Open to opportunities

Grace Cottone

@gracecottone

Experienced educator and artist blending 13+ years of international teaching with a creative, people-first approach to work.

Greece

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What I'm looking for

I seek a role where I can lead curriculum and staff development in an inclusive, collaborative school focused on wellbeing and evidence-based practice.

I'm an educator and artist with 13+ years of experience across international schools in South Korea, Thailand, and now Greece, working in early childhood education, EAL teaching, and whole-school wellbeing leadership. I've also spent years as an online English teacher, connecting with students and families from all over the world.

At the core of how I work is a genuine enjoyment of connecting with people. I'm a good listener, kind, and I build relationships easily, whether I'm in a classroom, supporting a team, or just having a conversation. Those same qualities carry into how I lead and collaborate: with empathy, patience, and a real interest in the people around me.

Outside of work, I'm a deeply creative person. I paint, make collage art, cook, bake, dance, sing etc… all things that let me slow down, experiment, and make something with my hands. That creative instinct shows up in my work too, in how I approach problems and communicate with people.

Experience

Work history, roles, and key accomplishments

Whole-School Wellbeing Lead

Atherton International School

Aug 2023 - Jun 2024 (10 months)

Established whole-school wellbeing processes, onboarded Komodo wellbeing software, produced monthly wellbeing reports and led interventions and workshops including sexual health and mindfulness programs.

Wellbeing Program Design Student Support Komodo Workshop Facilitation Reporting Program Evaluation

Head of Early Years

Atherton International School

Jan 2020 - Jun 2024 (4 years 5 months)

Co-led a triple international accreditation (IEYC, IPC, IMYC) and implemented UK National Curriculum and Development Matters, improving curriculum coherence and staff training across the school.

Curriculum Design Accreditation Staff Development

Nursery & Reception Teacher

Atherton International School

Aug 2017 - Jun 2024 (6 years 10 months)

Designed and delivered age-appropriate EYFS/IEYC-aligned lessons using White Rose Math and Jolly Phonics, individualized assessments with Development Matters and maintained strong parent and team communication.

EYFS Lesson Planning Jolly Phonics White Rose Math Assessments

K1 Nursery Co-teacher

Nakornpayap International School

Oct 2013 - Jul 2015 (1 year 9 months)

Co-taught EYFS- and Common Core–aligned lessons for K1, developed an EAL summer program, led stage set design and after-school swim instruction, and managed parent communications.

EYFS Lesson Planning EAL Program Design Classroom Management Parent engagement Stage Design Swimming Instruction