how we teach

Ian Piper has taught a range of subjects – including Economics, Mathematics, Business Management, ICT, and PE – in both British and international schools. He has worked at schools in Austria, France, Switzerland, Turkey, Zambia, and the UK. 

He has studied at several different British universities for his undergraduate and post-graduate education, including BSc (Hons) from the University of Essex; PGCE from Exeter University; MSc from Southampton University; and most recently, a MEd from Bath University.

He is passionate about educating young people and he believes in engaging learners to think both critically and creatively, as well as developing as a whole person. Ian believes that success is most consistently achieved through developing effective teams and enhancing the individual qualities and talents of each team member.

Ian is British, originally from the rural southwest of England, and he maintains a strong connection to this area. His French wife and two children joined him in Washington. Outside of work, he enjoys sports – most recently completing the Vienna half-marathon – and he likes to explore his creative side by painting abstract art. He is also known to have a British sense of humour.

After graduating with a degree in history and politics from Keele University, Katie Benson decided to follow in the family business and train as a teacher. Following the completion of her PGCE at Leeds University, she subsequently taught in the city for the next two years. Her first overseas post from the UK was in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, followed by another position in North Carolina. Prior to joining BISW in August 2014, she worked at the British International School of Budapest – another member of the Nord Anglia family.

During her career, Katie has held numerous leadership positions with both academic and pastoral responsibilities. She has obtained a leadership qualification from the National College of Teaching and Leadership and has completed the Nord Anglia Senior Leadership programme. She also facilitates leadership training for teachers across the Americas who are looking at developing their own careers.

Developing strong relationships with the families that we serve is crucial to Katie, with the goals that children should be happy and successful. Therefore, Katie strives to work in close partnership to achieve this. She is so proud to be the Head of such a wonderful school and lead a team of exceptionally talented and committed teachers. Katie believes our students are so well-motivated, respectful, interesting, and genuinely a pleasure to work with. Having such a diverse student body makes our children understand, appreciate, and celebrate different cultures, which makes BISW a truly special place.

Outside of school, Katie loves to travel and explore new places, and she spends most holidays doing so. Having visited around 60 countries so far, she still has many more on her bucket list! Katie also enjoys all aspects of theatre: acting, directing, and being an audience member.

Nick has been in senior leadership positions within excellent international schools for the last 13 years, and he is very excited to now be in Washington, DC with his family.

He believes in a values-led approach to education with the welfare of all our community at the centre of all we do.

Nick is an avid reader of politics and history and loves most sports – particularly his beloved Portsmouth FC – and likes to play the guitar and drums.

Amanda comes from a background in higher education, having worked with many top tier universities in the United States. She has worked with the University of Southern California, Southern Methodist University, Simmons University, and, most recently, she was the Director of Admissions for American University's Kogod School of Business.
 
Amanda decided to transition from working in higher education to working in a pre-nursery, primary, and secondary school because she believes that every child is deserving of a transformative education at an early age. She is very excited to be working at BISW to oversee our marketing and recruitment efforts while ensuring that the parent and student experience is warm and welcoming. She was attracted to BISW because of its authentically diverse staff and students. Going beyond BISW’s intimate class sizes, our students represent over 70 countries worldwide and go on to attend leading universities around the world. 

In her free time, she enjoys traveling, watching and attempting new recipes from the Food Network channel, and volunteering with Homeward Trails Animal Rescue.

Lorraine is from Canada and spent many years living in Ottawa prior to moving to DC in November 2020. She attended school at the Northern Alberta Institute of Technology in Edmonton, Alberta, where she completed her business degree and earned her CPA accounting designation.

 

Prior to joining BISW, Lorraine was the accounting manager for a large staffing agency and the manager of corporate operations for a national real estate management company. Here at BISW, she is responsible for the finance, IT and facilities teams.

 

Outside of BISW, Lorraine enjoys running, hiking and spending time at the cottage with her dog and husband.