Enjoy working together
Our Team
Empower individual growth and interests
Unite through shared values
Share talents, passions and enthusiasm
Guide independent learning and inquiry
Welcome to BIS and our thriving school community. We are proud to be an experienced and highly-regarded International Baccalaureate (IB) World School.
Our 825 students profit from the IB Primary Years Programme (ages 3 – 11), the IB Middle Years Programme (ages 11 – 16) and the IB Diploma Programme (ages 16 – 19).
The International Baccalaureate Organization (IB), Council of International Schools and the New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC) reaffirmed their long-standing accreditation of our school in September 2019. BIS is currently preparing for our next accreditation cycle, including a visit from the IB and NEASC in October 2023 and full team visit in October 2024.
Bringing new impulses to our community
Faculty and staff at BIS are a healthy mix of experienced colleagues and those bringing fresh impulses to our community. When recruiting, our school seeks to mirror the cultural diversity of its student body. We value forward-thinking and open-minded individuals who bring out the best in others and contribute to a positive, healthy school environment.
There are many advantages to working at BIS – our engaged students, open-minded colleagues, an extensive support programme, and a state-of-the-art teaching facilities. The quality of life and international flair of Bonn, our affordable, green host city on the banks of the Rhine River, cannot be underestimated. And, if you want to experience more of Europe, Bonn sits in the middle of the continent with easy access to the famous Autobahn, train connections and international airports.
PAULA ORTEGA GOMEZ, SECONDARY SPANISH TEACHER
Paula teaches Spanish to native speakers. She is also a BIS parent, with a child in our Primary School.
Paula is a passionate, compassionate educator. She believes that, if exposed to new information, we can all learn. But we learn a lot more if we are trained to think analytically and critically. As a teacher, this is how Paula makes her students ready for the future.
MATT DEVRIES, CO-CURRICULAR SPORTS COORDINATOR
Matt has been an important part of our Co-Curricular Programme since 2012, first as a coach and then as the coordinator. He is quite a sportsman himself, playing basketball, volleyball, softball and golf.
An American and father of four children, Matt is dedicated to bringing the joy and skills found on the field, court and course to students of all ages.
PETRA REUTER, ACCOUNTS PAYABLE
Petra, a seasoned hand in the Accounting Office, joined BIS 15 years ago after switching careers and following a second professional training.
She grew up in Bonn and is a great ambassador for local traditions, like the Kölsch dialect and Carnival.
VEIT KOCH, PHYSICS TEACHER
Originally trained as an electrical engineer, Veit came to teaching after working in the telecommunications industry. He now is a long-time member of our Sciences Department and also leads one of our Co-Curricular coding groups.
When not in the lab, Veit is busy with other pursuits like beekeeping, leading a Scout troop and hobby programming. He is a German national married to an Irish wife and father to two Primary aged children.
SABINE SCHATTENBERG, BUSINESS MANAGER
After more than 20 years at BIS, Sabine loves her team. She feels quite grateful to work with such gifted professionals and am inspired by how much they all can learn from each other.
Sabine oversees our Accounting, Admissions, Communications, Facilities and Purchasing Offices. Born in Germany, she trained as an American Certified Public Accountant and holds degrees in Clinical Psychology and Pedagogy.
ALEX WHITAKER, PRIMARY PRINCIPAL
Not only is Alex an experienced educator and school administrator, he is also known as Dangerboy. Dangerboy juggles, balances incredible and unlikely objects on his nose and is always up to great fun at school assemblies.
Alex can be seen at the front door greeting students and their every morning and often walking the halls visiting classrooms. At the end of the day, he hops on his bicycle to set off for home.
BINA SHAH, ASSISTANT SECONDARY PRINCIPAL
Before coming to BIS, Bina worked in schools in the United States and Peru.
She describes herself as a teacher, data enthusiast and lover of all things related to mindfulness, yoga, food, travel and animals. Bina is also passionated about student wellbeing and the development positive habits.
To get more perspectives on our school community and educational programmes, visit us on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and YouTube.