HOW WE TEACH

Our dedicated, inspiring teachers are recruited for their ability to create the leaders of tomorrow and inspire every student to achieve their potential. Teachers work with our in-school experts to adapt the curriculum continually, tailoring it to challenge and support students in unique, individualized ways. Our small classes sizes allow teachers to know each child as an individual and encourage them to make exceptional progress as they learn.

OUTSTANDING TEACHERS MAKE OUTSTANDING SCHOOLS

ONLY THE BEST

Teachers make a school. And, at the British International School of Chicago, Lincoln Park, we recruit only the most highly qualified educators from across the globe. 99% of our parents believe their child is taught by high-quality teachers and that they have a good relationship with them.

To be part of our team, we expect teachers to be fully on board with our values, be able to encourage creativity and growth in our children and, of course, be experienced educators. The teachers at BISC-LP embody the school spirit of excellence—which translates to excellent results for our students. 

primary

SEnior Leadership Team
Phase Leaders

MEET OUR TEAM

Simon Sharp

Principal

Principle Simon Sharp has worked across the entire primary age range in the UK, and joined us from our sister school in Kuala Lumpur, where he was Head of Primary. He’s an experienced leader, used to raising the standards of his schools and developing curricula that progress learners into well-rounded members of our society. Originally from the UK, Simon now lives in Chicago with his wife, and two children, who both attend the school.

Matt Gregory

Assistant Head Community and Professional Learning

Matt began his teaching career in the same school he attended as a child and moved to Chicago in 2013. His teaching style reflects the diversity and cultural richness he’s come to love in our city. His tenure at our school has been marked by the learning enthusiasm of his students. Matt’s two children are both students at BISC-LP.

Alice Gaskell

Assistant Head Academics

Alice, originally from North Yorkshire, gained an undergraduate degree in Music Technology from the University of Huddersfield and then spent a year as a Kindergarten Teacher in Taiwan before completing a PGCE and subsequent Masters at the University of Exeter. She wholeheartedly believes that global opportunities enhance every student's learning experience

Erin Woodhams

Director Marketing, Admissions and Communications

A native Chicagoan, Erin grew up in the area around BISC-LP. She’s been with us since 2015 and is amazed by the passion and care our teachers put into supporting every individual child. She has two children, both students at the school, and is thrilled to see them run into school each day, excited for a day in the classroom.

Marjorie Rock

Business Manager

Marjorie grew up in Northern Chicago. After majoring in Accounting and Economics at DePaul University Driehaus College of Business, she joined BISC-LP in 2016. Since then, she’s been a key part of the school’s ecosystem as our staff accountant. She tells us her time at our school has been a wonderful journey, and that she’s incredibly happy to work at a place that brings her so many opportunities and learning experiences.

Harold Barr

HR Director

Harold has been at BISC-LP for three years and is a native of Chicago. He received a bachelor’s degree in Business in 2011 from Lane College and is committed to supporting our school’s diverse cultural mix–and ensuring the children in attendance benefit from the excitement and creativity an innovative curriculum can have. Harold’s two children attend BISC-LP.

MEET OUR TEAM

Emma Taylor

Director of Pre-Nursery (Toddlers, Twos & Young Threes)

Emma has been with BISC-LP since 2017. Her position as a Pre-Nursery Leader and Program Director has allowed her to combine her knowledge of teaching and caring for young children, with the passion for creating nurturing environments, and for putting children and their families at the center of everything I do.

Ali Matthews

Head of Early Years (Nursery & Reception Years)

Ali grew up in the South East of England (Kent) and has always been interested in how children learn. She believes that Personalized learning is fundamental in Early Years, as this is when a child’s approach to learning is developed.

Carla Williamson

Head of Phase One (Years 1, 2 & 3)

Carla attended Liverpool Hope University obtaining a BA (Hons) in Primary Education with History Subject specialism. She will be entering her 10th year at BISC-LP and looks forward to getting to know a new group of children and their families.

Rick Smith

Head of Phase Two (Years 4, 5 & 6)

Rick is an experienced educator with 20 years of teaching and school leadership experience. I truly believe that there’s no limit to what every student can achieve if they are given the right opportunities to succeed. Rick and his wife love everything about Chicago and the school and are very happy to have their young daughter attend the school.

“Our curriculum recognizes how individual every child is and that everyone is at a different stage of their learning journey. We provide appropriate levels of support and challenge, which allow children to feel safe and secure in trying new things, and to build on their successes.”

Miss Williamson

Year 1 Leader

PREPARING YOUR CHILD FOR THE FUTURE

TEACHER-LED TECHNOLOGY

At BISC-LP, technology is seamlessly integrated into our school so that children of any age can use it to learn more and have more fun. Our teachers use technology in traditional learning to make sure it is accessible and approachable.

Students have access to a wide range of technology from an early age such as classroom laptops, iPads, and robotics equipment.

HELPING OUR TEACHERS GROW

TEACHER QUALITY

Children learn best when they’re happy—and they’re always happy when our teachers bring the highest education standards into the classroom!

Our teacher’s international experience already gives them an advantage as educators and our world-class online training and collaboration via Nord Anglia University, means our staff stay at the forefront of global education practices.

Many of our teachers learn from subject-specific annual training from leading educational organizations such as MIT, Juilliard, and King’s College London. In fact, Nord Anglia offers every teacher a leadership pathway through our management training courses, culminating in our exclusive Master’s in International Education at King’s College itself.

TEACHING AND LEARNING STANDARDS

QUALITY ASSURANCE

With the support of the world-leading experts of Nord Anglia’s Education Advisory Board, we ensure our teaching practices remain exceptional. Our teachers are continually assessed against local and national benchmarks, as well as Nord Anglia’s Quality Assurance framework. As a school, we’re accredited through the Council of International Schools and both the IEYC and IPC—an accreditation that is reviewed every 3-5 years.

We conduct rigorous background checks on every member of staff, all of whom receive frequent training in child protection and safeguarding. This underlines our commitment to providing a safe and supportive learning environment for your child.