Beijing, China
Isabella G. Baer is an enthusiastic, committed, and experienced pentalingual Performing Arts and Academic Programmes leader who designs, scales, and delivers whole-school arts, language, and curriculum systems within British and International Schools. Based in Beijing, China and fluent in English, Spanish, Italian, German, working French, she specialises in educational economic sustainability, arts-led branding, and programme development strengthening enrolment, financial resilience, and international reputation. Skills: IGCSE, A-Level Music, debate, orchestra, choirs, and music PreK-12. With leadership experience across the United States, Italy, Mexico, Austria, and China, her career spans Europe, the Americas, and Asia. She brings senior leadership expertise across Performing Arts, Music, Language Education, and Whole-School Programme Development, with operational experience across IB, UK National Curriculum, IGCSE, A-Level, IPC, IMYC, IEYC, Reggio Emilia, US, National Chinese, Austrian, Italian, and Mexican education frameworks. Measurable Impact: Directs Performing Arts programmes serving 500+ students annually (Mexico, China, Austria, USA, Italy) Taught over 5,000 students across 12 international schools Led events reaching 1,000 - 2,000+ audience members, live and streamed Delivers 5–6 major and 10-20 minor productions, festivals, concerts, and showcases per year Manages departmental planning, procurement, budget requests, and resource allocation Develops IGCSE Music and A-Level Music examination pathways Coordinates students, parents, SLT, external partners, marketing, operations, and safeguarding teams Isabella provides strategic leadership for Performing Arts across Years 1–13, including curriculum design, vertical alignment, IGCSE and A-Level Music, major productions, Summer Camp programming, competitions, and public-facing events. Her work includes programme design, staff development, interdisciplinary integration, accreditation support (COBIS, EQUUS, COGNIA), and complex extracurricular, co-curricular, and travel-related programmes. She is an experienced World Scholar’s Cup debate coach, accomplishing regional and national success in China, and recognised for integrating language acquisition, performance, and academic learning across six languages. Isabella is pursuing a Doctorate in Business Administration, holds an Executive MBA, MA in Music/Opera Education, and international QTS. She is an internationally recognised performer, having appeared at Carnegie Hall, the Rome Opera, and as an official Vatican soloist.
As Head of Performing Arts at Nord Anglia School Beijing, Shunyi, Isabella G. Baer leads a comprehensive bilingual programme across Music, Drama, and Dance from Primary through Secondary. She oversees curriculum design, IGCSE, A-Level, ensemble development, faculty collaboration, and whole-school artistic strategy, ensuring aligning international standards. She directs orchestras, choirs, vocal ensembles, rock bands, and performance groups, coordinating concerts, competitions, and large-scale productions. Isabella mentors staff, develops academic and co-curricular pathways, directs rehearsal and instructional practices supporting EAL and mixed-ability learners. Responsibilities include: Curriculum Leadership – Designing and implementing vertically aligned pathways for Primary Music, Secondary Music, Cambridge IGCSE Music, and A-Level Music. Strategic Department Development – Strengthening Performing Arts through bilingual accessibility, and cross-cultural engagement aligned with Nord Anglia Education priorities. Ensemble & Performance Direction – Leading multiple ensembles and managing repertoire, rehearsals, and performance readiness. Nord Anglia Global Campus Leadership – Organiser and Juror for the Virtual Global Musician Competition, coordinating internal and international participation, adjudication frameworks, and performance standards across the global network. External Competition & Trip Leadership – Trip Lead for Regional Solo Recital (Shanghai) with NACIS and Battle of the Bands at NAS Pudong, overseeing logistics, safeguarding, and student performance preparation. Whole-School Production Leadership – Full-scale whole-school show production, complete organisational oversight from concept to performance. Faculty Mentorship – Supporting staff in planning, rehearsal pedagogy, assessment design, and professional growth. Whole-School Engagement – Producing assemblies, cultural events, marketing initiatives, and community-facing performances.
Language Programme Leadership & Curriculum Design (German) Provided strategic leadership in the design, implementation, and evaluation of German language programmes spanning Early Years through Secondary, supporting multilingual learners and families navigating competitive international education pathways. Strategic Curriculum Leadership Led the development of vertically aligned German language curricula (Early Years–Secondary), ensuring progression from foundational acquisition to academic proficiency (A1–B2). Designed programmes aligned with international benchmarks, including the Goethe-Institut framework, to support both formative development and high-stakes entrance examination readiness. Integrated language learning with cognitive, cultural, and creative development, ensuring curriculum coherence and transferability across international school contexts. Academic Outcomes & Access Oversaw targeted preparation pathways for admission to prestigious German-language schools, supporting successful transitions into academically rigorous environments. Enabled learners to access high-quality bilingual and multilingual education, positioning language proficiency as a gateway to long-term academic and professional success. Supported families in navigating international education systems, admissions expectations, and linguistic requirements. Pedagogical Innovation & Programme Design Pioneered interdisciplinary language pedagogy, blending traditional linguistic instruction with music, movement, singing, and performance-based learning, particularly impactful in Early Years and Primary phases. Embedded early literature exposure and oracy-rich practice to strengthen comprehension, expressive language, and critical thinking. Designed learning experiences that prioritised engagement, retention, and transfer, ensuring language learning was both rigorous and developmentally appropriate.
Successfully leads as the Head of Lower School Music, creating a dynamic and engaging music program central to the school’s vibrant community of younger students. Organised and led local and national student trips for competitions and performing arts productions in China. Spearheaded strategic marketing initiatives for LS Performing Arts. Demonstrated unwavering commitment to boarding duties, including dormitory and tutee supervision, while ensuring effective follow-through on disciplinary actions, fostering a supportive and well-managed residential community. Directed and produced the LS House Music productions for Fonteyn House, leading the team to victory for two consecutive years, contributing to the development of students’ artistic skills and fostering a healthy, competitive spirit. Organised and directed the LS International Festival Talent Show. Successfully developed and implemented an internationally aligned curriculum that enhanced academic excellence, incorporating global best practices to foster a comprehensive learning environment. Fostered strong relationships with parents as an active founding member of the PSA Committee at Wycombe Abbey School Nanjing (WASNJ), strengthening school- community ties and enhancing family engagement in the educational process. Strategically integrated PBL (Project-Based Learning) with the Reggio Emilia philosophy in the music education program, fostering creativity, critical thinking, and student-centered learning outcomes. Wrote, produced and directed fully realised theatrical productions for 250 students within five weeks at Wycombe Abbey School Nanjing, demonstrating effective leadership, innovation, and commitment to student success in the performing arts. Coached and led an award-winning team in regional and global rounds of the World Scholars Cup competition for WASNJ, fostering academic excellence, debate skills, and international collaboration among students.
• Served as the Lower School section leader for the ESOL program at Wycombe Abbey School Nanjing. • Designed an original, space-themed curriculum for a 4-week summer camp, integrating Reggio Emilia and Harvard’s Project Zero methodologies. • Facilitated immersive ESOL learning experiences through hands-on projects and creative activities for students from China and Singapore.
Quantic School of Business and Technology: Executive Master of Business Administration (EMBA) Focus: Economics of Educational Startups and Strategic Planning for International K-12 Day and Boarding Schools Status: Complete Specialized Focus Emphasized studies on the economics of educational startups, mastering business planning, financial modeling, and resource allocation tailored to international K-12 institutions. Developed advanced strategic planning capabilities to navigate the complexities of day and boarding schools, ensuring sustainable growth and operational excellence. Strategic Leadership Emphasis Acquired expertise in strategic decision-making, problem-solving, and innovative thinking, particularly within the educational sector. Cultivated a visionary leadership style aimed at fostering transformative initiatives in global educational markets. Commitment to Excellence Engaged actively in rigorous discussions, projects, and case studies, contributing to and learning from a diverse cohort of international business leaders. Demonstrated a relentless commitment to personal and professional development, integrating insights to drive impactful change in educational organizations. Global Impact Aspiration Graduated with a comprehensive understanding of the economic dynamics shaping international K-12 education, ready to spearhead initiatives that merge academic outcomes with financial sustainability. Positioned to innovate and lead within the global education landscape, advancing the mission of accessible, high-quality education for diverse communities.
Highlights of Contributions and Achievements: Music Education Expertise: Guided IB/PYP music education with a focus on holistic development and cultural appreciation. Provided individualized piano and vocal instruction, nurturing students' musical talents. Served as a vocal coach and music director for Middle School and High School Musical Theatre productions, shaping the next generation of performers. Curriculum Innovation: Spearheaded student-centerted curriculum design and development, integrating Social and Emotional Learning (SEL), restorative practices, and Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) principles. Crafted comprehensive lesson plans incorporating performance techniques, vocal training, and project-based learning. Choir Direction and Repertoire Selection: Directed choirs with diverse repertoires in languages including French, Spanish, German, and Mandarin, fostering multicultural understanding through music. Prepared students for performances, instilling discipline and excellence while ensuring inclusivity and cultural awareness. Engaging Learning Activities: Designed dynamic games and active learning experiences across all age groups, cultivating a passion for music and the arts while nurturing crucial social and emotional skills. Instrumental Instruction and Choreography: Provided instrumental guidance using innovative methods such as Orff, Kodaly, and Dalcroze Eurythmics. Choreographed show choir performances, enhancing students' stage presence and teamwork abilities. Primary Choir Program (2021/2022): Objective: Develop vocal and performance skills in young learners. Key Components: Breath control exercises to enhance vocal strength and endurance. Pitch and interval training for musical accuracy. Sight-reading skills development. Show choreography to synchronize movement with music. Diction training for clear and expressive communication. Stage presence development for confident performances.