International-mindedness is at the core of who I am. I began my teaching career nine years ago at Bishop Mackenzie International School (BMIS) in Lilongwe, Malawi, which is also my alma mater. Starting in a familiar environment, surrounded by the culture and community I grew up in, was the perfect beginning. As a product of international school education, I was fortunate to gain a global perspective from within the school walls, which significantly shaped my understanding of the world. It has been a privilege to give back to the community that helped shape me and to share my cultural knowledge and experiences with a new generation of students.

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Over the past few years, I have had the opportunity to grow both personally and professionally. From leading the student council and being part of the school's Mission, Vision, and Values committee to becoming the Head of the Visual Arts department, I have embraced various leadership roles. I attribute this professional growth to the students and colleagues who have encouraged and inspired me to take on these positions.

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Now, I'm ready and excited to apply everything I have learned and the experiences I have gained within these school walls to new opportunities and unfamiliar territories. As a Visual Arts teacher, my teaching philosophy focuses on creating a joyful, inclusive, and supportive learning environment where students can freely explore and express themselves through art. I aim to nurture confident and curious students who can use art to delve into their histories, cultures, and identities as they find their place in the world as global citizens. In addition to classroom teaching, I am dedicated to community involvement through activities such as mentoring the student council, building sets for school plays, and organizing annual family fun days, art festivals, and exhibitions to boost school spirit and student well-being.

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Establishing strong, supportive relationships with students, colleagues, and parents is a priority for me because I believe that a strong community is essential for impactful teaching and learning. One of my proudest moments as a teacher was being invited to be the guest speaker at the graduation of the Class of 2021, the first cohort I taught. This experience felt like coming full circle and highlighted the strong rapport I had built with them. A message from a former student reflects the essence of who I am as a teacher: "Ms. B! Thank you for helping me discover a love for art and making school easier. Thank you for being there during some of the hardest moments of my life, even if you didn't know it."

IB DP & MYP
Arts Educator