The decision to join a school says a lot about an opportunity. Returning to a school says even more about the people, culture, and experience found there. For Aaron Clegg, Grade 7 English Teacher, returning to BASIS International School Hangzhou was a chance to reconnect with the colleagues, students, and collaborative environment that had shaped six years of his career. After pursuing a new professional opportunity, he found himself drawn back to the school community that had come to feel like home.
A Founding Teacher’s Journey
My journey started when I was fortunate enough to join BASIS International School Hangzhou at the beginning of its founding year in 2018. The energy (and sometimes chaos) of being part of a new school was often daunting, but I quickly felt at home thanks to the camaraderie of my colleagues, many of whom are still working here—a real testament to the school’s positive culture and the level of support. I was, for most of the time, a Middle School English teacher (and my first cohort of Grade 6 students is about to graduate!), but I also found myself taking on Primary School English and even Grade 5 Geography for a short while. No two years felt the same, and I was lucky to be in an environment that places great value on personal growth.
Finding a Home in Hangzhou
I absolutely love Hangzhou. It has come to feel like home for me, 10 years and a bit since I left the U.K. for China, without much of an idea of whether my going abroad would be a new life or a brief sojourn. Here in Hangzhou, there is something for everyone, whether you seek nature in the breathtaking West Lake and its surrounding hiking routes or a more modern, international downtown feeling.
Taking on a New Challenge
After completing two three-year contracts, there arose an opportunity to pursue further professional growth at a different, newly opening school. I knew my experience at BASIS International School Hangzhou could allow me to contribute something, and I felt I could bring the skills and experience I had developed at BASIS International Schools to positively impact a new school. It felt very strange to clear my desk for the last time after six years at BASIS International School Hangzhou, but I also knew the value of doing my best right to the very end and leaving on good terms, as you never know what the future will hold.
Realizing What I Missed
My experience outside of BASIS International & Bilingual Schools • China was positive; I learned a lot, but in my heart I knew I missed the colleagues, students, and school culture at BASIS International School Hangzhou. I was lucky enough that there was a window allowing my return, and this year, I have smoothly settled back in alongside colleagues and friends old and new, and am enjoying teaching Grade 7 English.
Returning to the BASIS International School Hangzhou
I’m so delighted to be back working in a challenging, energetic, and collaborative environment where I can feel that my hard work will make a difference and my personal goals will also be supported by the school administration. Like before, I still don’t know exactly what the future will hold, but I do know I’m happy to be where I am now.
Aaron Clegg
Grade 7 English Teacher
BASIS International School Hangzhou
For more information on teaching with BASIS International Schools, visit our careers website.
