My many years of experience in school and education system management, as well as my earlier encounters with wise people who have focused and are focusing on innovation and alternatives in education, have helped me in my work. And from the perspective of the last 10 years, it is a closer acquaintance with the Systemic Approach to work and life and, of course, Montessori pedagogy.

What helps me in my work

Thanks to decades spent in education as a teacher in two countries, school director, coach, consultant, družina teacher and head of družina & clubs at the end it boils down to the fact that my job in Duhovka lets me utilise two of my favorite things; my love for children and my interest in leadership. Being part of an organisation and a team, and helping driving these forward makes me thrive like a fish in water...

What helps me the most in my work at Duhovka is my education in elementary and Montessori pedagogy, systemic trainings for working with adults, experience from abroad and foreign schools, and my own experience as a parent raising my bilingual children.

What helps me in my work

I try to use my professional education and my life experience when working in Duhovka. It is important to be open-minded and willing to continually move forward to improve my skills. The international environment and inspiring colleagues help me to see further and shape my vision of the world. I believe it helps me to be better at my job.

What helps me in my work

I graduated from the Faculty of Education of the University of Ostrava, majoring in Teaching for Elementary School. For ten years I taught English language at the Vladislav Vančura Elementary School in Prague 5 - Zbraslav. Here I gained the necessary experience that helps me a lot when working in the bilingual Montessori environment of Duhovka. I am currently completing the Montessori Teacher Education Program.

What helps me in my work

I was an ESL student growing up in England and my son is bi-lingual with English and Czech. This gives me a unique perspective when observing and teaching our students. Having worked at an International School for 9 years in Prague, previous to Duhovka, has given me a good grounding for working with students who come from a variety of backgrounds with individual needs.

Due to my previous teaching experiences being from the English State and International School systems, I felt my own teaching style was very much in line with the majority of Montessori principles and although the materials were completely new, I continue to learn about the benefits of using them to internalise skills and knowledge. With lead English teachers now in Lower and Upper Elementary we have joined up thinking in terms of how we work and the expectations of our ESL, Bi-lingual and Native English students in our classes.

What helps me in my work

I discovered the Montessori approach through a genuine desire to explore innovative, child-centered teaching methods that foster independence, creativity, and a lifelong love of learning. Since joining Duhovka Elementary School in 2021, I’ve been inspired daily by how Montessori empowers children to grow at their own pace and become confident, curious, and compassionate individuals. This journey has enriched my teaching practice, and I’m excited to complete my Montessori Certification in 2025.

Since 2022, I’ve had the privilege of being the English Vanilla Class teacher, supporting students in both their academic and personal growth. I find great joy in witnessing their progress and creating a safe, nurturing environment where they can express themselves freely.

Originally from South Africa, I bring a diverse cultural perspective and a passion for the arts. I hold a Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) from Emily Carr University of Art and Design in Vancouver. My experience includes caregiving and teaching roles across North America and the Czech Republic, where I taught English and Art at bilingual schools.

At Duhovka, I love integrating creative projects into the curriculum to inspire imagination and deepen understanding. I also love encouraging young learners to discover the joy of reading and self-expression. Outside the classroom, I enjoy spending time with my two cats, reading, travelling, visiting art galleries, and pursuing my passion for painting and photography.

What helps me in my work

I have over ten years of experience teaching English as a Second Language and hold a TEFL qualification. I’ve worked with a wide range of learners, including mixed-age classes and individual tutoring in Prague. My academic background includes a Bachelor of Science from the Czech University of Life Sciences, where I studied in a multicultural, multilingual environment that continues to shape my inclusive teaching approach.

As a passionate language learner myself, I bring empathy and insight into the language learning journey. I am currently studying Czech and have also learned Polish, German, Spanish, and French. This experience allows me to support my students with understanding, patience, and flexibility, especially those navigating more than one language.

I’m also passionate about experiential learning and draw on my background in environmental education, having led hands-on programs at a community garden in Prague. My personal practices in meditation, movement, and connecting with nature help me bring calm, curiosity, and intention into the classroom. I believe that when we create the right conditions—like tending to a healthy garden—children, too, can grow confidently and thrive in their own unique way.

The most helpful thing for me is certainly my degree, i.e., Teaching for Elementary School at the Pedagogical Faculty of Charles University, which gives me the necessary 'grounding', i.e., theoretical foundations concerning pedagogy in general and individual subjects. In addition, of course, I have also benefited from specialized courses such as Drama Education for Teachers and various other seminars and books on alternative education. Last but not least, it is the 7 years of experience in a traditional school and the upbringing of three children of my own that help me to maintain a realistic view of the field of education.

Studying at the Faculty of Education, experience with children abroad, teaching practice in Duhovka since 2016, international Montessori training and last but not least my children, all this gives me the basis for my work as a teacher.

In my work at Duhovka, I draw, among other things, on my collaboration with Professor Hejný under whose guidance I had the honor of writing my thesis. Professor Hejný provided me with excellent preparation for my future teaching practice and a new perspective on understanding the teacher's and student's approach in general. Thanks to him, I understood how much children benefit from self-discovery, finding unusual ways and their own solutions. Very helpful for working with children is also my daily practice with my own school-age children, who readily provide valuable feedback.

What helps me in my work

My teaching background is definitely a cornerstone, but other key experiences that support me in our bilingual environment have been volunteering in a French school and interning in London. Working with foreigners is also close to my heart since running language courses at a community centre for refugees. Last but not least, it is my long experience with the Hejny method that started my love for mathematics and has been deepened thanks to using Montessori materials.

I studied Teaching for Grades 1-5 with a specialization in English language at Charles University and after completing my Master's degree I spent two years doing research in mathematics didactics as part of my doctoral studies. I continue my self-education now, through Montessori training.

What helps me in my work

I've spent many years coaching, working with young people and identifying that you need to ensure the child is comfortable and willing to cooperate to ensure a stable and effective learning foundation. I have completed the AMS Montessori Training lead by Judy Luman.

What helps me in my work

A great advantage of working at Duhovka is my varied experience, which I gqained during my three years of study at the Jabok College of Higher Education. During my internship I had the opportunity to work with children with specific learning disabilities, ADHD, dysphasia, autism and mental or physical disabilities. During my studies, I gained two years of experience in Nová škola o.p.s. as a teacher of afternoon clubs and social interventions in the families of pupils, where I worked with children with a different mother tongue as well as with children from socially disadvantaged families.

What helps me in my work

In my work at Duhovka I use the knowledge that I have gained while studying teaching for elementary school at the Faculty of Education of Charles University and during Montessori training with a focus on the age group 6 to 12 years. During my teaching practice I have participated in a number of interesting educational courses. I was most impressed by the course "Facing History" and a training program for mentors. My teaching practice has certainly been influenced by my interests, which include traveling and sport.

What helps me in my work

I have a degree in pedagogy from Charles University and I have been teaching at several elementary schools since 2005. I studied a course focused on Montessori education at Duhovka for three years and successfully completed it in 2024. I am also a mother of three children. So, I spend most of my time among children and this makes me think about ways to ensure the best possible future for them. I believe that the right way are quality interpersonal relationships, free will and the ability to be responsible for one's actions. I want the children that surround me to experience wonderful moments of discovery in a calm and stimulating environment. This is the environment Duhovka creates.

What helps me in my work

My years of experience working with children and my work at a school abroad help me a lot in my work at Duhovka. This experience helps me to navigate well in a bilingual environment. Another great help has been my long-term travels in Southeast Asia, where I have met people of different cultures, habits, and religions. This life experience has made me stronger, and I often use it in my work with children. And I'm not done yet - Duhovka motivates me to continually deepen my education :)

Since 2006 assistant teacher in a school abroad and then in Duhovka. Pedagogical studies - teaching assistant abroad and in the Czech Republic.

What helps me in my work

My education that will help me working at Duhovka is my university degree and my teachering certification. What will also help me is my previous work in the Czech Republic at English Summer camps and teachering afternoon classes with young learners.

What helps me in my work

What helps me the most is my experience with different types of children. From the bright and quick learners to those who more or less struggle with learning. And definitely my experiences in Tanzania, where I learned patience while waiting 16 hours for a delayed train. :)

And of course my education and experience :)

• Long experience in the field of education, including experience in a Montessori environment
• Montessori courses: Czech for Explorers (Montessori Czech Republic), AMI Montessori 12-18 workshop (Jenny Marie Höglund), How to Start a Montessori Class (Montessori Elementary School Kladno), lecture by Claus-Dieter Kaul - Montessori 12-18
• Other courses: Philosophy for Children P4C, Complex Work with a Class Group, Research-oriented Teaching, Work with a Mistake in the Czech Language, Writing without Fear, Bullying

What helps me the most at work

Since I teach Physics and Chemistry and graduated from a technical university, it's my work experience in different companies. Working in foreign Western European companies has helped me to look at solutions to different situations with different eyes. I also attend seminars on Montessori philosophy. Last but not least, a position as a coach in orienteering.

What helps me in my work

I enjoy creating new activities in the classroom. My inspiration for teaching Cosmic Education comes from travelling around Europe. The best practice for me is the upbringing of my five children :) I graduated from the Faculty of Mathematics and Physics, Charles University (Mathematics - Computer Science). I taught Math/Programming in a high school (4 years), at the Faculty of Mathematics and Physics, Charles University (2 years), in Scio School (1 year), at the Montessori School Na Dlouhém lánu (2 years), in Duhovka (untill now) and during 6 weekend courses by Claus Dieter Kaul.

What helps me in my work

At the Austrian Bilingual High School I gained an invaluable foundation of academic knowledge and enthusiasm for education. While studying in the US, I broadened my horizons and honed my English. Studying Law at university gave me the ability to approach problems systematically and logically. My own children have taught me that life is varied and the most important thing is a patient, loving attitude. Additionally, in the last 12 years of teaching experience in Waldorf schools, I have been able to practice everything abundantly. I am also a graduate of the Teacher Live program.

My education and experiences

I graduated in social pedagogy and Physical Education and Sport at the Pedagogical Faculty. I lived in Italy for a year, where I played professional football.

What helps me in my work

Probably the fact that I have had the opportunity to work in different creative environments. Implementing and coordinating projects - exhibitions, festivals, PR events, art workshops, author readings. Working in publishing, in a foundation and the non-profit sector, puppet theatre and puppet making and costume making. Opportunities to work in preschools, schools, foundations and childcare centers. Organizing camps. Travelling the world and seeing different ways of working and looking at it. But always!?...self-responsibility, creative freedom, creativity, and humility. All this still helps, entertains and fulfills me in my work with children, and in our studio...

What helps me in my work

At the age of 17, my mother enticed me to work with children in the sport club Sokol Hanspaulka. I took it as a hobby at first. Later on, I found out that I wanted to continue this kind of work in the future. Over the years I have taken countless courses on how to work with children and develop their skills. In 2020 I successfully completed the course "Sports Activities Instructor".

What helps me in my work

I have been working with children for many years. Most of the time I have taught in Australia and the UK. At Duhovka I like the bilingual environment and the individual development of each child's talents.

What helps me in my work

Thanks to decades spent in education as a teacher in two countries, school director, coach, consultant, družina teacher and head of družina & clubs at the end it boils down to the fact that my job in Duhovka lets me utilise two of my favorite things; my love for children and my interest in leadership. Being part of an organisation and a team, and helping driving these forward makes me thrive like a fish in water...

What helps me the most at work

What helps me the most at work? I mostly met with children in drama education, where it was common practice to supervise the youngest members of the group. I've been with our group since 2020, so my biggest asset is undoubtedly my experience with colleagues and supervisors - and of course the children.

What helps me most at word

As someone who has worked with and cared for children who have been abused and/or with learning difficulties, I understand how different environments can affect learning outcomes for a young person. I know very well that a nurturing, caring and tailored environment is essential for the development and overall prosperity for a child.

What helps me in my work

In my position in Duhovka I use many years of teaching and psychotherapeutic experience. I like how Duhovka manages to embrace the diversity of children; thanks to the bilingual environment the children have the opportunity to have a daily experience with the English language. Children are encouraged to cooperate, tolerate, and help each other. The values conveyed at Duhovka are essential to their development, allowing children to feel safe and secure in a friendly environment where the teacher helps the child find their way to knowledge and school skills. I enjoy participating in this educational process, which is also very rewarding for me.

Czech Association of Coaches, former chair of the Czech Association of Coaches, now the highest level of EMCC accreditation, accredited family and systemic psychotherapist, lecturer and supervisor of coaching and therapeutic trainings, member of the Czech Systemic Society and member of SOFT.

What helps me in my work

My experience of teaching children for over 20 years and teaching / mentoring adults for the last 30 years has supported my experience at Duhovka. This gives me a background to understand and evaluate each new person or situation that crosses my path. In keeping Montessori's thoughts on growth and development at the forefront of my work, I am better able to understand each of us develop to be the best of who we are when given the right circumstances to thrive. Duhovka gives this to children, parents, and employees.