After years of teaching in Nanjing, Christopher Olford was drawn to BASIS International & Bilingual Schools for its reputation for excellence. At BASIS International School Nanjing, he found an inspiring faculty culture where feedback is a daily habit, curiosity is contagious, and growth is a collective pursuit. Here, staying ahead of the curve means continually refining your teaching practice surrounded by colleagues who challenge and support you.
Tell us about your background and what led you to join BASIS International & Bilingual schools.
After earning a master’s in mechanical engineering in England, I did the only logical thing: move to China to teach English to kids. I landed in Nanjing in 2015, and it has been my home ever since. Being in education all this time, it was inevitable that I found out about the prestige that BASIS International & Bilingual Schools held in this city. Joining this institution became a goal of mine, not just to teach meaningful content but to help students grow into people who can do meaningful things in the world.
How has professional development at BASIS International & Bilingual Schools impacted your teaching practice and shaped the school culture?
Professional development has always been a priority for me. Let’s face it: teaching is a job that is always changing and full of surprises. No one ever truly “masters” it—there’s always something new to learn, something to adjust in your practice, or something you can do to better connect with students. At BASIS International School Nanjing, I’ve found a team of educators who inspire me daily. Whether it’s sharing ideas in workshops or reflecting on feedback after class observations, everyone brings something valuable to the table. It’s this culture of collaboration and improvement that keeps BASIS International & Bilingual Schools ahead of the curve, even as education evolves faster than ever.
How does the community and support at BASIS International & Bilingual Schools help teachers grow?
What makes BASIS International School Nanjing stand out? The community. The school’s structure ensures everyone is on the same page, with clear, transparent communication across departments. This helps teachers like me focus on what matters: improving our craft. Whenever you need advice, there’s always a seasoned teacher nearby willing to brainstorm solutions. Additionally, the school’s focus on clear long-term goals gives us direction without micromanaging. I also admire how we solve problems as a team instead of playing the blame game. Furthermore, seeing how subjects like P.E., Humanities, and Drama overlap is fascinating. Sessions involving members of each department can turn up some riveting discussions.
Is there a particular experience from the professional development that stood out to you this year?
When it comes to professional development, I’m very hands-on and prefer sessions that focus on problem-solving or directly align with my goals. I really enjoyed the workshops where we split into our own departments to plan lessons or create materials for specific objectives—it felt purposeful and practical. I also really enjoy our weekly collaboration time (when schedules allow!). There’s something satisfying about working closely with co-teachers to anticipate challenges, brainstorm solutions, and then see those efforts pay off in the classroom. I suppose this mindset stems from my engineering roots—old habits die hard, and apparently, I’m still clinging to mine!
Christopher Olford
Grade 3 Humanities Teacher
BASIS International School Nanjing
For more information about teaching abroad with BASIS International Schools, visit our careers website.
Watch the recording of our live webinar about teaching at BASIS International School Nanjing on our YouTube channel.
