Nanjing International School is pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. Thalia Nawi as our next School Director, beginning in August 2027. In his recent message to the NIS community, Board Chair Mr. Bram van Nunen wrote the following about Dr. Nawi’s appointment:

“This decision reflects a thorough and collaborative process, and we want to express our sincere appreciation to all stakeholders (students, parents, teachers, and staff) whose perspectives and engagement were invaluable in shaping this outcome. Your commitment to the future of NIS has been instrumental.”

Dr. Nawi is currently Deputy Superintendent at Stamford American International School (SAIS) in Singapore, where she leads the organisation’s academic operations. She has a doctorate in Education Leadership from Harvard University and a master’s degree in Leadership and Policy Studies from the University of Washington.

Before joining SAIS, Dr. Nawi was a lead strategist and senior consultant at the National Center for Teacher Residencies and Education First Consulting. She also worked as a teacher, principal, policy advisor, and founding programme director of the Denver Teacher Residency. Dr. Nawi has served in leadership roles worldwide, including in the United States, India, and The Gambia.

In accepting the School Director position, Dr. Nawi had the following message for our NIS community:

“I am deeply honoured to have been selected as the next Director, and I feel privileged to be joining NIS not only as a leader, but also as a parent and member of this wonderful community. I look forward to partnering with you in 2027.”

NIS would like to thank all of the candidates who applied for this important position, and everyone in our inclusive learning community who assisted and supported the successful search for our next School Director.