Donna Hancox
Summary
Educational professional with focus on developing engaging lesson plans and fostering supportive classroom environment. Adept at utilising variety of teaching methods to accommodate diverse learning styles, ensuring all students achieve their potential. Committed to continuous professional development and collaboration with colleagues to enhance educational outcomes.
Overview
39
39
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
English Teacher
ACI Schools
01.2020 - Current
- Developed the Grade 5 English curriculum
- Developed classroom cultures of self-directed learning, critical and creative thinking and visible thinking and sense of purpose
- Represented the school at Roberts College (2025) facilitating a workshop on Harvard Project Zero routines
- Implemented and led teaching training sessions in school goals: differentiation, thinking strategies, flipped learning (2020-25)
K–12 Academic Specialist
Terakki Foundation Schools
01.2014 - 01.2020
- Led K–12 curriculum restructuring, aligning with Cambridge and EAQUALS standards → achieved accreditation
- Embedded backward design and assessment for learning across departments
- Delivered sustained teacher training in inquiry-based learning, improving instructional consistency
Deputy Principal / PYP Coordinator
MEF International School
01.2011 - 01.2014
- Achieved IBPYP evaluation success within first contract year
- Designed and executed a 3-year IBPYP action plan (all targets met)
- Developed key school policies, appraisal systems, and job descriptions aligned with IB standards
- Built a strong professional learning community through strategic hiring and shared leadership
- Led PD programmes, school events, assemblies, and parent engagement initiatives
Founding Middle School Coordinator / IBPYP Coordinator
International School of Bologna
01.2010 - 01.2011
- Established a new Middle School programme with strong parent engagement
- Designed and aligned curriculum with IBPYP framework
- Developed all policies, procedures, and assessment systems
- Led staff in curriculum design, reporting systems, and portfolio development
- Mentored teachers in IB implementation
- Led parent workshops and curriculum communication
- Contributed to language and assessment policy development
Founding IBPYP Coordinator
Stonehill International School
01.2008 - 01.2010
- Led IBPYP implementation in a start-up school, achieving candidacy in Year 1
- Developed and delivered a 3-year strategic plan (targets met ahead of schedule)
- Worked directly with teachers to build strong classroom practice
- Whole-school coordination: staffing, scheduling, extracurriculars, conferences
- Established foundational school systems and policies
- Led major events including arts week and sports programmes
Grade 2 Teacher / Coordinator
International School of Zug
01.2004 - 01.2008
IBPYP Coordinator / Art Teacher
K International School
01.2003 - 01.2004
IBPYP Coordinator / Grade 5 Teacher
Berlin-Potsdam International School
01.1999 - 01.2003
- Led IBPYP authorization (2001)
- Introduced student-led conferences and portfolios
- Supported rapid school growth and curriculum alignment
Art Coordinator / Grade 5 Teacher
Vienna International School
01.1996 - 01.1999
Art / Grade 5 Teacher
Scaltback Middle School
01.1993 - 01.1996
Fashion Designer
Burton Retail Group
01.1987 - 01.1992
Education
MA Educational Leadership -
The College of New Jersey
USA01-2007
Certificate of International School Leadership -
The Principal Training Centre
USA01-2006
PGCE teaching certificate -
College of St Mark & St John
Plymouth, UK01-1993
BA (Hons) Three-Dimensional Design -
Polytechnic of Wolverhampton
UK01-1987
Diploma in Visual Arts -
Solihull College of Technology
UK01-1984
Skills
- Developing self-directed learners
- Assessment for learning
- Inquiry
- Critical thinking
- Empowering students
- Driving high standards in teaching and learning
- Building sustainable whole-school systems
- Building strong relationships
- Leading professional development
- Organisational skills
- Leadership skills
- Presentation skills
- Curriculum development
- Implementation of educational frameworks
- Multi-role leadership
- Mentoring
- Coaching
- Instructional leadership
Certification
- CELTA, University of Cambridge, 2014-01-01
- IBPYP Consultant Training, IB Organization, 2013-01-01
- IBPYP Visiting Team Member Training, IBO / CIS, 2009-01-01
- IBPYP Workshop Leader Training, IB Organization, 2009-01-01
- ESL in the Mainstream, Dept. of Education, South Australia, 2006-01-01
Professional Development
IBPYP Workshop Leader, Presenter & Consultant, 2009-2020, Implementing the Programme, IB Day Conference, Istanbul, 2013-01-01, Student-Led Conferences & Portfolios, AGIS Conference, Hannover, 2005-01-01, Extensive participation in IB conferences and workshops globally, including:, Pedagogical Leadership (The Hague), Assessment, Programme Coordination, and Inquiry-based Learning (Europe, Asia, Africa), Arts in the PYP (Singapore)
Timeline
English Teacher
ACI Schools
01.2020 - Current
K–12 Academic Specialist
Terakki Foundation Schools
01.2014 - 01.2020
Deputy Principal / PYP Coordinator
MEF International School
01.2011 - 01.2014
Founding Middle School Coordinator / IBPYP Coordinator
International School of Bologna
01.2010 - 01.2011
Founding IBPYP Coordinator
Stonehill International School
01.2008 - 01.2010
Grade 2 Teacher / Coordinator
International School of Zug
01.2004 - 01.2008
IBPYP Coordinator / Art Teacher
K International School
01.2003 - 01.2004
IBPYP Coordinator / Grade 5 Teacher
Berlin-Potsdam International School
01.1999 - 01.2003
Art Coordinator / Grade 5 Teacher
Vienna International School
01.1996 - 01.1999
Art / Grade 5 Teacher
Scaltback Middle School
01.1993 - 01.1996
Fashion Designer
Burton Retail Group
01.1987 - 01.1992
MA Educational Leadership -
The College of New Jersey
Certificate of International School Leadership -
The Principal Training Centre
PGCE teaching certificate -
College of St Mark & St John
BA (Hons) Three-Dimensional Design -
Polytechnic of Wolverhampton
Diploma in Visual Arts -
Solihull College of Technology