At PeerSphere, we know that connecting leaders and teachers with similar roles and challenges can be a transformative experience. That’s why we partnered with Teach for Cambodia, an education charity focused on getting high performing Cambodian graduates teaching in government schools with the aim of ensuring all children in Cambodia can attain an excellent education, as part of our Scholarship Programme. This has enabled a cohort of dedicated Fellows from Teach for Cambodia to join PeerSphere’s professional learning communities. Their experiences highlight the power of peer learning, connecting across borders, practical application, and the ripple effect that professional development can have in the classroom.
A Community of Growth and Learning
Teach For Cambodia Fellows immersed themselves in our communities of educators dedicated to collaborative growth. For many, this was their first experience of peer learning. As Saren Uk, a first-year fellow teaching multiple subjects, shared:
“It is the first time I have experienced peer learning. I found out that it’s very helpful because I can learn practical tips and best experiences from peers in the live session, and I also had the opportunity to share my best practice.”
This peer-driven approach allowed Fellows to exchange strategies, reflect on challenges, and refine their teaching methods in ways that were immediately applicable in their classrooms.
From Professional Learning to Classroom Impact
One of the most compelling stories of impact comes from Sokhao Vat, a 2023 Teach For Cambodia Fellow and Grade 7 Mathematics teacher. Inspired by a story on Student Success Criteria shared in the Secondary Mathematics Teachers community, Sokhao implemented the strategy in his classroom, helping students set clear learning goals and measure their progress.
“I introduced clear learning objectives and worked with students to define what success looks like for each lesson. We co-created criteria such as step-by-step problem-solving methods, justifying answers with reasoning, and applying concepts to real-world problems. These were displayed in the classroom, and students used them for self-assessment and peer feedback.”
Sokhao shared that the results were profound:
- Increased Engagement – Students became more motivated, understanding expectations and pathways to success.
- Stronger Understanding – With success criteria as a reference, students identified mistakes and improved their work independently.
- Confidence Growth – Students, especially those who had struggled previously, gained confidence as they tracked their own progress.
One student in his class shared:
“I used to feel unsure about my answers, but now I can check my work and know exactly what to improve.”
The Lasting Impact of Peer Learning
The benefits of PeerSphere’s communities extend beyond individual classrooms. Teach for Cambodia Fellows reported applying coaching and feedback techniques to better support their students, refining their instructional approaches, and even enhancing their own leadership skills. Saren Uk further reflected on the broader impact:
“PeerSphere is the place that can transform Fellows into effective leaders in their classroom. In this space, participants have opportunities to learn new things to improve their teaching and planning, receive feedback, and develop critical thinking.”
Looking Ahead
As we continue to strengthen our partnership with Teach For Cambodia, we are excited about the ongoing impact of these professional learning experiences. By fostering a culture of peer collaboration and continuous learning, PeerSphere is not only supporting individual educators but also contributing to Teach for Cambodia’s goal of ensuring “all children in Cambodia will attain an excellent education.” To all the Teach For Cambodia Fellows who participated—thank you for your dedication to your students and your openness to learning. Your stories of impact inspire us, and we look forward to seeing how your classrooms continue to thrive.
For more information, please visit Teach for Cambodia and the PeerSphere Scholarship Page.
Special thanks to our donor schools who make the scholarship programme possible: Beijing City International School, Dulwich College Beijing, Georgia School – Ningbo, Green Oasis School, International School of Tianjin, ISA Science City, International School of Guangzhou, QSI International School of Shenzhen, Shekou International School, Shen Wai International School and Western Academy of Beijing.
