Beyond the Faculty Room:

Redefining Professional Learning for the Whole School Community

By Dana Specker Watts, Ph.D., ISS Director of Learning, Research, and Outreach for International Schools Services

When we talk about professional development in international schools, we often focus on educators. But what about the admissions team helping families navigate transitions? Or the facilities staff ensuring learning environments are safe and welcoming? Or the finance and operations leaders who power the engine of every successful school day? Or our teaching assistants who help us deliver individualized instruction to our students?

At ISS, we believe being future-ready means reimagining professional learning to include every adult in the school community. Through our ISS EDUlearn^® platform, schools are embracing a more inclusive and scalable model of PD. Whether it’s multilingual access to online courses, workshops tailored to operational staff, or leadership training for emerging changemakers, we’re helping schools democratize access to growth.

One of our newest offerings, the Teaching Assistants bundle, was created specifically in response to schools asking for PD that honors and equips this vital group. These webinars provide targeted support in classroom collaboration, inclusive practices, and student-centered learning strategies, helping TAs grow their confidence, instructional skills, and sense of belonging within the school’s learning culture. It’s about giving our TAs the tools they need to thrive alongside the students they support every day.

One school in South America recently shared how offering ISS EDUlearn^® Passport access to all staff improved morale, deepened DEIJ conversations, and built cross-functional collaboration. “I finally feel like I’m part of the learning,” one non-teaching team member shared. That’s the future of PD—not just more content, but wider access and deeper connection.

As schools continue to innovate, ISS remains committed to supporting them with dynamic, global professional learning that prepares every team member to thrive.