Blessings Banda
"I am a product of international education. Having gone to an international school for both my primary and secondary school education, I was able to experience the world from within the school walls."
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International-mindedness is at the core of who I am. I began my teaching career 13 years ago at Bishop Mackenzie International School in Lilongwe, Malawi, which is also my alma mater. As a product of international school education, I developed a global perspective from within the school walls, an experience that significantly shaped my understanding of education and the world. It was 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.
After many years of teaching in Malawi, I moved to Taiwan to join Taipei European School. Teaching and leading in a new cultural and educational context has deepened my understanding of international-mindedness and encouraged me to reflect on how students’ identities, languages and experiences influence the ways they learn and create.
My teaching philosophy centres on creating a joyful, inclusive and supportive environment where students feel safe to explore, take creative risks and express themselves. Through inquiry-based learning, I encourage students to investigate diverse artistic perspectives, connect art with the world around them and develop confidence in their creative voices. I value experimentation, reflection and revision as much as the final outcome, and I encourage students to view uncertainty and mistakes as opportunities for discovery.
Strong and supportive relationships are central to my practice. One of my proudest moments as an educator was being invited to speak at the graduation of the Class of 2021, the first cohort I taught. A message from a former student continues to capture the kind of teacher I strive to be: “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.” Ultimately, I hope students leave my classroom confident in their ideas, curious about the world and empowered to use art as a way of understanding themselves and connecting with others.
IB MYP & DP
Visual Arts Educator
Art Educator and Artist
I believe it is important to continue developing my own artistic practice alongside my work as an educator. Making art keeps my practical skills sharp, allows me to remain connected to the creative process my students experience and provides an important outlet for personal expression.
My artwork celebrates Black women and retells their stories. Inspired by the many women in my life, each painting aims to visualise different aspects of Black women’s experiences. I use vibrant colours and geometric shapes to celebrate the richness of African cultures while challenging the negative ideas historically and socially associated with Black women
