BODO HEILIGER ELECTED TO NWAIS BOARD OF GOVERNORS (Photo) -07/10/25
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
BODO HEILIGER ELECTED TO NWAIS BOARD OF GOVERNORS
Election Highlights International School of Portland’s Leadership in Academics,
Community Engagement, and Global Citizenship
International School of Portland
Portland, OR July 9, 2025: The International School of Portland (ISP) is proud to announce that Head of School Bodo Heiliger has been elected to the Board of Governors for the Northwest Association of Independent Schools (NWAIS).
NWAIS is a network of more than 100 independent schools across the Pacific Northwest and beyond. As a member of the Board of Governors, Mr. Heiliger will help support the future of independent education in Oregon, Washington, Alaska, Idaho, Montana, Wyoming, Nevada, and Utah.
During the election, NWAIS leaders praised the school’s unique academic program, including its full language immersion and International Baccalaureate (IB) approach. They also highlighted ISP’s deep connection to the Portland community and its focus on helping students grow as global citizens.
“The NWAIS board emphasizes geographic representation, and Bodo’s emergence as a leader and unifier among Portland and Oregon heads made him a natural choice. We also value his positive, often innovative outlook,” said Mark Crotty, NWAIS Executive Director.
Mr. Heiliger has been Head of School at ISP since 2019 and has over 20 years of experience in international education. He has been an active workshop leader for the International Baccalaureate Organization for over 14 years. His leadership in language and cultural immersion, inquiry-based learning, and international-mindedness will be a valuable addition to the NWAIS board. “I’m honored to join this group of educators who care so much about students, teachers, and school communities,” said Mr. Heiliger. “This is a chance to learn from other schools while also sharing the work we’re doing here at International School of Portland.”
The NWAIS Board of Governors works to support school leaders, strengthen academic programs, and encourage collaboration between schools. Mr. Heiliger’s election helps ensure that a variety of voices - including those from language immersion and globally-focused schools - are part of those conversations.
About the International School of Portland
Since 1990, the International School of Portland has offered full language and cultural immersion in a warm, loving environment that encourages curiosity and kindness. One of only
two schools in the United States to provide three full language immersion programs under one roof, the International School of Portland is also home to the longest-running Chinese
immersion program in the Pacific Northwest. It is also the only program in the country to offer full Japanese language immersion. It was the first school in the Pacific Northwest to adopt the
renowned International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme.
The International School of Portland’s world-renowned professional faculty and staff - hailing from more than 17 countries - lovingly engage the school’s nearly 400 students in academics, PE and the arts. With its multilingual and cultural environment, the International School of Portland’s campus is a global microcosm, helping shape children who are open-minded, confident, empathetic and inclusive - traits that encourage them to take responsible action within and beyond our school community. intlschool.org
About the Northwest Association of Independent Schools
The Northwest Association of Independent Schools (NWAIS) is a nonprofit membership organization that serves over 110 independent schools across Alaska, British Columbia, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, Oregon, Utah, Washington, and Wyoming. As a leading accrediting agency, NWAIS supports schools through a rigorous process that promotes continuous improvement, ethical governance, and educational excellence. In addition to accreditation, NWAIS offers robust professional development, leadership support, and consulting services to empower educators and strengthen school communities.
A member of the National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS) and accredited by the International Council Advancing Independent School Accreditation (ICAISA), NWAIS is recognized nationally for its commitment to equity, inclusion, and belonging. The association champions mission-driven education, inspiring schools to nurture academically prepared, socially responsible, and globally engaged students. Through its collaborative network and comprehensive resources, NWAIS plays a vital role in advancing the impact and innovation of independent schools across the Northwest. www.nwais.org.
