Discovering a sense of home in a new place is a wondrous experience. For my family, Nanjing has effortlessly become our cherished home. Its unique charm has woven its way into our hearts, making it an irreplaceable part of our lives. During our visit to Canada in July, it was incredible how in just two weeks, my daughter longed to return home…to Nanjing.
The decision to embark on an overseas journey with our family was made years ago. Our hope was to offer our children a broader perspective of the world, allowing them to experience firsthand what is often seen through the lens of media. Today, as my eldest daughter is on the verge of completing her second degree, inching closer to becoming a certified Canadian teacher, and with my youngest about to embark on her own post-secondary adventure, I take immense pride in referring to them as third culture kids. Witnessing our family develop its unique understanding of the world has been profoundly rewarding. Our decision to relocate overseas stands as one of the finest choices my wife, Arleen, and I have made, and we hold no regrets.
Hailing from a small corner of Southern New Brunswick, I am inherently proud of my Canadian roots. My journey in education has led me through places with distinctive names such as Oromocto, Petawawa, Rothesay, Al Khor, Doha, and most recently, Nanjing. I have been a teacher my entire adult life, it is what I have always wanted to be, it is truly what I love to do. Recently, I had the honor of serving as the BASIS International & Bilingual Schools-China Chief Instructional Officer, working with all our schools across Shenzhen, Guangzhou, Huizhou, Hangzhou, Chengdu and Wuhan. Witnessing our network expand has also been gratifying, yet nothing compares to the joy of being in the city I’ve grown to love, in the school community I love–BASIS International School Nanjing.
As Head of School, I cherish life’s simply joys, revel in daily humor (…probably too many Dad jokes), and rarely find myself in an office. My goal is to infuse each interaction with authenticity, cultivating an environment where laughter and learning effortlessly coalesce. And, at the end of the day, I still rejoice in being a teacher, in a classroom…in Nanjing, like I ask of all my colleagues, I love being the real me, while I’m here.
My leadership perspective has evolved over time, emphasizing the importance of empathy and solidarity with those I lead. My ongoing journey as a leader and educator revolves around understanding and supporting each individual’s unique path to growth, as a teacher, as a coach, and as a leader.
In the realm of education, my focus lies in empowering every member of the Nanjing community. I perceive a school as much more than a repository of knowledge; it’s a vibrant, inclusive community. Our teachers serve as the cornerstone of this transformational journey, and my dedication involves honoring their expertise, nurturing their creativity, and celebrating their contributions.
Our shared Nighthawk (BASIS International School Nanjing’s mascot) objective extends beyond the mere transmission of knowledge; we aspire to instill an enduring love for learning in our students, preparing them to flourish in a constantly evolving world. This vision inspires me daily as we, the Nighthawks of Nanjing, create an environment where both teachers and students thrive, leaving impactful footprints that transcend the boundaries of our classrooms. BASIS International School Nanjing truly is an incredible place to be.
Jamie Davis
Head of School
BASIS International School Nanjing
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