As international schools grow in complexity and pace, it’s easy to lose sight of the fundamentals—the relationships, routines, and values that keep our school communities strong. This year’s conference, Back to Basics: Reclaiming What Matters Most, invites non-teaching staff and school leaders to pause, reflect, and reconnect with the core practices that make a meaningful difference.
From admissions to HR, finance to facilities, operations to communications—this four-day online event focuses on practical strategies that improve clarity, consistency, and collaboration across school systems. Participants will explore how small shifts in mindset, systems, and behaviors can have big impacts on team dynamics, service quality, and staff wellbeing.
Each day features a blend of live workshops, peer-led discussions, and interactive sessions that honor the expertise of local staff while promoting professional growth. Whether you’re new to your role or a seasoned administrator, this is a space to slow down, reset your compass, and return to your work with renewed purpose.
Let’s get back to what really matters—and move forward, together.

PK-12 Service Learning
Coordinator American School of Dubai
Keynote Title: Using Systems Thinking for Team Building & Belonging

Enrichment Teacher
International School of Beijing
Keynote Title: 科技融合 运用教育科技工具提升学习体验

In a time of constant change, this conference is a chance to pause and return to the practices that make school operations effective and human-centered. Hear from experienced presenters across HR, Finance, Facilities, Admissions, Personal Assistants, and General Administration—sharing timeless principles and real-world lessons that still hold true.

Sometimes the most powerful learning comes from those walking a similar path. Discover how Peer Learning Communities are helping non-teaching staff support one another, solve challenges together, and build cultures of trust, simplicity, and shared purpose in international schools.

Build authentic connections with colleagues who understand your work. Through meaningful conversations and shared experiences, you’ll leave with a renewed sense of community and a stronger professional support system.

This isn’t about information overload—it’s about clarity. Expect practical, back-to-basics strategies you can apply right away. Whether it’s simplifying workflows, improving communication, or enhancing service to your school community, you’ll gain tools that work in the real world.
This virtual conference is designed for non-teaching staff and operational leaders in international schools—whether you’re managing a department, supporting daily functions, or just starting your journey. If you’re looking to ground your work in purpose, clarity, and impact, this event is for you.
Join us to refocus, reconnect, and return to your role with fresh perspective and practical tools. Let’s get back to what matters most—together.
Conference Agenda
Duration
March 24 to March 27 (4 Days)
Tuesday to Friday
3:00 pm – 5:30 pm (GMT+8)
March 24 (Tuesday)
Welcome & Introductions – 3:00 pm – 3:20 pm
Opening Messages – 3:20 pm – 4:00 pm
Conference Schedule & Guidelines – 4:00 – 4:20 pm
Elective Workshop Sessions – 4:30 pm – 5:20 pm
March 25 (Wednesday) & March 26 (Thursday)
Keynote Session – 3:00 pm – 3:30 pm
First Elective Sessions – 3:40 pm – 4:30 pm
Second Sessions – 4:40 pm – 5:30 pm
Participants are welcome to attend as many sessions as they desire. They are also free to take as few sessions as their time allows. Highly flexible.
March 27 (Friday)
Job Alike Peer Sharing Session – 3:00 pm – 4:00 pm
Elective Sessions – 4:10 pm – 5:00 pm
The Job-Alike Peer Sharing session provides an excellent opportunity to share resources/information and engage in discussions among professionals with similar job responsibilities, broaden their perspectives, share knowledge, and network regionally.
Attendees will receive a certificate of participation.
PeerSphere Members
FREE
Early Bird Fee
Registration Opening Soon
We are welcoming proposals from presenters until January 31, 2026 (Saturday). As a token of appreciation, presenters will be eligible for a special discount on conference registration.
We warmly invite you to join us in forging strong professional relationships with peers from other international schools. Share your experiences, gain valuable insights, and equip yourself with practical tools to excel in your role. This conference will empower you to enhance school operations, support student success, and contribute to a thriving educational community.
“If you want to be better at your job, please join us at the next conference.”
— Carrie Chu, Dulwich College Beijing
“Learning from awesome people from different backgrounds.”
— Jane Zhang, Nanjing International School
“The whole training is very informative and really inspired me in many ways.”
— Sonia Zhang, Tsinghua International School
Get inspired, get connected, and get ahead with us!
© Peer Sphere 2025. All Rights Reserved.
© Peer Sphere. All Rights Reserved 2023
© Peer Sphere. All Rights Reserved 2023
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