Henry Wong
Henry has over 16 years of hands-on experience in international schools across Singapore, China, and the U.S., where he’s held senior administrative roles including Senior Admissions and Marketing Manager, Business Administration Director, and Co-head. His unique background spans both academic and non-academic leadership roles, making him one of the few international school administrators with a comprehensive understanding of all aspects of school operations.
In addition to being an accomplished editor on interpersonal relationships, Henry is one of the few administrators that have served in both academic and non-academic roles in a school. His administrative positions have included Senior Admissions and Marketing Manager, Business Administration Director, and Co-head.
“Intercultural and Servant Leadership is closely related to my daily work. Everyone is immersed in the workshop, and Henry led us very well. We shared case studies and discussed them in smaller groups, as well as role-played. In particular, the DiSC model has benefited me a lot. The assignments did not only enable me to better review the content of learning but also strengthened my bonding with other participants. I look forward to the next workshop very much. Thank you ACAMIS for organizing such a great workshop. I have learned a lot, thank you!”
Throughout his career, Henry has served in both international and bilingual schools, managing diverse student bodies ranging from 250 to 1,300 students. His expertise lies in leading non-academic functions—Admissions & Marketing, Finance, Human Resources, Public Relations, IT Help Desk, Facilities, Auxiliary Services, Procurement, and Inventory Management.
This holistic approach has enabled him to transform support functions in schools into models of excellence. Under his guidance, support staff consistently achieve 90%+ satisfaction ratings from parents and teachers, with multiple departments reaching 100% satisfaction over three consecutive years.
Henry is also a published editor and author on interpersonal relationships and a passionate advocate for developing cross-cultural awareness within school teams.
His booklet, Preparing Host Country Support Staff for their Roles in International Schools, provides practical strategies to bridge cultural gaps and enhance the engagement of local staff in the school’s mission.
A true champion of "servant leadership," Henry believes that a school’s non-academic departments should do more than provide operational support—they should embody the school’s values and contribute to a holistic, community-centred environment. His leadership has raised the bar for service standards across departments, with results that rival those of top international schools.
Henry’s commitment to aligned development and his in-depth understanding of both operational and cultural dynamics make him an invaluable asset to PD Academia, helping schools create impactful, community-focused improvements.
List of PD Opportunities for Non-Teaching Staff
Facilitated by Henry Wong
Individual Sessions
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Working in an international school presents distinct challenges compared to corporate or local school environments due to its unique characteristics. International schools bring together individuals from diverse cultural backgrounds, making assimilation a noteworthy challenge. This challenge is particularly pronounced for local support staff who play integral roles but may sometimes feel undervalued and unappreciated.
The "Elevating the Profile of Local Support Staff in International Schools" course is meticulously designed to prepare local support staff for their roles within the unique context of international schools. It addresses the challenges associated with cultural diversity and seeks to enhance the value and recognition of local support staff in educational institutions.
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Trust is the cornerstone of strong workplace relationships—but while it can take months or years to build, it can be lost in a single moment. In this interactive session, participants will explore practical strategies for building and maintaining trust among colleagues. Through guided discussions and real-life scenarios, we’ll examine how trust impacts communication, collaboration, and team culture.
A key feature of the session is the introduction of a Trust Equation—a simple yet powerful model that breaks down the key components of trust. Participants will use this framework to reflect on their own behaviors, identify trust-building opportunities, and understand how to prevent unintentional breakdowns in trust. By the end of the session, attendees will walk away with greater insight and practical tools to foster stronger, more authentic professional relationships.
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Most available resources stress the importance of managing your team. However, managing up and sideways is as equally critical as managing down to an individual’s career and the school.
It does not mean you have to suck up to your supervisor. Nevertheless, building a solid relationship with them can improve your job satisfaction.
How do you accomplish this plan if your boss’ personality, priorities, and communication styles are different from yours? How do you align your goals and their goals without losing your sanity or your job? Let’s explore various strategies for managing up.
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Leadership is not a destination—it’s a journey marked by continuous learning, reflection, and evolution. The Leadership Journey: Navigating the Stages of Growth offers a practical, structured framework for understanding how individuals develop as leaders over time. Through a blend of personal storytelling, real-world examples, self-assessment, and interactive activities, participants will explore eight distinct stages of leadership development, each with its own defining skills and character traits.
Participants will engage in reflective polling, a light-hearted quiz, and peer sharing to identify where they currently stand and how they can move forward. By the end of the session, attendees will walk away with greater clarity about their own leadership path, along with actionable ideas to guide their next steps—whether they are just beginning or further along the journey.
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This professional development opportunity will utilize the DISC Behavioral Survey to provide attendees with insights into their behavioral tendencies and their impact on team dynamics, promoting a more cohesive work environment. Participants will review their DISC results, address questions related to each profile type, and cultivate a positive self-image by emphasizing their strengths and weaknesses. In small groups, attendees will identify strategies for working effectively with different profile types and individuals displaying challenging behaviors. Additionally, they will engage in activities focused on tailoring communication to better influence various work and communication styles.
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With the head of school, HR typically leads the non-teaching division of the school in the induction program for new foreign teachers. They serve as a bridge between the newly recruited teachers and the non-teaching administrative staff members. Therefore, it is critical to ensure the induction program is well coordinated so that the transition is seamless, and the teachers are adequately equipped for their role.
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This session focuses on key areas that are essential for aspiring non-teaching leaders to excel and grow. Participants will gain valuable skills and insights, such as enhancing their public speaking abilities, effectively leading small teams, developing self-awareness, and understanding others. This informative session will equip participants with the essential tools and strategies to accelerate their leadership journey.
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This session introduces the foundational elements of cross-cultural communications. Business managers and department heads spend a great deal of their time communicating with parents and academic administrators from different cultural backgrounds. Participants will discover strategies to connect with people, especially in a school environment where diversity is a norm.
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There are many resources about leadership. Many speakers have touched on the topic. In this session, we will introduce a different leadership model. This model is to lead at a higher level. It is called Servant Leadership. It is a kind of leadership that will obtain high results and win your direct reports and/or foreign colleagues’ respect. This kind of leader serves rather than self-serves.
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The why always precedes the what and the how. Knowing the why will give us a better chance of success. It is essential to understand the importance of providing amazing service intrinsically. Next, it is necessary to know what stellar service is and what characteristics are critical to delivering the desired service. With that knowledge, we will more readily commit to our goals. In addition, participants will learn three simple steps to build rapport and relationships with parents, students, teachers, and other staff members as a starter.
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To support and serve others more fully, it is vital to be attentive to them to know who they are and what they want. Participants will learn about profiling. Active listening establishes connections between participants and the people they support and serve, which allows for ease of interaction and ensures that messages are being related completely and accurately. This will encourage these people to express themselves more clearly and candidly.
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Making students, parents, teachers, and other staff members feel welcome is the first step. As the saying goes, you never get a second chance to make a first impression. The last impression you make may be the one that sticks with the people you serve and support the most.
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Focusing on relationships with these stakeholders is the school’s most powerful competitive advantage. To accomplish that, participants will discover ways to show them that they care. Participants must respond to needs with kindness and empathy in situations. In particular, it is extremely stressful to manage difficult situations that involve parents and staff members.
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This session discusses the importance of setting an excellent example in providing exceptional service standards and showing that they care about internal and external customers. Managers and their designees will learn about leading their teams in the service culture by establishing a service vision, building a service culture, motivating their direct reports to raise the service standards, and developing methods of measuring progress.
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To communicate effectively and influence others, we need to understand ourselves and how our priorities affect others. Participants will use a temperament profile assessment to become more interpersonally aware and identify strategies for working effectively with people that have different priorities to their own.
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Participants will learn and demonstrate how to write school communiques using PDAC (Purpose – Details – Action – Close). To effectively execute this strategy, participants will have to complete several writing exercises that will improve their ability to write: Build rapport, keep sentences simple and to the point, ensure a positive tone, and know when to use benefits and consequences.
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Learn to reduce distractions and prioritize tasks based on strategies popularized by Stephen Covey. Participants will role play communicating their priorities to influence the expectations of others and mitigate potential conflicts.
The facilitator will introduce how to “Manage Yourself” and why this is the most effective Time Management tool. By understanding and being able to clearly communicate your priorities you can much more effectively manage the expectations of others.
Workshops (1-2 Days)
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This course is designed for administrative or academic support staff and teachers. This workshop will provide real school cases illustrating how staff members can provide exceptional service to everyone in the educational community. By delivering stellar service to parents, teachers, and other staff members, we aim to meet the students’ needs and enhance their learning experience.
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This course is specifically designed for administrative and academic department heads, as well as their deputies and supervisors. The participants will develop the skills necessary to effectively lead their teams in a service-oriented culture. They will learn how to establish a service vision, foster a culture that values exceptional service, motivate their direct reports, and measure progress in their service to parents, teachers, and other staff members.
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School leadership relies heavily on administrative staff as their first point of contact for teachers, parents, and suppliers, making effective communication and efficient work essential. This workshop is designed to equip administrative staff with the necessary skills to work more efficiently and become a strong first line of defense against distractions. Practical activities, tools, and templates will be provided to enhance their daily work. Attendees will gain strategies to overcome communication barriers, effectively communicate in a multicultural environment, prioritize tasks, and resolve problems collaboratively. This workshop is ideal for executive and personal assistants, receptions, and administrative staff in Admissions, HR, Finance, Facilities Management, and Marketing Departments.
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This workshop is designed for individuals stepping into or aspiring to lead within non-teaching staff settings. Throughout the course, participants will explore the essence of leadership, emphasizing its profound impact on positive change and collaboration. Key traits of effective leaders, such as communication skills and adaptability, will be highlighted, along with an in-depth examination of leadership styles and their flexibility to meet organizational needs.
The program focuses on the critical aspects of leadership, providing participants with problem-solving and decision-making skills tailored to the nuances of non-teaching roles. Additionally, it delves into the significance of teamwork and collaboration within non-teaching departments, offering strategies to foster a culture that maximizes team potential. Whether you are at the beginning of your leadership journey or aspiring to take on such responsibilities, this enriching experience will equip you with the knowledge and confidence needed to excel as a leader within the dynamic landscape of educational institutions, allowing you to unleash your leadership potential and make a lasting impact in your professional sphere.
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This workshop is specifically designed for Business, HR, Finance, and Operations Managers seeking to enhance their leadership skills in an intercultural context. Participants will delve into the intricacies of administrating, motivating, and effectively communicating with expatriate staff. The workshop will introduce the Workplace Management Behavior Assessment tool, DiSC, to help participants gain awareness of their working and communication priorities, enabling them to influence stakeholders with conflicting priorities. Additionally, participants will explore the concept of servant leadership and learn strategies to make their back-office more service-oriented.
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This workshop is tailored to empower non-teaching staff members to excel in their roles and enhance their team dynamics. Participants will gain valuable insights into overcoming the unique challenges they face, developing a strong sense of self-identity, fostering confidence, and building better relationships with their colleagues. By exploring Patrick Lencioni’s Five Behaviors of a Cohesive Team, participants will learn practical strategies for building trust and effectively managing conflict. Additionally, the workshop will delve into the power of DiSC, a tool for individual and team awareness, helping participants effectively influence and communicate with others.
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Part 1 (12 hours)
This insightful workshop is tailored for FM personnel, participants will explore the fundamental aspects of facilities management in the context of an international school environment. This workshop will provide a comprehensive understanding of the roles and responsibilities of FM personnel, highlighting their significant influence on student well-being and teacher retention. Throughout the workshop, participants will delve into the intricacies of operations and maintenance, emphasizing the vital role they play in ensuring the efficient functioning and safety of the school’s infrastructure and equipment. Additionally, we will discuss the critical topic of emergency preparedness, equipping participants with the knowledge and tools necessary to respond confidently to unforeseen crises.
Part 2 (12 hours)
This engaging workshop is designed to empower FM professionals in their journey towards expertise and contribute to the overall success of their institution. Participants will explore the crucial area of strategic facilities planning and capital replacement, understanding the significance of developing short-term, mid-term, and long-term FM plans to effectively manage and mitigate risks associated with the school’s real estate assets. A holistic perspective of facilities management will be emphasized, delving into the multifaceted nature of safety in schools, surpassing the boundaries of mere maintenance and repairs. Furthermore, the workshop will address the challenges of managing outsourced teams, discussing the advantages and disadvantages of outsourcing versus in-house FM services. Participants will acquire strategies and tactics necessary to overcome FM challenges and determine the most beneficial arrangement for their school.
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In today's dynamic business environment within the international school industry, effective decision-making requires a comprehensive understanding of financial principles. "Finance for Non-Financial Managers" is a specialized course designed to equip non-financial professionals within the educational sector with the essential knowledge and skills to navigate the financial landscape of their schools.
This course provides a hands-on and practical approach to demystifying financial concepts, enabling participants to make informed decisions that contribute to the overall success of their departments and schools. Through a combination of interactive lectures, case studies, and real-world examples, participants will gain confidence in interpreting financial statements specific to the education sector, understanding budgeting processes tailored to schools, and leveraging financial data for strategic planning within the context of international education.
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The "Collaborative Teaching Strategies for Co-Teachers" course is specifically designed to empower educators with the skills and knowledge necessary for successful co-teaching partnerships. In today's diverse and inclusive classrooms, co-teaching has become an integral approach to meet the varied learning needs of students. This course offers a comprehensive exploration of collaborative teaching models, strategies, and effective communication techniques to enhance the co-teaching experience.
Participants in this course will delve into the foundations of co-teaching, examining the various models and understanding how to choose the most appropriate approach for different classroom scenarios. Through interactive workshops, case studies, and practical exercises, co-teachers will develop a shared understanding of their roles, responsibilities, and the unique strengths they bring to the teaching partnership.
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Part 1 (12 hours)
The "Leading Your Role: Teaching Assistants Workshop – Part 1” is designed to provide teaching assistants (TAs) with essential skills and knowledge to excel in their roles and contribute to the overall success of the educational environment. This comprehensive course covers a range of topics, including the fundamental responsibilities of a TA, effective teaching strategies, workload management, and building positive relationships with both students and parents.
Participants will have gained practical skills, strategies, and insights that will enhance their effectiveness as teaching assistants. They will be better equipped to navigate the challenges of the role, contribute to student success, and foster positive relationships with both the educational team and parents.
Part 2 (12 hours)
The "Leading Your Role: Teaching Assistants Workshop - Part 2" is a dynamic and specialized program crafted to empower teaching assistants (TAs) with advanced skills and knowledge crucial for excelling in their roles. This workshop builds upon foundational concepts and delves deeper into key areas to further enhance the impact TAs can have on the overall success of the educational environment. This includes enhanced collaboration abilities, cross-cultural communication proficiency, advanced behavior management techniques, and specialized communication skills tailored to effectively engage with students. Participants will leave better equipped to contribute significantly to the success of the educational environment.
Book an appointment with Henry
What People Are Saying
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Henry’s notes really helps identify my behaviour and the other person's behaviour, and how do I tackle to build relationships.
I can say that Henry and PD Academia really did a great job coaching us about all the difficulties and understandings between us Asians and cross-cultural foreign colleagues and supervisors. This is a very good avenue to go to when we have difficulties. Not only with foreign colleagues, this includes the support staff who are locals as well.
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ESTER CHOO
Singapore American School
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After reading the booklet "Preparing Host Country Support Staff for their Roles in International Schools", my deepest reflection is regarding ‘small talk’, that is, how I can build relationships between colleagues and know it and the importance of it. So, I did some small talk exercises with my foreign employees. After that, I realized that our greeting ways became different. This helps to cultivate a closer relationship, which is also very helpful for me to serve these foreign employees better in the future.
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SUNNY WANG
Concordia International School Shanghai
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During the Legendary Service workshop, Henry set an example of legendary service. Because of work, I had to leave the first session midway. Henry took the initiative to contact me to make up lessons for me and then recommended a very applicable book to my current work situations. His care and mindfulness moved me.
Throughout the training course, Henry invited professionals such as a foreign teacher, a parent, and an operations director to share their customer service encounters with the school's staff members. He also meticulously put all of us in groups to ensure diversity and encourage in-depth sharing. Henry also created case studies for us to role-play and practice the techniques. The case studies helped us to see challenges from the perspectives of colleagues in various departments.
The whole training has given me two biggest inspirations: first, providing legendary service is teamwork. Second, legendary service begins with leadership. If it doesn’t happen, we should do our best to implement legendary service ourselves by cultivating legendary service into a culture.
I thank ACAMIS and Henry for organizing this training!
