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how we teach

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Our teachers combine a wealth of experience with a passion for education.  We'll inspire your child to achieve more than they ever imagined possible.
ABOUT OUR TEACHERS

WHAT YOU CAN EXPECT

Being a member of Nord Anglia Education, the global family of premium international schools, means we attract the world’s most sought after international educators. It's one of the many reasons why 95% of parents say their child receives 'a high quality education at BISC - South Loop'.
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primary
  • Senior Leadership Team
  • Primary Leadership
  • Secondary Leadership
  • Secondary Leadership

Meet our Team

Every member of the South Loop team contributes to our reputation as a world-renowned educational institution.
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Executive Principal
Mike Henderson
Mike spent 20 years working in England before securing his dream job in the US.
Mike Henderson - Principal
Mike hails from a long line of teachers and spent the first 20 years of his career as a math teacher in England. He took on more responsibility with each role, before eventually achieving his childhood dream of becoming a headteacher. He led a secondary school for three years before the opportunity arose for him to take his skills to Washington, D.C. as Head of Secondary at the British International School. Mike is passionate about empowering his teachers to help students master their subject matter, while having fun and making memories along the way.
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Nikki Able
Head of Secondary
Nikki’s dream was to work in the Americas—and it came true at South Loop! 
Nikki Able - Head of Secondary
Nikki was born and raised in Southeast England before attaining a degree in Philosophy and Psychology. She then went on to gain a Master’s in Educational Leadership, before starting her teaching career in the West Midlands. Nikki then relocated to Devon in the southwest to take up a position as Vice-Principal at an outstanding secondary school. It had long been her ambition to work in the Americas—so she was delighted when she joined the Nord Anglia family in beautiful Chicago! 

 
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Jo Gardiner
Head of Primary
Having taught all primary age ranges, Jo has a wealth of knowledge on the subjects and areas that matter most to primary children.
Jo Gardiner - Head of Primary
Jo has a BSc in Sports and Health Sciences from Coventry University and completed her PGCE at the University of Surrey. Most recently she was awarded the National Professional Qualification for Headship (NPQH) from the Department of Education in the UK. Jo has been working in the independent sector in the UK, mainly in London and Surrey for the past 22 years.
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Harold Barr
Director of Human Resources

Harold is committed to supporting our school’s diverse cultural mix.

Harold Barr - Director of Human Resources

Harold is committed to supporting our school’s diverse cultural mix.

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Director of Admissions, Marketing, and Communications
Director of Admissions, Marketing, and Communications
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Shelley Sheward
Finance and Operations Manager
With a background in accounting, Shelley spent much of her early career in the retail financial services industry.  Actively volunteering in her children’s schools led her to a professional move into education.
Shelley Sheward - Finance and Operations Manager
Upon graduation from Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, Shelley began her career at Deloitte & Touche in Southern California, specializing in financial services audit. Her desire to live abroad saw her move to the UK, continuing to develop her presence in the retail financial services industry and, as a Director at Deloitte, helping to build the firm’s financial services practice outside of London. Shelley then joined Egg PLC (subsequently Citibank UK) in Internal Audit and latterly as Retail Credit Risk Manager.  Returning to the US, Shelley took a career break to raise her family, taking on a variety of volunteer roles in her children’s schools including roles as Treasurer on two PTFA Boards and as a parent rep.  Having a daughter who graduated from BISCSL as well as a current high schooler, Shelley brings a unique mix of parent and professional combined with an international perspective to our Finance and Operations Team.

MEET OUR STAFF

Every member of the South Loop team contributes to our reputation as a world-renowned educational institution.
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Kate Kaplun
Assistant Head of Primary - Pastoral
Kate has been with South Loop for over 10 years and is proud to now help other teachers in training. 
Kate Kaplun - Head of Primary

Kate comes from a family of teachers and following their footsteps was always her dream. She began her career in England, teaching in two primary schools before looking to continue her professional development internationally. She has been teaching at South Loop since 2010, and loves spending her days collaborating with an immensely talented team of educators. Kate is also proud to be responsible for developing teaching and learning in ICT across the school, and loves being involved with the mentoring and moderating of trainee teachers.

 

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Melissa Arana
Assistant Head of Primary - Academic
Melissa has been at South Loop for almost 20 years, during which time she’s held a range of pivotal responsibilities. 
Melissa Arana - Assistant Head of Primary (Academics and Professional Development)
Melissa grew up in England and began her teaching career at a boarding school and then an independent day school in London. Since arriving at the British International School of Chicago in 2002, she has held various responsibilities, including implementing the International Primary Curriculum and leading us through the Council of International Schools accreditation. Melissa has enjoyed working across different Key stages and is proud of South Loop’s ethos of providing every student with a personalized learning experience to enable them to flourish and develop a lifelong love of learning. 

 
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Chloe Robson
Head of Early Years & Key Stage 1
Chloe believes every child should be empowered with the tools to lead their own learning.
Chloe Robson - Head of Early Years & Key Stage 1
Chloe grew up in Scotland, and for as long as she can remember it was her dream to become a primary teacher. Throughout her training she was privileged to gain experience in a variety of schools, both inner city and rural. She is experienced in leading literacy to ensure high attainment levels in reading, as well as in leading the transition from nursery to primary school. Chloe views every child as the center of learning, and believes education should be fun, active, and interesting, while developing students’ skills so they can lead their own learning in a supervised environment. 
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Demelza Wheeler-Ozanne
Head of Key Stage 2
Demelza has loved Chicago since she was little—so her role at South Loop was a match made in heaven. 
Demelza Wheeler-Ozanne - Head of Key Stage 2
Demelza had visited Chicago many times as a child—so when she saw the advertisement for South Loop, she knew it was meant to be. She began her career in Scotland, where she worked to develop a rural school’s assessment strategies. Since having moved to South Loop in 2009, she has continued to focus on her professional development. Demelza has worked in different age groups through the primary school and led a number of curricular areas. In 2014 she led the International Primary Curriculum, and was proud to become Head of Key Stage 2 in addition to her role as a Year 6 teacher. 
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Daniel Quinn
Primary Technology Leader
Daniel has a strong philosophy surrounding education—so South Loop was the perfect school for him. 
Daniel Quinn - Primary Technology Leader
Daniel began his teacher training in Scotland, during which time he gained valuable experience in inner city schools and rural settings alike. He has been lucky enough to travel a lot, so moving to a thriving city like Chicago to do a job he loved was a dream come true! As soon as Daniel read about South Loop’s philosophy, he knew it was meant to be, as it resonated with his own view that education should foster a child’s creativity and encourage them to challenge themselves in a safe environment.
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Greg Nowak
Primary Topic Leader
Greg joined South Loop in 2009 and says every year since then has been as good as the last! 
Greg Nowak - Primary Topic Leader
Greg initially trained in criminology and social policy, gaining fantastic experience as a care worker for children with special needs. He then worked as a primary school teacher before leaving England in 2009 for South Loop, where he was instantly struck by the staff’s enthusiasm, and how they always strove to get the best out of their students. During his time at South Loop, Greg has led teams in nursery and reception classes. More recently he transitioned to teaching in Key stage 2, which has given him further opportunities to enhance his own skills and experience.
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Joe Millar
Primary Math Leader
Joe was impressed by South Loop’s dedication to personalized learning—so teaching here was the natural choice. 
Joe Millar - Primary Math Leader
Joe began his career managing a children’s soccer center in Manchester, England. Working with children on a day-to-day basis was a wonderful experience and turned his attention toward a career in education. He worked as a teaching assistant before embarking on his teacher training, and finally taking up his first position as a primary teacher a few years later. Joe joined South Loop because of its commitment to providing children with fantastic learning opportunities and was wowed by our amazing facilities and the resources available to students. 
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Stephanie Sami
Primary English Leader
Teaching has been a passion of mine since I was a little girl. Ever since my Year 1 teacher showed me how to spell "beautiful," I knew I wanted to be somebody who helped children achieve their dreams.
Stephanie Sami - Primary English Leader

Prior to joining BISC South Loop I taught for five years in Hounslow, and most recently was Year 1 Teacher and Year 1 Leader. One of my proudest achievements there was introducing a new style of teaching Math, which encourages children to apply knowledge and persevere with problem-solving.

I also am passionate about outdoor learning. I believe learning should be fun, engaging and allow children to explore the world at their own pace. Children are our future and there is definitely no limit to what they can achieve!

MEET OUR STAFF

Every member of the South Loop team contributes to our reputation as a world-renowned educational institution.
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Heike Spahn
Director of College Counseling
Heike joins us from Culver Academy in Indiana, where she has been a Director for many years.
Heike Spahn - Director of College Counseling
Heike joins us from Culver Academy in Indiana, where she has been a Director for many years. She has vast experience in college admissions, having worked since 2004 as an independent Admissions Consultant for prospective law school students. Heike also worked on the other side of the fence at the Illinois Institute of Technology (Stuart Graduate Business School), University of Chicago (Law School) and also at Valparaiso University (School of Law) where she was Assistant Dean for Admissions. Lastly, Heike brings with her an acute understanding of the demands of the IB and of our High School as a former BISC-SL parent.
Anna Carey
ASSISTANT HEADTEACHER - PASTORAL
Anna has been at our sister school in Abu Dhabi, UAE since 2015 and has progressed her career from PE/Geography teacher, to Head of Year and for the last four years, Assistant Headteacher (Student Wellbeing).
Sam Cosgrove - Head of Languages
After graduating from the University of Edinburgh with an MA in German Studies (with French) and taking a year to work for a German franchise, Sam started his career in a large 11-18 school in the North West of England. He completed a Masters degree in Teaching & Learning through the University of Manchester in 2020, looking specifically at how students view the use of target language in the classroom. Sam particularly enjoys teaching the I.B. Diploma Program and considers South Loop students some of the most engaged, driven and successful that he has taught. 
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Sam Cosgrove
ASSISTANT HEADTEACHER - CURRICULUM AND ACADEMICS
Sam is an experienced linguist, and enjoys showing students the power of speaking another language. 
ASSISTANT HEADTEACHER - CURRICULUM AND ACADEMICS
After graduating from the University of Edinburgh with an MA in German Studies (with French) and taking a year to work for a German franchise, Sam started his career in a large 11-18 school in the North West of England. He completed a Masters degree in Teaching & Learning through the University of Manchester in 2020, looking specifically at how students view the use of target language in the classroom. Sam particularly enjoys teaching the I.B. Diploma Program and considers South Loop students some of the most engaged, driven and successful that he has taught. 
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Rebecca Allister
ASSISTANT HEADTEACHER STUDENT EXPERIENCE
Rebecca has been with South Loop for 15 years, during which time she’s held several prominent positions.
Rebecca Allister - ASSISTANT HEADTEACHER STUDENT EXPERIENCE
Rebecca qualified as a teacher in 2000, and moved to the US in 2005. Her first role this side of the Atlantic was at the British International School in Houston, where she taught IB and IGCSE Geography. The following year Rebecca moved to South Loop, where she has held many positions, including those involving senior leadership and pastoral responsibilities. However, she has never been more excited about a role than she is now as IB Coordinator. Her vision: for South Loop to be known for delivering the best IB programme in Chicago. 

 

MEET OUR TEACHERS

Our teachers are one of the biggest reasons we're known as Chicago's leading international school. 
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Laura Towell
Head of Year 7
Laura is a highly experienced PE and Dance teacher, and believes in the power of exercise to enhance learning. 
Laura Towell - Head of Year 7
Laura lived in Dublin until her family moved to Kuwait when she was nine. She studied for a degree in Sports Science and Dance in the UK, then trained to become a PE and dance teacher. Laura’s career began at a school in London, where over the course of four years she was promoted to Deputy Curriculum Leader for Physical Education, then to Behavior Management Mentor, and finally to Curriculum Leader for Physical Education. She was also instrumental in setting up the school’s GCSE in Dance. Laura believes in the power of sport and exercise to connect young people with their physical, mental, and social wellbeing in a way no other subject can. 
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Reece Moore
Head of Year 8 & 9
Reece has a Bachelor of Arts degree in Politics, International Relations & Philosophy and a Post-Graduate Certificate In Education (Secondary History) from Durham University (England).
Reece Moore - Head of Year 8 & 9
Reece has a Bachelor of Arts degree in Politics, International Relations & Philosophy and a Post-Graduate Certificate In Education (Secondary History) from Durham University (England), and is currently engaged in a Masters of Data Science (Social Analytics) at the same university. He currently works for Durham University Outreach providing teaching for local schools and previously held the post of Assistant Director of 6th Form and Social Sciences & Humanities teacher at Eaton Bank Academy in Cheshire, England.
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Julie Connor
Secondary Head of Math
Teaching and math are second nature to Julie, and she loves channeling her enthusiasm into her lessons. 
Julie Connor - Secondary Head of Math
The daughter of two teachers, Julie knew from a young age that teaching would be the career for her. Her career began teaching math in a primary school in the UK, where she specialized in developing numeracy throughout the school. She then transitioned into secondary education, teaching math in an ICT specialist school. During her 10 years there, Julie took on many responsibilities, including acting as Head of Learning for Life and Work and Coordinator of Citizenship, Community Relations, and Charities.
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Matt Davies
Head of Creative Arts
Matt has been at South Loop for 15 years, during which time he’s played a pivotal role in developing our Design Technology curriculum. 
Matt Davies - Head of Creative Arts
Matt underwent his teacher training in Wales before taking up his first post as a teacher in London, where he taught ICT, Electronics, Graphic Design, and Resistant Materials. He then returned to Wales to teach Product Design, Engineering, and ICT, before settling to teach and lead the Design Technology department at another secondary school. After seven years he decided to work abroad, and saw the role at South Loop as an incredible opportunity to develop a Design Technology Curriculum overseas. 
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Emma Habgood
Arts Director
Emma joins us from GEMS World Academy where she was IB Coordinator as well as an English teacher and Theater teacher. 
Arts Director
Emma’s previously taught at BISC from 2007 to 2012 before returning to England, only to come back “home” to Chicago via our Nord Anglia sister school in Boston (where she was Head of English & Drama for four years). Emma has a degree in Secondary Drama & English Education from the University of Wales and a Masters in English Literature from the University of Swansea in Wales.
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Kiran Kaur
Secondary Head of English
Head of Secondary English
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Jack Bartlett
Athletic Director
Jack’s life has always been grounded in sport, and he brings that determination and self-discipline to his role as Athletic Director. 
Jack Bartlett - Athletic Director
Jack’s life has always revolved around sport, be that playing, watching, or coaching! Before his career in education, he played semi-professional soccer in England, and was head soccer coach at a school in London. He has also played and coached volleyball. After completing his degree in Sports Coaching and Sport Development, Jack qualified as a teacher. Before taking up his current position, he was Assistant Head of PE and Head of Soccer.
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Lucinda Wain
Head of Citizenship and History
Lucinda has always been passionate about history, and enjoys applying her skills to South Loop’s enviable curriculum. 
Lucinda Wain - Head of Citizenship and History
Lucinda studied Ancient History at university before undergoing her teacher training in London, where she then worked in several schools over the course of eight years. She is now Head of Citizenship and History, and finds South Loop unique in the ambitious scope of its curriculum, and the way that every student has access to a highly personalized learning experience. 
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In an increasingly global economy, the IBDP is the gold standard curriculum. IB students experience an extremely rigorous academic program while balancing other life skills.
Mr. Johnson
Teacher Year 12 & Year 13
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TECHNOLOGY IN THE CLASSROOM AND AT HOME

TEACHER-LED TECHNOLOGY

At BISC - South Loop, we unlock our students' potential by bringing the very best in teaching and technology into our classrooms. We use tech to connect your child to thousands of classmates in Nord Anglia's schools around the world to enrich their learning.
Helping our teachers grow 

TEACHER quality

Teachers at BISC - South Loop bring into the classroom the highest standards, built on Nord Anglia's world-respected professional development program.
At South Loop, we ensure our teachers:
  • Benefit from subject-specific training from leading learning organizations, such as MIT, Juilliard, King's College London.
  • Have access to Nord Anglia University to collaborate with 10,000 other teachers worldwide, share resources and join best-in-class training exercises 
  • Have leadership pathways through our management training courses, to our Executive Masters in International Education from King's College London.
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quality assurance

teaching & learning standards

Globally and locally, Nord Anglia's education teams rigorously assess and assure the quality of BISC - South Loop's international education.


All of our teachers are involved in professional development, and thanks to a global Education Team that drives success in academics, quality assurance, accreditation and safeguarding across our schools, our teacher standards are second to none. 

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BECOME PART OF OUR LOCAL HERITAGE

WORKING AT SOUTH LOOP

When it comes to international schools in Chicago, BISC - South Loop's local reputation is based on our high quality teachers. We shape young lives – and you can be part of it.
find out more

WE LOOK FORWARD TO WELCOMING YOU!

Our admissions team would love to hear from you. Why not schedule a Virtual Discovery Meeting with our Director of Admissions to learn more about our program and what makes us special.

inquire now
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