The supportive communities, eager students, and opportunities to grow professionally and personally inspire an appreciation among our BASIS International & Bilingual Schools educators. In this blog, teachers from across our network reflect on what they are most grateful for in their roles, offering heartfelt insights into the moments and connections that make their work both meaningful and fulfilling.
What are you most grateful for in your role as an educator at BASIS?
Elle Mason
Humanities Teacher
BASIS Bilingual School Guangming Shenzhen
Elle Mason at Summer Institute
Every day, I wake up in a peaceful, mountainous neighborhood and walk into a beautiful, thoughtfully designed school. I have the privilege of working alongside kind, talented colleagues and eager, motivated students. When I began my career in education, I was driven by a desire to make a meaningful impact, no matter the circumstances or location. To now find myself in a place that brings me such peace, working in an environment that is not only aesthetically inspiring but also fully equipped to support my students’ happiness and success, fills me with immense gratitude.
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Benjamin Newton
ICT and Computer Science Teacher
BASIS International School Hangzhou
As an educator of computer science, I am grateful for the opportunity to teach a subject I am passionate about each day to students who share that enthusiasm.
The students I have taught at BASIS are engaged and consistently challenge themselves. Many attend class and eagerly share computer science discoveries or projects they are working on at home.
I value the freedom I have with crafting a curriculum that aligns with student interests. This flexibility allows us to explore topics in greater depth than what would be considered typical for middle or high school students, creating a truly unique and enriching learning environment.
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Rachael Houston
Humanities Teacher
BASIS International School Shenzhen
I am grateful for the incredible support I have received from our BASIS school community. From the beginning, the leaders have surrounded me with helpful and friendly colleagues while providing me with the resources necessary to succeed as a Humanities teacher. I feel blessed to work alongside a team of committed educators and wonderful LETs.
Beyond the professional support, what truly stands out are the deep friendships my family has formed within the BASIS community. These connections have offered us a sense of belonging and support that goes beyond the classroom. The warmth and kindness of our new friends has helped us settle into our Shenzhen home and has enriched our experience, allowing us to appreciate all that the city has to offer. I am truly thankful to be part of such a welcoming and supportive community.
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Shazia Khan
Grade 1 Humanities Teacher
BASIS International School Hangzhou
I’m loving my time at BASIS International School Hangzhou!
- I’m thankful for the chance to spark curiosity and creativity in my students—it’s amazing to see them grow!
- Over the past few months, I’ve met awesome colleagues who share my passion for education. We’re making a difference together!
- BASIS International School Hangzhou’s commitment to academic excellence and character development truly inspires me.
- Witnessing my students’ progress fills me with joy—seeing them thrive is the best!
- Plus, our engaged parents make teaching even more rewarding.
- Last but not least, I want to give a huge thanks to our admin and HR team for making my transition seamless. You’ve made me feel right at home!
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Dan Appleman
English Teacher, G7 & G8, G9 Honors Language
BASIS International & Bilingual Schools Wuhan
My first semester at BASIS has been a “whirlwind” in every possible interpretation of the word. Has it been difficult? Yes. Has it been tiring? Yes. Yet somehow, simultaneously, it has been both enjoyable and energizing. The knowledge and work ethic of colleagues have been equally intimidating and exciting, but ultimately, helped me develop my teaching immensely in just a few short months. The pace of the school is invigorating. Blink once and it is Wednesday. Blink again and you are walking out of school on a Friday wondering how you got it all done again. This is a true testament to the support staff and administration of the school. Being amongst such talented and dedicated educators is inspiring and encourages growth in students and staff alike. For this, I am grateful.
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Christopher Jackson
Grade 4 English Language Arts Teacher
BASIS Bilingual School Shenzhen
There are two groups of people I am most grateful for here at BASIS Bilingual School Shenzhen. Firstly, my group of Grade 4 English teachers. Secondly, my students. I know these answers must seem cliché; however, when it comes to my teaching team, I really feel I lucked out. All three of us are deeply interested in the subject we teach. We get excited about the material we are working on with the kids, and we are always finding ways to innovate and update the curriculum, deliver the content, and curate experiences. As for the students, they also bring such wonderful energy to school each day. I’ve never worked with a group of students who, across the board, are as excited about learning in the way my students are. Instead of struggling to get students to participate, I struggle to make sure each kid who wants to participate gets a turn!
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Maive Jackson
Visual Art Teacher, ECE
BASIS Bilingual Kindergarten Futian
I’m most grateful for the opportunity to inspire creativity in young learners and for the support of my peers in making that happen. I’m always amazed by the students and the incredible things they can accomplish when given the opportunity to explore freely. Watching my students discover the joy of self-expression through art is an incredibly rewarding experience; especially when I can witness them take the lessons and theories they learn in art class and apply them to other classes and areas of their lives. The collaborative environment encouraged at BASIS Bilingual Kindergarten Futian and the support from my team members for integrating art with other disciplines only help to enrich my teaching experience further. Above all, I am grateful for the opportunity to nurture a love of learning and creativity and a spirit of curiosity in my students.
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Jessi Neff
ECE Chair, ELL Coordinator
BASIS Bilingual Kindergarten Nanshan
On the career side, I am grateful to have career progression and to grow within the network (previously, within BASIS, I was a PK2 teacher for three years).
On the teacher side, I am grateful for having access to interesting and unique spaces, like a ball pit, black box theater, pottery room, woodworking room, and gymnastics room, and a budget for materials to use in the classroom.
How has a BASIS student or classroom moment surprised you and made you feel thankful?
Roseann Salerno
Grade 2 Humanities Teacher
BASIS Bilingual School Shenzhen
“Let us be grateful to the people who make us happy; they are the charming gardeners who make our souls blossom.”
— Marcel Proust
All educators are familiar with the paradoxical feelings of stepping into a new classroom on the first day of class: excited yet terrified, hopeful yet realistic. Building a classroom community where trust, kindness, patience, and genuine care and concern are practiced by all can be quite a feat. The “all for one and one for all” approach where every individual acts for the benefit of the group is not always a top priority among 7- and 8-year-olds, but at BASIS Bilingual School Shenzhen, it was obvious to me that the faculty that had served these children before me were truly committed to establishing an extremely positive and accountable atmosphere.
There never seems to be enough time to share with my students all that I wish I could academically, emotionally, or socially, but I always find time to build in gratitude lessons. Research shows that gratitude builds positive character traits and a growth mindset, tying perfectly into our BASIS Tiger values.
To my delight, I regularly witness random acts of kindness among my students. These genuine “acts of heart” raise my spirit, and, more importantly, the spirit of the children. This sets the stage for a collaborative classroom environment where each student engages in his/her own learning and helps with the learning of others. Each and every day, I make sure to show my gratitude to these “little gardeners” for being allowed to teach those who have been entrusted to my care.
My soul is in full bloom.
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Shazia Khan
Grade 1 Humanities Teacher
BASIS International School Hangzhou
Teaching isn’t just a job; it’s a privilege! I get to witness my students’ support and kindness with peers, receive heartfelt thank you notes, see their eagerness to learn, and watch them grow socially and academically. They are becoming more confident in participating, sharing ideas, and leading group activities.
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Jessi Neff
ECE Chair, ELL Coordinator
BASIS Bilingual Kindergarten Nanshan
An ELL student was sad because it wasn’t her day to work with me, but she gave me a hug and said, “See you tomorrow?” The connections can be very special.
What part of your school community are you most appreciative of?
Andi Matack
Primary Math & Science Teacher
BASIS Bilingual School Guangming Shenzhen
When I asked my Texan husband, who had rarely traveled outside the US, if he would be up for an adventure abroad, he looked at me with a tilt of his head and asked, “Should I bring my boots and hat?”. Needless to say, our move from Arizona to Southern China was a huge leap of faith for him. As a third culture child myself, the burden fell on me to make this experience memorable and enjoyable for my family.
One of the aspects I am most appreciative of in the BASIS Bilingual School Guangming Shenzhen community is its incredibly welcoming and supportive environment. From the very first day, it was evident that this is a community where all staff are encouraged to contribute and feel valued. This community fosters a sense of belonging that is truly special. From our Autumn Festival to our Thanksgiving Potluck, we have felt the warmth and heartfelt welcome from local and expat staff alike. We feel very blessed to be a part of this new and growing group of dedicated professionals who have truly helped us make Shenzhen a home away from home.
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Reza Ghanavati
Chair of MS & HS Mathematics
BASIS International & Bilingual Schools Wuhan
I feel incredibly appreciated and genuinely part of a supportive community here at BASIS. We all work together with a shared goal of creating a brighter future for our pupils. Being part of BASIS means I can focus entirely on my role as a teacher without having to worry about anything else. They take care of everything for us—accommodation, paperwork, teaching essentials, materials, high-quality classrooms, and so much more. Having worked in schools across three continents, I can confidently say I’ve never felt more supported or valued by my team of leaders and colleagues. It’s a privilege to be part of such a collaborative and caring environment.
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Rahila Hussain
Head of Early Childhood Education
BASIS International School Guangzhou
As we celebrate Thanksgiving this year at BIGZ, I feel immense gratitude for our close-knit community. In just four months as the Head of Division for Early Childhood Education, I have witnessed the true spirit of togetherness among our educators, parents, and support staff. Their unwavering commitment to nurturing and enriching our children’s learning environment is inspiring.
The collaborative atmosphere in our classrooms fosters not only student engagement but also meaningful connections among teachers, who continuously share insights and support each other. Our families contribute to this warmth, reinforcing our community values and enhancing our educational programs through active involvement.
Most importantly, watching our children thrive, filled with enthusiasm and curiosity, brings incredible joy. This dedication creates a positive and inclusive atmosphere, ensuring every child feels valued. Together, we are shaping a remarkable educational journey while celebrating the bonds that make BIGZ a special place for learning and growth.
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Mark Jenkins
High School English Teacher
BASIS International School Shenzhen
I’m grateful this Thanksgiving season to join a supportive, tight-knit community dedicated to challenging students and teachers. Even before I arrived this summer in Shenzhen with my family, I was invited to contribute to choosing this year’s texts for English courses, and I had the opportunity to propose and teach an English Capstone on Virtual Reality. My English Department chair and a veteran teacher were also both quick to answer questions about Shenzhen and the school leading up to the school year. Collaborating frequently with my English department colleagues with ideas on lessons, assignments, and approaches has further enriched my experience as a new teacher at BASIS International School Shenzhen. My High School Administration and English department chair have also been instrumental in helping me acclimate to BASIS’s student-centered approach to teaching.
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Jessi Neff
ECE Chair, ELL Coordinator
BASIS Bilingual Kindergarten Nanshan
I appreciate that we let teachers demonstrate their knowledge and skills through PD opportunities that are relevant to teachers.
I’ve seen the BASIS Bilingual Kindergarten Nanshan campus go from under construction to empty to being filled with students’ work and displays that show the learning journey, and I appreciate that it’s something we’re committed to creating together.
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Shazia Khan
Grade 1 Humanities Teacher
BASIS International School Hangzhou
I enjoy being part of the BIHZ crew!
- Our diverse and inclusive vibe makes everyone feel at home.
- Parents, you’re the best! Your involvement makes us a tight-knit family.
- Colleagues, you rock! Always lending a helping hand.
- And the sense of belonging? Pure magic!
Conclusion
At BASIS International & Bilingual Schools, gratitude goes beyond a moment—it’s a daily reminder of the privilege to teach, learn, and be a part of these vibrant and supportive communities. These reflections embody the spirit of what makes BASIS International & Bilingual Schools a special place for educators and students alike.
Visit our careers website for more information about teaching with BASIS International & Bilingual Schools.
