SCIE: Fulfillment and Pride

As educators, the feeling of making an impact on the mind of a young learner is integral in our drive to become better. The feeling of making a difference, of being the catalyst that makes the light bulb go off is what we all strive for. The feeling that you are an active role model in the world of one the future’s brightest minds. The feeling of fulfillment, like you’ve done your part to make the world a brighter place. The feeling of pride when you see your pupils excel beyond expectation. These are feelings us educators know all too well. Feelings that come in abundance at SCIE.

When starting at SCIE, what made a major impact on my professional trajectory were the colleagues I was surrounded by. I was continually inspired by just how brilliant everyone in my office was. Being a multi-cultural team of teachers provided immensely different perspectives on pedagogy and pastoral care. Regularly scheduled internal CPD sessions provide a platform for the most experienced and qualified among us to share their perspectives on teaching and learning. As a new teacher, these sessions were immensely helpful in learning the ebb and flow of how our school works, and what to expect in the classroom.

My first couple of days at SCIE were overwhelming to say the least. All the new acronyms, offices, the labyrinthian lay out of the school, were all challenges to overcome. Thankfully, due to the support of my colleagues, my anxieties were short lived. I’ve found that the community of educators at SCIE are incredibly supportive. From our top pastoral care person and pastoral principal, Karen Clancy, to the everyday teachers you’re surrounded by, most teachers are quick to provide a supporting shoulder in a time of confusion.

Halfway through my time here at SCIE, I made a pretty stark turn in my career path, transitioning from an English classroom teacher to working in our University and Careers department. The learning curve was steep, but thanks to my colleagues and department head, Robert Kozicki, the transition was seamless. No question was too irrelevant, no mistake shamed, and all of the experienced counselors provided great patience in guiding us new counselors down the right path.  In my experience, SCIE has truly been  one of the most supportive and collaborative places I’ve worked.

But no teacher is worth their salt without students, and in that regard SCIE truly excels in being the gold standard in job satisfaction. To be blunt, our students are brilliant, almost to an intimidating degree. You will be respectfully challenged in the classroom constantly. It’s an absolute necessity to stay flexible and think outside the box with your lesson planning as students will explore your class from every angle. Personally, this is the challenge I enjoyed most as a classroom teacher. It assures that your daily routine stays fresh, that your lessons are constantly engaging for both you and your students, and that you leave the office with a healthy sense of satisfaction.

Outside of the classroom and office, the benefits at SCIE are vast. The six periods of personal time give a much-needed mid-week respite that allow teachers to stay at the top of their game. They’ve provided by far the best housing accommodation I’ve received in China, and the staff council regularly schedules events to keep a neighborly atmosphere. From pet friendly living accommodations, salsa lessons, swimming clubs, Halloween parties, and mindfulness sessions, one could easily make a home here at SCIE.

In my experience of working in China for over a decade, there aren’t many schools that make you feel the way SCIE does. After being here for four years I can confidently say that I feel professionally fulfilled, and proud to be an SCIE educator.