On August 5, Cambridge International Campus (CIC) hosted its AY 2026-2027 Campus Leadership Conference virtually, bringing together school leaders and management teams from CIC headquarters and campuses across China, including Pinghu, Ningbo, Haishu, Wuhan, Jiangxi, Shenzhen, and Zhengzhou.

With the theme of “Continuous Improvement and CIC Innovation,” the conference provided an opportunity for leaders to connect, exchange ideas, and explore new approaches to strengthening school development.

As CIC continues to expand its educational community, developing strong leadership capacity has become an essential part of supporting academic excellence, effective management, and sustainable growth across campuses.

Exploring Global Perspectives for the Future of Education

Education is constantly evolving, and school leaders need to continuously learn, reflect, and adapt. During the conference, experts from different fields shared their perspectives on some of the key topics shaping the future of education.

Andrea M. Kane, Ph.D., Professor of Practice at the University of Pennsylvania, shared insights on how school leaders can support teachers in implementing Social-Emotional Learning, highlighting the importance of creating supportive environments for both educators and students.

Jeffrey Lai, Teacher Leader of Artificial Intelligence from Northern Valley Regional High School District, New Jersey, shared perspectives on the application of AI in education, focusing on how emerging technologies can support teaching practices and enhance student learning.

Teresa Atwa, Ed.D., Vice President of International Services at Cognia, shared perspectives on accreditation and continuous improvement, emphasizing the importance of ongoing reflection and development in building future-ready schools.

These global perspectives provided CIC leaders with new ideas and inspiration to further enhance educational practices within their own campuses.

Strengthening Leadership Through Shared Practices

Great schools are built not only through strong academic programs, but also through effective leadership and collaboration.

During the conference, CIC leadership team members shared insights into strategic planning, school management, and practical approaches to continuous improvement. Jane Smoudi introduced CIC’s strategic plan and vision, while also sharing perspectives on leadership development and evidence-based practices.

Cici Jiang shared updates related to HR development and organizational support, highlighting the importance of effective systems in empowering schools and teams.

Liam Gan, Head of School at Barstow Ningbo, and Alex Russler, Dean of Faculty and Students, shared their campus experiences with evidence-based practice. From school-wide approaches to initiatives such as Teacher Corner, their sharing demonstrated how ideas can be translated into practical strategies that support teacher development and school improvement.

Through these discussions, leaders from different campuses were able to exchange experiences, learn from one another, and strengthen collaboration within the CIC community.

Moving Forward Together

The CIC Leadership Conference brought together leaders from different campuses with a shared goal: continuous growth and improvement.

By connecting international educational perspectives with local campus practices, CIC continues to create opportunities for leaders to enhance their professional capabilities, share resources, and explore innovative solutions for school development.

Continuous improvement is not a destination, but an ongoing journey. Moving forward, CIC remains committed to fostering collaboration, innovation, and excellence in international education, supporting educators and leaders in creating meaningful learning experiences for students.