIS International Schools my home one day. From there, I believe it would be accurate to say that I considered working at BASIS International Schools to be my dream job and new goal.
A Strong Teaching and Learning Community
In terms of my teaching practices, I would say I find the professional development at BASIS International School Nanjing to be exactly what I’ve been looking for. I have been to schools that did not prioritize professional development and the difference in standards as well as effectiveness in teaching practices is palpable. BASIS International School Nanjing provides us with clear standards yet allows us to branch out creatively in our own ways to achieve these goals. I have incorporated a number of practices I have learned through our professional development into my classroom. It feels comforting knowing I have a school and campus that can share their experiences, practices, studies, and values in meaningful ways while allowing us to navigate and collaborate. This ultimately provides us with a strong sense of pride in our school as well as a strong sense of community and understanding.
Professional Learning That Starts on Day One
With Summer Institute alone, I feel compelled to express the gratitude and motivation I felt coming into BASIS International Schools with that opportunity and experience. From that weekend forward, I knew we would be well prepared to expand our knowledge and possibilities in the classroom. The entire event was very well organized and contained trainings, collaborations, and activities that not only focused on evolving our teaching practices but also welcoming us into the network with open arms. It was clear BASIS and our focus on professional development would be taken as seriously as I had dreamed.
At previous schools, I have struggled with the lack of passion and preparation towards professional development and have felt it had always been a missed opportunity. At some schools, professional development would be contained to a 30-60 minute meeting, mostly consisting of presentations without collaboration nor thought-provoking engagement. I am happy to see BASIS International Schools proving itself to be not only on the opposite spectrum but also instilling team morale and connection. At my campus, I have the pleasure and honor to say our sense of community, school spirit, and grit is unparalleled in comparison.
A Standout Professional Development Moment
I have mentioned the Summer Institute as a huge marker of success, in my opinion. However, I would be remiss if I were not to speak about a specific session on one of our professional development days. This session, in particular, is one I often think of when planning for lessons and engaging with my students. We were asked to take 100 items from the bins placed on the tables, all simple materials such as blocks or sticks. We were then asked to play with them creatively, however we chose. After a while, our leader asked us to either continue playing with our creations or check out other work. I had an epiphany that very moment, realizing I was feeling how my young learners felt when we asked them to clean up. Moments like these help me place myself in my students’ shoes and see from their perspective. It’s moments like these in our professional development that take my teaching to the next level and stay in my heart.
Tiana Bailey
ECE Teacher
BASIS International School Nanjing
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