Schools are responsible for transforming our next generation into the future caretakers of the world. BASIS International & Bilingual School Wuhan is a community-minded school focused on enriching the lives and opportunities of the students, families, and faculty who are a part of it.
Educating the treasured minds of our youth is one of the greatest endeavors one could seek out and one I feel I was personally called to. And when one is seeking out treasure, it helps to have a map to give guidance and direction. As the old adage goes, “X marks the spot” and thus I have outlined below the X’s of excellent teaching and learning that I hope to inform the culture and practice at BASIS International & Bilingual School Wuhan.
Educational Philosophy
eXcitement
School consumes a considerable portion of the waking hours of students’ and faculty’s lives. Students should want to kick down the door to get into school, and faculty should feel supported so that their joy of teaching shines through. Passionate educators with both a love of their subject matter and for making a difference in students’ lives are key to unlocking a student’s potential through instilling enthusiasm for the subject matter and a belief in themselves.
eXpectations
The greatest amount of learning happens when expectations are both clear and appropriately challenging to the learner’s current level of understanding and skill. BASIS International Schools are known for their accelerated curriculum that challenges even the most gifted of students, but expert educators are those that cater their expectations and assessments to each individual student–no matter their level.
eXperimentation
We learn the most form our mistakes and therefore school should be a place where everyone feels safe to try new things. School should be a haven for students and faculty to experiment in their studies and practice knowing they are supported in their efforts, no matter the outcome.
eXpansion
We can always do better through learning, organization, continual reflection of our practice through data, professional development, and dialogue. As the wonderfully wise Maya Angelou once put it “Do the best you can until you know better. Then when you know better, do better.”
eXchange
Finally, magic happens when teachers talk. Whether it is through informal discussions over lunch, a quick chat in the hallway, or through organized professional learning communities–teachers collaborating improves student outcomes by opening the door to new ideas and perspectives.
To summarize, if you feel called to teaching and are seeking new opportunities, I encourage you to look into BASIS International & Bilingual School Wuhan, it may just be the next destination you were looking for to grow your career.
Dan Schneider
Founding Head of School
BASIS International & Bilingual School Wuhan
