Melissa Hanbury
LONDON,London
Summary
Passionate and dedicated teacher with extensive experience in fostering academic rigour and delivering engaging, inspirational lessons. Skilled in cultivating critical thinking and creating a dynamic learning environment that motivates student growth and intellectual curiosity.
Overview
30
30
years of professional experience
12
12
years of post-secondary education
Work History
Part-time English teacher
Notting Hill and Ealing High School
London
08.2015 - Current
- Successfully prepared students for A-Level English Literature examinations with a strong record of high attainment and academic progress.
- Designed and delivered engaging, curriculum-aligned lesson plans that deepened students’ understanding of literature, language, and critical theory.
- Fostered a dynamic, inclusive learning environment through effective classroom management and a clear, consistent approach to behaviour and expectations.
- Differentiated instruction to meet the varied learning needs of students, ensuring accessibility, challenge, and personalised academic growth for all learners.
- Integrated a range of digital tools and platforms (e.g. Google Classroom and multimedia resources) to enhance lesson delivery and student engagement.
- Promoted analytical thinking and collaborative learning through debates and group projects.
- Organised and led enriching extracurricular activities, including book clubs, theatre visits, academic debates, and guest lectures, to extend learning beyond the classroom.
- Maintained meticulous records of student progress, assessment data, and attendance, contributing to effective reporting and departmental organisation.
- Built strong, supportive relationships with students and parents through regular communication, progress updates, and pastoral support.
- Actively contributed to the wider English department through collaborative planning, resource sharing, and mentoring of early-career teachers.
Part-time English teacher
The Grey Coat Hospital
London
08.2007 - 08.2015
- Delivered high-quality English lessons at both GCSE and A-Level, fostering critical thinking, confidence, and analytical skills in a diverse cohort of students.
- Developed engaging, values-sensitive lesson plans aligned with curriculum goals and the school’s Church of England ethos, encouraging moral reflection and empathy through literature.
- Taught advanced grammar, essay writing, and literary analysis to support strong performance in both GCSE and A-Level examinations.
- Prepared students thoroughly for English Language and Literature assessments, focusing on exam technique, resilience, and independent critical response.
- Used a range of educational technologies and digital platforms to enhance learning, increase engagement, and support revision.
- Maintained detailed records of student progress, attendance, and assessments, supporting effective tracking, pastoral care, and academic intervention.
- Liaised regularly with parents and carers to ensure consistent support for students’ academic progress and wellbeing.
- Actively participated in the wider school community by supervising extracurricular activities, contributing to school events, and promoting a strong sense of belonging and engagement.
- Collaborated closely with colleagues to share best practices, contribute to departmental planning, and support the ongoing development of a reflective teaching culture.
English teacher
Kings College
Madrid
08.2001 - 08.2004
English teacher
The Grey Coat Hospital
London
08.1998 - 07.2001
Publicity assistent
Jonathan Cape Publishers
London
07.1995 - 09.1997
- Wrote publicity statements and copy. Drafted press releases, publicity statements, and promotional copy for upcoming book releases, author interviews, and events.
- Coordinated author events and publicity tours. Organised and manage schedules for author book tours, including liaising with event organisers, booking venues, and ensuring smooth logistics for appearances.
- Created media lists. Built and maintained up-to-date media contact lists, ensuring the right journalists were targeted for each campaign.
- Liaised with journalists and editors. Communicated with editors, reporters, and journalists to pitch book features, interviews, reviews, and other media opportunities for authors.
- Organised press kits and materials. Prepared press kits, including author bios, book synopses, images, and excerpts, ensuring they are ready for distribution to media contacts.
- Tracked media coverage. Monitored press coverage, tracking reviews, interviews, and mentions of books or authors across various platforms and reported on the success of campaigns.
- Assisted in content creation. Collaborated with marketing and design teams to create promotional content.
- Coordinated interviews and media appearances. Scheduled and coordinated author interviews for radio and TV handling all logistics and ensuring the necessary materials are available.
Education
PGCE - English Literature
Roehampton Institute of Higher Education
London 08.1997 - 08.1998
Master of Arts - English Literature
University of Edinburgh
Edinburgh 09.1991 - 07.1995
A-Levels - English Literature, History and Geography
Downe House School for Girls
Newbury 09.1983 - 07.1990
Skills
- Collaboration
Proven ability to work effectively in teams, driving creative projects and campaigns - Literary expertise
In-depth knowledge of literature and critical theory, with a strong analytical approach - Discussion facilitation
Skilled in leading engaging discussions that stimulate critical thinking and participation
- Inspiring passion
Ability to spark enthusiasm for literature, fostering a love of learning - Research and development
Committed to continuous professional growth and staying current in literary trends - Parent-teacher communication
Strong interpersonal skills, building effective relationships with students and parents - Academic assessment
Experienced in providing clear, constructive feedback to drive student success
Timeline
Part-time English teacher
Notting Hill and Ealing High School
08.2015 - Current
Part-time English teacher
The Grey Coat Hospital
08.2007 - 08.2015
English teacher
Kings College
08.2001 - 08.2004
English teacher
The Grey Coat Hospital
08.1998 - 07.2001
PGCE - English Literature
Roehampton Institute of Higher Education
08.1997 - 08.1998
Publicity assistent
Jonathan Cape Publishers
07.1995 - 09.1997
Master of Arts - English Literature
University of Edinburgh
09.1991 - 07.1995
A-Levels - English Literature, History and Geography
Downe House School for Girls
09.1983 - 07.1990
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