Open to opportunities

Grace Cottone

@gracecottone

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Training and development leader specializing in early years curriculum and wellbeing.

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 am a Training and Development Manager with 11 years of international experience designing and delivering early years curriculum, professional development programs, and wellbeing initiatives. I translate classroom practice into structured training programs and lead cross-functional teams to improve learning outcomes.

At Atherton International School I co-led a global accreditation initiative, contributed to international curriculum standards, and implemented whole-school platforms like Canva for Education and Komodo Wellbeing. I have hands-on classroom experience using EYFS, IEYC, IPC, IMYC, Reggio Emilia, White Rose Math, Jolly Phonics, and Development Matters assessment tools.

I am committed to inclusive, play-based learning and staff development, with experience in safeguarding, risk assessment, parent workshops, and mentoring teacher trainees. My approach combines analytical attention to detail with practical, creative solutions to support student and staff growth.

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.