How NESSIC Schools Are Rethinking
Whole-School PD

Across the NESSIC network, schools are shifting from traditional, fragmented PD to more inclusive, peer-driven learning. Two NESSIC schools—Green Oasis School and Shenzhen College of International Education—share how they used PeerSphere to connect all staff, improve collaboration, and align PD with strategic goals like accreditation and school-wide impact.

These stories show what’s possible when PD becomes part of the school culture—for everyone.

Green Oasis School, Shenzhen:

Building Connection Across the School

“PeerSphere is going to tick a huge box for us when it comes to looking at some of those CIS accreditation standards.”

— Peter Garnhum, Principal, Green Oasis School

The Challenge

At Green Oasis School (GOS), departments often operated in silos with limited collaboration. As their CIS reaccreditation approached, leadership recognized a need for stronger, school-wide professional development that connected all staff.

How PeerSphere Helped

By implementing PeerSphere’s School Pass, GOS brought over 80 staff—including teachers, administrators, and support roles—into Peer Learning Communities. For the first time, even staff in niche roles, like the school’s only dance teacher, had access to peer support and shared learning.

The Impact

Staff reported feeling more connected across departments, collaboration improved, and the school gained a meaningful, cost-effective way to demonstrate inclusive PD practices during CIS reaccreditation.

Shenzhen College of International Education (SCIE):

Making PD Inclusive for All Staff

The Challenge

At Shenzhen College of International Education (SCIE), professional development had traditionally centered on teaching staff. Non-teaching departments—HR, marketing, librarians—had few structured opportunities for growth.

How PeerSphere Helped

SCIE introduced PeerSphere’s School Pass, extending access to nearly 100 staff. Participation doubled as staff from diverse roles engaged in peer-led learning communities focused on shared, practical challenges.

The Impact

PeerSphere helped SCIE embed PD into the school culture across all departments. This inclusive, flexible approach was praised by the Council of International Schools (CIS) as a strategic model for professional learning tied directly to school priorities.

— Richard Driscoll

Academic Deputy Principal, SCIE

PeerSphere is one of the ways we can show staff that whatever you want to develop, we can provide that (PD) training.”

PeerSphere Learning Communities

Professional Development That Puts You First

Are you a teacher, specialist, or school staff member looking for practical professional learning and a strong peer network?

PeerSphere connects you with colleagues in similar roles from schools across China and Asia, so you’re never learning in isolation.

Why Join a Peer Learning Community?

For Staff Members:

Join any of 30+ communities tailored to your job role and interests

Four 90-minute expert-hosted virtual sessions on topics chosen by members

Peer-to-peer in-person events in cities across Asia

Bilingual, role-specific conferences that are free for community members

Recognition for active participation and the chance to become your school’s PeerSphere champion

For Members Schools:

High-impact, cost-effective professional development for all staff roles

Easy tracking through your PD dashboard

Opportunities for staff to take ownership of their professional learning and share insights back with the whole school

Join an active network of international schools across Asia

Spotlight: NESSIC Exclusive Communities

NESSIC Affiliated Partners Community

Designed for specialists and school staff to share peer-driven learning

Hosts

Greg was a Head of School, Principal, Coordinator, Superintendent, Curriculum Director, Schools Advisor, Teacher in Primary, Middle and, High Schools, and all round good fellow through a long career inside schools. After escaping his native Western Australia in 2005, he had stints in senior educational administration in Beijing, Vientiane (Laos), and Shenzhen. He squeezed in a few years in between to start a recruitment company with a good friend in Australia (its called Schrole) but felt the lure of school leadership so, went back to the best job (and perhaps most challenging role) in the world in Shenzhen. After enjoying all that the pandemic had to offer, he found himself the Vice President for International Schools Services, the 70 year old leviathan of services to schools across the world. Now overseeing the management of ISS schools, PD, consulting services, and recruitment, he is fortunate to be in a job that has all the fun and none of the downsides of running a school.

Julian Fisher

Greg Smith

Julian spent nine years working in an international school in Beijing before starting the award-winning market intelligence consultancy Venture Education. In addition, he is cofounder of Sanderson Charles and Schoolata, both supporting the growth of international schools and supporting suppliers. He is also chair of the British Chamber of Commerce in China and former President of the Beijing Entrepreneurs’ Organisation.

NESSIC School Leaders Community

Supporting heads and leadership teams through strategic peer exchange

Hosts

Adam McRoy

A lifelong educator, Adam McRoy has been based in China since 2002 and currently serves as Headmaster at Cogdel Cranleigh School Changsha. He took on his first leadership role at just 24 and became a Headmaster by 29. His career has included roles as Associate Professor and Visiting Scholar at two top 50 US universities, as well as IELTS Examiner and Trainer for the British Council. Under his leadership, Cogdel Cranleigh School Changsha was named Best New School at the China Schools Awards 2024.

Adam is a founding member of the NESSIC advisory board and will co-host the PeerSphere NESSIC School Leaders Community.

Max Caruso

Dr. Max Caruso, with a Doctorate in Education from Victoria University in Australia, has focused his research on leadership development and school construction. As a senior administrator with over 30 years of educational experience, Dr. Caruso has held senior leadership positions in several schools across the Asia-Pacific region. His extensive teaching experience in Australia, Dubai, and China has enhanced his understanding of the educational needs of Asian families, particularly Chinese families. These experiences have enabled him to work effectively in diverse cultural contexts, fostering an educational value system based on integrity, excellence, respect, fairness, and service.

As an educator with a wealth of cross-cultural experience, Dr. Caruso embraces education as a way of life and mission and has been named one of the “Most Influential Leaders in Asia” for his outstanding contributions.