Doha, Qatar: Tuesday 27th September 2011 - The appointment of American Ms Diane Hren as its first Deputy Head brings to ACS Doha International School a seasoned educationalist, with more than 15 years combined teaching experience in high and middle schools, on both sides of the Atlantic.

Ms Hren also spent 10 years as a school administrator - at an independent school in Washington DC and in ACS International Schools in England - before relocating to Doha this summer to take up her new position.

In her new role, Ms Hren will contribute significantly to the overall management of the school, working closely with the Head of School and Senior Management team. She will play a key role in ensuring strategic developments and that best education practices are implemented in the programmes she leads.

"I'm really delighted to be a part of this new development in Doha, which is set to change the landscape of education in Qatar," said Diane. "Students who are already confirmed to start the first academic session with us should count themselves fortunate, because the school offers opportunities to students who desire to study at any university in the world."

Diane obtained a BSc. in Biology and Psychology from Hiram College, Ohio, and a Masters from Hood College in Maryland. Her dissertation on oyster diseases contributed to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Association's management of this critical species in the Chesapeake Bay. Diane has continued to pursue advanced study in the areas of environmental and international education.  

Diane has also contributed to the knowledge and understanding of the captive management of the Bali Mynah (a bird species which is extinct in the wild), when she worked as a researcher with the Smithsonian Institute in Washington DC, the world's largest museum and research complex.

Her energy and passion for creating innovative and engaging learning experiences for students have earned her much recognition, including from the Lockheed Martin Graduate Fellows Program, as an innovative educator. She has also worked as a freelance curriculum writer and consultant, and is a published author of several works on environmental education.

"I believe that learning is an active process that happens best when teachers are working collaboratively, and students are actively engaged with the world around them," said Diane.

Diane is committed to education inside and outside the classroom and has led natural history and cultural trips to cities throughout Africa, Australia, Central America and Europe.

Further information on the new school, including application details, can be found at www.acs-schools.com

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About ACS
ACS International Schools were founded in 1967 to serve international and local communities.  The schools are non-sectarian and co-educational (day and boarding), enrolling approximately over 2,800 students aged 2 to 18 years.

ACS Doha International School is part of ACS International Schools and serves international and local communities. ACS Doha is co-educational, initially enrolling students aged 3 to14 years.  The school is located in the Gharrafa district of Doha.

The school offers a globally recognised American and international curriculum. It has state-of-the-art facilities and an on-going programme of building investment.  The strong core academic programme and extensive arts, sports and cultural activities support a student-centred philosophy.

ACS International Schools has over 30 years' experience of teaching the International Baccalaureate at its campuses in the UK.

For media enquiries related to ACS Doha International School, please contact Qanect Communications, Lauren Fryer at lauren.fryer@qanect.com or phone +974 3384 0519.

© Press Release 2011