On behalf of the Beijing City International School’s (BCIS) community, Search Associates is pleased to announce the appointment of Nick Kolentse new Director of Teaching and Learning, beginning in August 2025. This significant appointment was the result of an extensive global search. Head of School Tom Egerton announced,
BCIS is thrilled [that] Nick and his family will be joining our vibrant community. Nick’s extensive senior leadership experience in Asia combined with his outstanding communication skills and positive community focus make him an ideal fit for the BCIS community. We are looking forward to Nick strengthening our key strategic priorities and further establishing BCIS as a standout school offering a model cosmopolitan education in Beijing.
Currently Secondary School Vice Principal at the Canadian International School in Singapore, Nick Kolentse brings more than 16 years of international education leadership experience and expertise in curriculum development, teacher professional growth, and strategic initiatives to his new position. He has led key curriculum enhancements, including the Secondary School Advisory Program, focused on academic excellence and social-emotional well-being. His work in curriculum differentiation, assessment, and student support ensures a student-centered approach to learning.
Nick, who holds a Master of Teaching from Whitworth University and a Bachelor of Arts in History from Boston College, has also spearheaded faculty learning programs and developed a teacher appraisal system that promotes growth and effective feedback. Through collaboration and data-informed decision-making, he has built a teacher capacity to enhance instructional practices. His expertise in both curriculum and professional development will serve him well in driving educational excellence in his new role.
Inspired by the words of educational researcher Dr. Mary Helen Immordino-Yang, “Emotion and cognition work together. You can't be a human being and learn well without emotion being inextricably bound into that process,” Nick says,
Meaningful learning and teaching are rooted in the connections we build with our students. When we take the time to truly know each child as an individual, to understand their unique strengths, challenges, interests, and learning preferences, we unlock their full potential…By prioritizing the "who" over simply the "what" and "how" of education, we can create learning environments where students feel seen, valued, heard, and motivated to develop. This profound level of human connection transforms teaching into a transformative journey, paving the way for academic growth, social-emotional development, and a lifelong love of learning.
Joining Nick at BCIS is his wife, Ms. Jessica Hert—a passionate integrated art teacher—and their children Teddy (11) and Owen (9). The couple says,
We are excited to join a learning community rooted in interconnectedness and one that is focused on empowering students to be compassionate and inspired individuals. BCIS is clearly on the path forward in providing self-directed inquiry that allows learners to take authentic action in their community. We look forward to continuing to support and add to the high-quality learning and teaching at BCIS.
When Nick is not in the classroom or school community, you can often find him coaching baseball in a dugout or a baseball diamond with Jessica, Teddy, and Owen. For them, “the sport of baseball sits at the intersection of ineffable and pure joy.” The Kolentse family also looks forward to exploring “the rich culture, history and culinary highlights that exemplifies Beijing!” Nick quotes Anthony Bourdain: "To truly know a city, you must first know its stomach. The foods that nourish its people, the flavors that excite their senses, the rituals that bind them together - these are the threads that weave the tapestry of a community's identity."
Beijing City International School and Search Associates wish to thank each of the candidates who expressed interest in this important position, and everyone who contributed to the success of our extensive search process.
