Great schools invest in their educators, not just in the classroom but as future leaders. Joshua Barr, Head of Kindergarten at BASIS Bilingual Kindergarten Futian, shares how BASIS International & Bilingual Schools provides the training, mentorship, and opportunities that help teachers grow into leadership roles.
Hello, BASIS International Schools blog readers!
International educators usually take two routes into this field of work. The first is training and teaching in their home country, then taking the leap by moving overseas. The other route is moving overseas first and then training while teaching. I am in the second category, having first moved to China in 2010, starting in local kindergartens, transitioning to IB schools, and ultimately joining BASIS International School Shenzhen in 2016. Over the years, I’ve witnessed BASIS International & Bilingual Schools’ remarkable expansion across the country. In 2023, I was hired to lead Early Childhood Education (ECE) at BASIS Bilingual School Shenzhen and then BASIS Bilingual Kindergarten Futian.
A Guided Journey to Leadership
Stepping into a leadership role at BASIS International & Bilingual Schools isn’t a leap into the unknown—it’s a guided journey. When I transitioned from teacher to Head of ECE, BASIS International & Bilingual Schools provided structured support. Training, including workshops on instructional coaching, data-driven decision-making, and operational management, were all part of my leadership journey. For example, BASIS International & Bilingual School’s leadership training (Institute for Management Training) equips leaders with frameworks for effective team management, while school-specific mentorship pairs incoming leaders with seasoned administrators.
Mentorship and Collaboration Across Campuses
When I took on my current role, my Head of School, Ms. Jennie Pan, connected me with veteran ECE leaders across the BASIS International Schools network. Regular round tables, shadowing opportunities, and access to a shared repository of best practices helped me navigate challenges like curriculum alignment and staff development. BASIS International & Bilingual Schools also hosts annual leadership retreats, where leaders collaborate on cross-campus initiatives and problem-solve collectively.
Professional Development at Every Level
BASIS International & Bilingual Schools invests in educators at the campus and network levels. For teachers, weekly professional development (PD) sessions focus on curriculum mastery, classroom innovation, and student engagement strategies. For leaders, growth is equally prioritized. What sets BASIS International & Bilinugal Schools apart is their dedication to placing responsibility on proven BASIS educators. Over half of my ECE leadership colleagues began as BASIS International & Bilingual Schools teachers, reflecting the belief that great leaders emerge from those who deeply understand the classroom.
A Culture of High Expectations and High Support
The BASIS International & Bilingual Schools culture is based on a blend of high expectations and high support. There’s a shared commitment to academic rigor, but equally important is the emphasis on trust and collaboration. This culture has profoundly shaped my growth. At BASIS International & Bilingual Schools, feedback is embedded in daily operations. After classroom observations, leaders and teachers engage in coaching conversations, creating SMART goals, and developing a continuous improvement mentality.
Advice for Teachers Aspiring to Leadership
To teachers aspiring to leadership roles at BASIS International & Bilingual Schools, I recommend you start by excelling in your classroom and being a collaborative team member. BASIS International & Bilingual Schools promotes those who embody its pedagogical values, understanding that the student experience is key. Then, seek opportunities by volunteering to lead PD sessions, joining curriculum committees, or mentoring new hires. Be vocal about your goals with your division head; BASIS International & Bilingual Schools rewards initiative with tailored growth plans.
Have a Growth Mindset
Most importantly, embrace feedback as a roadmap rather than criticism. Leadership at BASIS International & Bilingual Schools isn’t about perfection—it’s about modeling a growth mindset. Whether you’re a teacher eyeing leadership or a leader refining your craft, BASIS International & Bilingual Schools provides the tools, mentorship, and cultural support to thrive. As I continue learning from colleagues and the incredible ECE teams I work with, growth isn’t just encouraged—it’s designed.
Joshua Barr
Head of Kindergarten
BASIS Bilingual Kindergarten Futian
Visit our careers website for more information about teaching with BASIS International Schools.
