Richard Todd was my IBDP visual arts teacher and is the reason visual arts is still a central part of my life, 20 years later. He has a unique ability to inspire exploration through artistic media, allowing each student to find their own individual expression. He has a balance of supporting and challenging his students that stimulates growth and widens the horizons of creativity and critical thinking. For me personally, it unlocked visual arts as a way of communicating and expressing myself that has been deeply meaningful both personally and professionally throughout my life. 

From among all my valued colleagues from several decades of teaching at international schools, Richard Todd stands out for his advocacy of a student-centered curriculum. What he said resonated with me, yet I resisted his avid fervency a bit. I never forgot it though. Only years later would Richard’s views click into place as I listened to a parent in Nagoya explain why he was sending his child to an international school rather than to a state school. I am delighted to hear that Richard has now taken on a mentoring consultancy combining his experiences with students and his expertise as an art teacher. Those who take advantage of what he offers will find ever-increasing rewards from their teaching.

I am happy to comment on Richard as both a colleague and a parent. He worked with my daughter in IB DP Visual Arts.  He was amazing in guiding her academically while encouraging her passion for art and inspiring her to reach higher, not just in art but also as a person.  He was one of the first teachers to really “see” her.  

As a peer, I respected Richard’s knowledge of both the DP and MYP art curriculum.  He was always willing to answer questions and train others with a sense of humor and a smile.  I have observed him present workshops for students, parents and teachers.  He is always well received, and people walk away with new knowledge and ideas for inspiring students. I also worked with Richard as the college counselor to promote art education on the university level and to be sure the students’ portfolios were excellent. I will be forever thankful that he was my daughter’s teacher as well as a good friend and colleague.

I am writing to commend the integrity and work ethic of Richard Todd, who taught my son, Bryson Berry DP Visual Art. Richard consistently demonstrated a deep commitment to his students, fostering both their artistic talents and personal growth. His dedication to excellence was evident in his meticulous preparation, thoughtful feedback, and genuine care for each student's success. Richard's integrity is reflected in his fair and honest approach, always holding himself and his students to the highest standards. It was a privilege to have him as an educator, and I highly recommend him for any future endeavors.

Sincerely

I have known Richard Todd for almost 20 years. I was his IBDP Visual Arts examiner and able to see the breadth and depth of his teaching. I was most impressed by his ability to connect with students in their Visual Arts journey so that each student’s work was highly personalized. He consistently introduced them to a plethora of artists and media appropriate to their context. By being both an examiner and a teacher, Richard was able to dig even deeper into his own understanding of the IBDP ethos, and as a result, his students were much more successful. In addition, I was part of an exhibition with Richard at a gallery in Beijing. Seeing his work and hearing him explain it to students only reinforced for me that Richard leads by example. He is a true artist and uses his own artistic voice to drive his teaching.

Richard Todd was one of the founding educators of Beijing City International School.  I arrived at the school in 2006 as the IB MYP coordinator as part of the first cohort of staff establishing the Upper School with the initial focus on the MYP.  Richard was a valuable key member of the Arts Department and the MYP team providing thoughtful and often provocative useful support.  The MYP team was starting from scratch, building on the skills, expertise and diversity we brought from other schools, the International Baccalaureate Organisation itself, and supporting those who were fresh to the IB Middle Years Programme. 

Whilst I am writing this testimonial in 2024, 15 years after my Beijing time, I have a vivid memory of the Visual Art environment Richard created for his students – I can still picture it.  Walking into the room, it was light, spacious and vibrant. It led the students into a world of curiosity and creation, whilst at the same time adhering to the foundations of the philosophy and criteria of the MYP of which Richard had a sound understanding and commitment.  It was a dynamic space, changing with the demands of the curriculum including developing with the maturity of the school’s Upper School as the IB Diploma programme was introduced requiring more sophistication from the students.  Individual, personal spaces were created for the Diploma students, though not at the expense of exploration of the Middle Years’ students.  This small, but important glimpse into Richard’s work demonstrates some of his intrinsic quality to bring his students’ potential to the fore.