Author: Korinne Algie, reporter from International School Parent magazine

Have there been any particular challenges so far and how did you overcome them? 

My new role requires a lot of balance in many different areas. My degree in business helps me identify and solve challenges on the administrative side, whereas my experience in education as a teacher and as head of primary (2 - 6) enables me to find the best solution in terms of educational challenges.  
 
These different perspectives allow me to consider what is best for the students, the parents, and the community, as well as the teachers’ needs whilst keeping in mind the business-side of the school. It is always crucial to respect every student. They all have their own personal history, and it is a great responsibility, but also honour, to be able to accompany them on their journey. We overcome difficulties together, and of course also celebrate their success. 
 
I was part of the SIS leadership programme which helped me deepen my knowledge and apply it directly into practice. My personal development and selfreflection are a big part of my preparations for my new role and the challenges that lie ahead. I emphasise innovative approaches and clear and concise communication. In my experience, this is how we can overcome many challenges, build strong relationships, and achieve success together.  

I was part of the SIS leadership programme which helped me deepen my knowledge and apply it directly into practice.

I had a lovely experience once, when I was in a café and one of my former students came up to me and said, “Hallo Frau Spielmann” in perfect German - out of the blue. That was very nice because he’s at university now. I was touched that he could remember things that we did in class. As a teacher that was very rewarding.

It all comes back to the students again; the work that we do, the difficulties that we overcome together. You get a sense for this years later, when they still talk about their school days, or take the time to greet you. 
 

Your professional journey includes time in Bangkok. How have your international experiences shaped your philosophy and leadership? 

Bangkok was unforgettable. I often look back on that time fondly, as I do with the time I spent in the United States. My time in Bangkok showed me how different cultures approach learning and this is very important in today’s globalised world. 
 
I have seen various parts of the world and learnt about the challenges and opportunities of those places. I was also able to see other ways of teaching, how classes interact, and the way the classrooms are set up. 
 
In Thailand we once went on a class trip to a National Park in Bangkok where there were crocodiles and we slept in tents!  
 
My experiences have shown me that education can be different but also very much the same. The development of children is what is crucial and that doesn’t change whether you are in Thailand or the United States or Switzerland.  
 
My experiences in Bangkok ultimately led me to apply to an International School. In the end, I accepted the position here at SIS. I’m still very happy with that decision, which is why I have stayed here for so long! 

 
Could you tell us about a particularly impactful project or initiative you’ve led at SIS Basel that you’d like to replicate or adapt for the Allschwil campus? 

There have been so many projects in my 11+ years. One of my favourites is certainly the ski camp, which I enjoy organising and leading. But there is also sports day and project week - the list is very long. 
 
Furthermore, I love events such as the poetry slam which unites and celebrates languages, or the winter/summer festival where parents, students and teachers come together.  
 
Not to forget all the holidays we celebrate throughout the year, e.g. Diwali, Fasnacht, Chinese New Year, Reading Aloud Day, Vogel Gryff - it’s especially nice to get to know and celebrate national and international holidays and traditions. 
 
You have taught everything from German to information technology. How do you balance the idea of having an interdisciplinary approach with also needing to be specialised? 
It’s very common in Switzerland that you teach a range of subjects in primary school. I see it less as a balancing act and more as a teaching tool. When I teach German for example, I will make connections to the current geography topic. Linking different subjects to each other is very important and reflects daily life. 
 
At SIS, we also ensure that teachers attend regular professional trainings. These trainings help us to deepen a specific subject or widen our horizons by taking other courses in different areas.