FREE for All | Virtual Learning & Connecting Experiences.
Our Peer Learning
Communities
“There is no better PD than to connect with others that do your job, and PeerSphere does just that.”
– PeerSphere Community Member
It’s free!
Boarding
Overseeing boarding or residential life requires more than managing routines; it’s about creating environments where students feel safe, supported, and seen. This community is a space for professionals working in boarding schools or residential settings to reflect on practice, share approaches, and raise questions specific to this unique aspect of school life. Topics may include pastoral care models, wellbeing strategies, staff development, and the evolving expectations of students and families. Members bring a range of perspectives, from heads of boarding to house parents and safeguarding leads. The focus is on real conversations that support a whole-of-life approach to student care.
Community Host
Tracy Holt
Head of Girls’ Boarding
EAL
The EAL (English as Additional Language) community (also known as ELL) invites experienced practitioners, those who are learning the ropes of EAL teaching, and EAL leaders within an international school to join. The intention of our community is to share our experiences, pose questions, and be supportive of others as we continue to learn and improve our practices and respective programs. As a member of this community, you have access to shared resources, can contribute your ideas, and learn from other dedicated educators on various topics related to English language learning and program development. Likely topics of discussion may include differentiated instruction, effective co-planning & co-teaching, using data to inform teaching and learning, technology in language teaching, and more! Through our discussion and sharing of resources, EAL community members will develop a sense of trust and belonging amongst colleagues within our network.
Community Host
Kai Smith
Director of Student Support Services, Education Consultant
Front Office Staff
Front office staff are often the first point of contact for students, families, colleagues and visitors. Their work plays an important role in shaping how welcoming, organised and connected a school community feels.
This community brings together front office professionals from international schools to share experiences, explore common challenges and learn from one another. Through guest speakers and facilitated peer discussions, members will exchange practical ideas, build supportive professional relationships and feel less alone in navigating the demands of their role.
Community Host
Henry Wong
Author, International School Leader and Administrator, Expert Facilitator
Marketing & Admissions
Professionals in marketing and admissions play a critical role in shaping a school’s identity, reputation, and growth—often behind the scenes and under pressure. This community is designed for those working in international schools who want to connect with others navigating similar demands, from shifting demographics and enrollment targets to messaging, storytelling, and family engagement. It’s a space to share practical strategies, ask questions, and reflect on how your work supports the broader mission of the school. Whether you're leading a team or working solo, you’ll find conversations that speak directly to the realities of the role. The aim is to learn from one another and stay responsive in a fast-changing landscape.
Community Hosts
Janelle Garrett
Head of Development and Stakeholder Engagement at Yew Chung International School of Shanghai (Pudong)
Women in Leadership
This community offers a reflective and supportive space for women in educational leadership roles to connect, share experiences, and grow together. Whether you lead a team, a department, or a whole school, the focus is on authentic leadership grounded in purpose and lived experience. Members explore topics such as navigating challenges, developing confidence, and building influence—while also sharing tools, strategies, and peer insights. Through open conversation and mutual support, the community highlights what it means to lead as women in education today.
Community Hosts
Claire Peet
Managing Partner,
PD Academia
Samantha Chesler
ICF PCC Certified Coach,
Samantha Chesler Coaching
Middle Leader
Most international school middle leaders are promoted because they are excellent teachers, only to find themselves stranded without a roadmap. Instead of driving instructional growth, they get trapped in Admin Drift, spending 80% of their non-teaching time chasing missing paperwork, managing logistics, and putting out fires.
This community transforms overstretched educators from reactive "super-teachers" caught in Supervisor Mode into proactive, systems-driven change agents. We skip the idealistic, abstract academic theory and deliver gritty, realistic school leadership blueprints.
Community Hosts
Claire Peet
Managing Partner,
PD Academia
Michael Iannini
Founder, PeerSphere
Connect and Learn with Your Peers
The community membership for 2026-27 is free for all.