Leadership development at BASIS International & Bilingual Schools • China often begins in the classroom. For Lora Goude, seven years of teaching, coaching, and collaborating across multiple campuses have provided opportunities to grow as both an educator and a leader. Today, as Humanities, Math, and Science Chair at BASIS Bilingual School Shenzhen, she reflects on the experiences, mentorship, and network-wide collaboration that have shaped her leadership journey.
BASIS International School Shenzhen
I began my international teaching career at BASIS International School Shenzhen seven years ago, joining the campus as a second-grade Humanities Subject Expert Teacher (SET). By the fourth year, I had transitioned into the role of Grades 1–5 literacy coach, which gave me the opportunity to take a deep dive into our reading and writing curriculum across the lower elementary grades. In my fifth year, I moved to the BASIS Bilingual School Shenzhen campus as a Grade 1 homeroom teacher while also serving as department chair for Humanities and Math/Science, supporting a team of ten SETs. As I look ahead to my eighth year, I am grateful for how each of these roles has shaped my understanding of teaching and leadership.
BASIS Bilingual School Shenzhen
Prior to moving to China, I served as a grade-level chair and instructional coach in U.S. schools. Yet what sets the department chair role at BASIS International & Bilingual Schools • China (BIBS • C) apart is the culture: I am surrounded by people who not only want to grow but expect to grow—and who actively enable each other to do so. The advice and support I receive from fellow leaders and teachers on my team continue to be some of the most valuable resources I have.
Structured Collaboration Across Campuses
Each month, SETs meet online with their Course Advisor (CAD), a network-wide leader with deep expertise in the course, to discuss planning, instruction, pacing, and any issues that have arisen. Immediately afterward, department chairs gather online for a roundtable discussion where they collaborate, share ideas, and problem-solve.
These meetings enable us to align our work across campuses, strengthening curriculum and instruction network-wide as we share resources and strategies. BIBS • C campuses also host other schools in the network, so teachers can observe classes and meet with teachers. BASIS Bilingual School Shenzhen recently hosted teachers at our campus, and I also had the opportunity to spend several days at different campuses with other chairs to experience the same. These campus visits add another layer of collaboration to our network alignment.
A Culture of Growth
Teachers are never finished products. We are always evolving, always searching for ways to grow and improve. BIBS • C supports this evolution daily. We hold two dedicated professional development days per year, and on a weekly basis, I use my role as department chair to encourage teachers to share their own successes—what is working well for their students. I also provide brief, focused mini-PD sessions during our PLC meetings to help sharpen instruction.
Recently, I had the opportunity to participate in a network-level professional development series offered by our CEHOS (Chief Executive Head of Schools). The sessions were designed specifically for department chairs, focused on strengthening instructional leadership across departments. I look forward to sharing what I learned with my department during our onsite training at BASIS Bilingual School Shenzhen in August.
Mentorship That Matters
At BIBS • C, I have grown not only as a teacher but as a leader. Being part of a strong, collaborative team of teachers has pushed me to improve. At the same time, consistent mentorship from my Head of School, Head of Department, and Vice Head of Department has been instrumental in helping me develop as a leader. From day one, BIBS • C provides the support and guidance teachers need to improve—and to move intentionally into leadership roles.
Current and Future Leaders at BIBS • C
If you are currently teaching at BASIS International & Bilingual Schools or hope to join our school network in the future, I encourage you to:
- Work with your department chair and vice head of division to intentionally grow your practice in the classroom
- Attend the monthly Course Advisor meetings to collaborate across the network and strengthen your instructional craft
- Participate in school-offered professional development sessions—and consider presenting some of your own great ideas
There is a robust, accessible path for leadership at BASIS International & Bilingual Schools. With the right mindset and support, you can walk it too.
Lora Goude
First Grade Teacher
First Grade Humanities Chair
First Grade Math and Science Chair
BASIS Bilingual School Shenzhen
For more information about teaching with BASIS International & Bilingual Schools, visit our careers website.
