In partnership with:
Virtual Bilingual Conference.
Quiet Impact,
Powerful Presence
Teaching Assistants Leading from Within
Mondays, September 7, 14, 21, 28, 2026
3:40PM-6:00PM (GMT+8 / China Time)
The 9th Teaching Assistants Conference (TAC)
Bilingual Support
Sessions delivered in English and Chinese.
Dates
September 7, 14, 21, 28, 2026
All Mondays
Times
3:40PM - 6:00 PM
(GMT+8 / China Time)
Price
USD 149 pp
In today’s evolving educational landscape, teaching assistants play a vital role that often goes unseen, but never unfelt. Their influence is reflected in the small, consistent actions that shape student experiences, support teachers, and strengthen school communities.
The 9th annual Teaching Assistants Conference (TAC), jointly organized by PeerSphere and International Schools Services, embraces the theme “Quiet Impact, Powerful Presence: Teaching Assistants Leading from Within.” This year’s conference recognizes that leadership is not defined by title, but by intention, presence, and everyday practice. It also recognizes that meaningful impact is developed over time - through continual learning, reflection, and small, consistent improvements in daily practice.
Through this theme, we invite teaching assistants to reflect on their professional identity, strengthen their voice, and deepen the impact they bring to their roles, confidently and authentically.
Designed for Teaching Assistants
This virtual conference is designed for teaching assistants, co-teachers, and non-teaching support staff working in international and bilingual school settings. Teachers who collaborate closely with TAs will also find the sessions highly relevant.
Now in its 9th year, TAC continues to bring together a global community of practitioners, offering a space to learn, connect, and grow. Sessions will be delivered in English and Chinese during the China time zone.
Pricing
Individual Registration
USD149 pp
Free for ISS EDUlearn Passport holders
School Pass
USD1,200
Unlimited no. of participants from the same campus
What to Expect
Each conference day will feature:
A short keynote to set the tone or a featured panel discussion bringing together experienced practitioners and leaders
Practical presentations delivered in English and Chinese
Sessions will be led by educators, school leaders, and fellow teaching assistants, focusing on real-world practices such as:
Supporting student learning through intentional interactions
Building strong, respectful partnerships with teachers
Communicating with clarity and confidence across cultures
Creating inclusive and supportive learning environments
Using initiative and judgment in everyday situations
Managing responsibilities and professional boundaries
Leveraging tools and technology to enhance efficiency
Growing professionally while staying grounded in purpose
Participants may attend sessions based on their availability and interests, with access to session recordings after the conference.
Target Audience
This conference is designed for the heartbeat of the classroom:
Teaching & Learning Support Assistants (LSAs)
Specialist Assistants (Library, Arts, Music, PE, Science/Lab)
Co-teachers & Early Childhood Educators
Classroom Teachers looking to optimize their partnership with TAs
Four Mondays of Practical Learning
The 9th TAC brings Teaching Assistants together for four Monday afternoons of practical learning, reflection and connection.
Each conference day will begin with a shared keynote or panel discussion. After a short break, participants can choose between practical presentations delivered in English and Chinese.
Attend the sessions that best match your role, interests and professional goals. Registered participants will also receive access to the session recordings.
September 7
Lead from Within
Welcome and opening keynote, followed by a choice of English or Chinese presentations.
Keynote
You Don’t Need a Title to Lead - Michael Iannini
English Presentation
Session title to be announced - Jodi Bonnette
Chinese Presentation
Visible Learning: Rethinking Classroom Engagement 可见的学习：课堂参与度的迷思 - Sarah Zhou
September 14
Communicating and Thriving
A shared panel discussion, followed by two rounds of English and Chinese presentations.
Panel Discussion
Topic and speakers to be announced.
English Presentation
BEAR Essentials: Master the Art of Work Balance and Thrive as a TA - Juliana Sali
Session title to be announced - Rachel Tang
Chinese Presentation
Classroom Safety: Creating a Safe Environment and Responding to Safety Concerns - Fiona Bai
The Quiet Power of Positive Communication 正向沟通的温柔力量 - Fiona Liu
September 21
Collaboration and Inclusion
A shared panel discussion, followed by two rounds of English and Chinese presentations.
Panel Discussion
Topic and speakers to be announced.
English Presentation
Finding Your Strengths, Strengthening Collaboration, Inspiring Learning: Building Effective Partnerships Between Teachers and TAs - Nurul Rozali and Pei Kian Lee
Technology Integration: Using AI and Other Powerful EdTech Tools to Enhance Learning Experiences - Kady Melvin
Chinese Presentation
Inclusive Education: Supporting Students with Diverse Learning Needs in a Regular Classroom 融合教育：在普通教育班级中支持多元学习需求学生 - Trista Bao
Session title to be announced - Joy Yang
September 21
Turn Learning into Action
A shared panel discussion, followed by two rounds of English and Chinese presentations.
Keynote
Pauline Markey (Topic to be announced)
English Presentation
From Quiet Repetition to Powerful Performance: A TA-Led Five-Day Reading Fluency Routine That Works - Wayne Chambers
Supporting the Whole Child: Practical Strategies for Teaching Assistants Working with Teenagers - Emily Gallagher
Chinese Presentation
Beyond Self-Imposed Limits: A TA’s Journey of Growth and Discovery
突破局限：助教的成长探索之旅 - Vivi Guo
Beyond Distraction: Practical Strategies for Supporting Students with ADHD -Bonnie Song
Presenter Lineup
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Dr. Sarah Zhou
Director of Chinese Education
LifePlus International Education -
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Fiona Bai
Head of TA
Xi’an Liangjiatan International School -
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Fiona Liu
Senior Lower Elementary Teaching Assistant
Canadian International School, Hefei -
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Juliana Sali
IB PYP Coordinator
Sias International School -
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Kady Melvin
Instructional Technology Coach
Shanghai American School -
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Nurul Rozali
Lower Primary Teacher
Invictus International School (Dempsey, Singapore) -
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Pei Kian Lee
Lower Elementary School Teaching Assistant
Invictus International School -
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Bonnie Song
Teacher
Daystar Academy -
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Emily Gallagher
International School Leader
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Pauline Markey
Description goes here -
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Trista Bao
Learning Support Instructional Assistant
International School of Beijing -
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Vivi Guo
Secondary Teaching Assistant
Western Academy of Beijing -
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Wayne Chambers
Dual Language Instructional Assistant
International School of Beijing
