Michael Davison is Chair of ICT and an ICT & Computer Science Teacher at BASIS International School Shenzhen. Having started his journey in 2019 as a teacher, Michael later transitioned to a teacher-leader role. This position stemmed from a network-wide ICT committee recognizing the need for a department chair at each school. In his role, Michael collaborates with other chairs across the network, oversees curriculum implementation, and guides fellow teachers. He greatly appreciates the culture of ongoing learning, fostering the professional development of both his colleagues and himself.
From Arizona to Shenzhen
My previous experience at an IB school in Arizona, USA influenced my decision to work at BASIS International & Bilingual Schools China. I noticed that some of our most talented students often left to join BASIS Curriculum Schools. Additionally, whenever a BASIS Curriculum student joined our program, they were significantly ahead of their peers. This piqued my interest in BASIS Curriculum Schools. When my wife and I decided to move back to Shenzhen, her hometown, we began looking at international schools in the area. Once we discovered BASIS International School Shenzhen, I knew that was where I wanted to be, and it was the perfect school for our daughters to attend.
I started working at BASIS International School Shenzhen in 2019, initially teaching engineering, coding, and web design. I’m grateful for the opportunity to have taught engineering in the primary school division because it significantly impacted my teaching approach, helping me simplify my teaching methods and be more aware of the developmental appropriateness in the curriculum. It also allowed me to identify connections between different grade levels and plan lessons that integrated the abilities of primary-aged students with those of older students. This experience ultimately led me to focus on curriculum curation and development.
Shaping Educators and Curriculum
I was invited to join the BASIS International & Bilingual Schools China network ICT Committee, where I collaborated with other teachers to reevaluate and enhance our primary school engineering program. As the committee recognized the need for a chair at each school, I was elected to serve in this capacity for my school–a position I currently hold within the network.
Becoming a teacher leader, or Chair, was driven by my passion for curriculum and its impact on students. This role allows me to oversee the development process and ensure the curriculum is delivered effectively. It also allows me to support and develop other teachers as we grow our program. I find great satisfaction in teaching, even outside the classroom, and working with my colleagues can be just as rewarding as working with younger students.
Learning how to function and succeed as a Chair has been a result of practice and the freedom to experiment. I’ve had the support of administrators who encouraged me to try new things and learn form both successes and failures. I am continually evolving in my role as a chair, demonstrating genuine dedication to learning and a deep passion for my department.
What I enjoy most about being a teacher leader is witnessing the growth of other teachers as they develop their skills and competencies. I also learn a great deal from observing the exceptional teaching faculty at BASIS International School Shenzhen. Collaboration with other chairs across the network is another aspect I appreciate, as it allows me to gain insights from multiple perspectives on pedagogy.
A Culture of Support & Continual Growth
BASIS International Schools support teachers in exploring different roles by fostering a culture of experimentation and providing a supportive environment. They encourage us to step outside our comfort zones and grow as professionals.
The organizational culture at BASIS International & Bilingual Schools China revolves around results and progression. As soon as you join, you become part of numerous micro-networks that support and help you develop in various ways. At your school, you connect with colleagues in your department and division who provide support and encouragement. At the network level, you engage with teachers at other schools who teach the same content. These environments act as incubators for ideas, promoting collaboration and the discovery of innovative approaches to teaching and learning.
Professional Growth
Being involved in the well-established and expanding BASIS International & Bilingual Schools China network has enhanced by opportunities for professional growth. Throughout my time here, I’ve witnessed the network’s growth and my department’s evolution. Working at BASIS International School Shenzhen has allowed me to develop technical and interpersonal management skills to deliver an excellent teaching experience for our students. It has also provided me with opportunities to contribute to the high standards of education across the network.
For teachers who want to grow professionally within the BASIS International & Bilingual Schools China network, my advice is to embrace the culture of continual growth that already exists. The BASIS International Schools prioritize improvement and development, so you don’t need to make extra efforts to pursue professional growth. Look for ways to enhance systems, increase efficiency, and share your approaches with your teams. Focus on personal and professional growth; as BASIS International & Bilingual Schools China grows, so do we, in a mutually beneficial pursuit of educational excellence.
Michael Davison
Chair of ICT
ICT & Computer Science Teacher
BASIS International School Shenzhen
