Grade 1 - 3 Teachers

Karin Drozdová
Karin Drozdová
Czech teacher

Why I work at Duhovka
At Duhovka we teach in a structured learning environment designed to facilitate children's self-directed learning. Education thus becomes a great journey of self-realization and self-awareness. I like the environment in Duhovka because it encourages and fulfills children's curiosity. The teacher is a guide who opens up many different paths, teaching by demonstration, not by correction. Indirect instruction and unforced learning are natural benefits of the unique environment of Duhovka classrooms.

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.

Tariqun Nabi Choudhury
Tariqun Nabi Choudhury
English teacher

What I like about Duhovka
Duhovka is a very special school, where students are allowed to progress at their own pace. Teachers facilitate this with following each child and creating a safe and comfortable environment, where making mistakes is a part of learning so nothing to be feared. With mixed age classes every child is catered for and supported in their social and emotional development.

What helps me in my work
I was an ESL student growing up in England and my 4 year old 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.

Roisin Judd
Roisin Judd
English teacher

What I like about Duhovka
Duhovka caught my attention because of its focus on the holistic development of its students. The school's emphasis on children's social and emotional wellbeing, not only their academic achievement, was what drew me to work here as I can see that it encourages the development of well-rounded, resilient individuals who understand their innate value and the value they have to their wider community. The involvement of parents in the school community is another unique characteristic of Duhovka, as it truly brings to life the Montessori focus on community. I am only beginning my journey at Duhovka, but I look forward to all it contains!

What helps me in my work
Worked in various preschools in England, obtained a qualification in Early Years Education. Gained a TEFL qualification in Prague, including an additional course in Teaching Young Learners. Worked in a bilingual kindergarten in Prague, which had values that complement the Montessori approach. I attend Elementary Montessori training. I have had the opportunity to work with children in a variety of settings, which has created the invaluable skill of flexibility - I'm sure this will prove very helpful during my time at Duhovka, as not only do the individual and class needs of the children require flexibility but also the bilingual approach of working alongside other teachers in the classroom. Teaching English as a foreign language here in the Czech Republic will also prove beneficial to working at Duhovka as I know how to support children with varying levels of English - and how to make it fun.

Tanya Linnegar
Tanya Linnegar
English teacher

Why I work at Duhovka
I discovered the Montessori approach through my desire to explore alternative, innovative teaching methodologies and to improve my own teaching methods. I began working as a Teaching Assistant at Duhovka Elementary School in June 2021 and am in the process of completing the Duhovka Montessori Teacher Training for Lower Elementary. In February 2022, I was excited to step into the English class teacher role and look forward to this next chapter.

What helps me in my work
I hail from sunny South Africa. I received my Bachelor Of Fine Arts degree (BFA) from the Emily Carr University of Art and Design in Vancouver, Canada. I have always had great respect for children and enjoyed working cross-culturally with children in various capacities, first as an Au Pair in Chicago, and then in several caregiver roles in the USA and Canada. After moving to the Czech Republic, I began teaching English to a class of 2-3 year olds at a bilingual Stara Boleslav preschool, before being appointed as Grade 1 English class teacher at a bilingual elementary school in Brandys Nad Labem, where I also taught English to Grade 3 and Art to Grades 1 - 3. I also enjoyed contributing to the planning and running of creative youth summer camp programs. I enjoy integrating my passion for the Arts and creativity into my classroom wherever possible. I love inspiring young minds to embrace a love of reading. When not teaching, you can find me, together with my cat, immersed in a good book or travelling, visiting art galleries and pursuing my passion of Photography.

Marie Medonis
Marie Medonis
English teacher

What I like about Duhovka
I think Duhovka is great for children because it is based on the Montessori pedagogy - "to follow the child". So no matter what level the child is at academically or socially, when they enter the classroom, they have the opportunity for growth and development. The elementary child is a very social child and the Montessori focus on peace education helps the child acquire social skills that will benefit them for their lifetime. This feeling of security, in being able to handle social situations, greatly impacts the child's academic learning. Also the concept of how the materials are presented of academic concepts enables the child to move from concrete to abstract

What helps me in my work
I've been a Montessori guide for sixteen years and it is a way of life. The work of the guide is to first form oneself before one can give to the child. The Montessori method supports my desire to be a life long learner and I enjoy learning along side the child. When a child asks "What is this ?" my response is "I don't know, would you like to find out!"

Pavel Nechuta
Pavel Nechuta
Czech teacher

Duhovka School is great for children because it allows them to develop freely in a variety of fields while giving them the knowledge and skills needed for today's world. Specifically, it is definitely English, developing cooperation and a world view without prejudice. At the same time, thanks to this free approach, children develop self-responsibility and an active approach to their own learning.

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.

Eliška Obermajerová
Eliška Obermajerová
Czech teacher

I like working at Duhovka because I have the opportunity to work more individually with children and this more personal approach makes more sense to me. The school allows me to develop both my language skills and extend my education in the Montessori system. I also enjoy the bilingual environment and working with an English native speaker in everyday life.

I am the daughter of a teacher, so I have always been close to this profession. I have been working with children since I was 16, when I started going to camps, first as a trainee and later as a leader, which led me to the choice to study teaching for elementary school. I came across the Montessori methodology and its system during my teaching practice at Na Beránku Elementary School, and I set myself the task to understand the internal system of a Montessori school. Since then, I know where my place is.
Teacher Education for elementary school, Faculty of Education, Charles University; 2.5 years internship in a Montessori school; Montessori trainng AMS 6-9.

Kristýna Pucci
Kristýna Pucci
Czech teacher

Duhovka... A place with a welcoming atmosphere and wonderful people. A place where everyone is treated with respect and trust. A place where the emphasis is on individuality, not performance. Not a stressful environment, but quality conditions for every child.

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.

Olivia Spousta
Olivia Spousta
English teacher

What I like about Duhovka
At Duhovka we aim to provide children with individually paced education that challenges them academically while encouraging a healthy sense of self and well-being. Our classrooms are dynamic and full of life and movement. Children have opportunities for active cooperative and experiential learning, free creative expression, and have space for individual deep focused contemplation. We encourage children to question, think critically, and take responsibility for their own learning and be part of a broader respectful community.

What helps me in my work
I've worked with children for over 25 years. I've been teaching at Duhovka Elementary school for the past 10 years and was previously at Duhovka Preschool for about 2 years. I have my BA in theology and my AMI certification for LE. Being a mother, a creative and a Montessorian with over 20 years in education and community service, as well as living over a decade abroad, have all significantly informed my teaching method.
Each of these life experiences have encouraged in me thoughtful creative problem solving skills, community awareness and responsibility and an empathic and respectful to approach myself and others, regardless of age! These are what I strive for and are the qualities promoted here at Duhovka.

Michaela Sychrová
Michaela Sychrová
Czech teacher

Working at Duhovka is deeply fulfilling for me because it makes every day different, full of surprises and new challenges. Thanks to the children, I am never bored, I learn new things every day and often learn something about myself. In Duhovka I have found a great team of enthusiastic people who are always open to new thoughts and ideas.

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.
Grade 4 - 5 Teachers

Dylan Edwards
Dylan Edwards
English teacher

What I like about Duhovka
I like the community in Duhovka. Almost everyone is cheerful and happy to help each other, there is good energy between colleagues and in the school. The children can also feel the positive energy in the environment, classroom, and school.

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.

Cassandra Moore
Cassandra Moore
English teacher

What I like about Duhovka
Duhovka offers a very different experience than in the traditional classroom. The lessons are student-led, which means students practice a skill or strategy for as long, or as short, as they need to become masters at it. Duhovka's classroom environments have comfortable atmospheres, which help students engage in the content they are working on.
As an experienced teacher, it comes as no surprise to me that hands-on learning is often the most memorable and fun way for students to learn and practice. I, myself, learn best through action. This perspective drives my passion for using and implementing the Montessori method with the many different materials available to us.

My education and experience
I have a master's degree in Elementary Education and have been teaching since 2016. I have been working as an English teacher in Prague since 2019. Through my years of teaching, I have worked with students of many different abilities and ages.

Lenka Nodl
Lenka Nodl
Czech teacher

What I like about Duhovka
Duhovka is near and dear to my heart and a dream that came true. It's not just a school, but a wonderful informal, friendly, and inspiring space for teachers, parents and especially children to learn, spend time in a beautiful, safe, friendly and above all respectful environment and for us to spend time with them. It's a community full of wonderful people, bound together by friendly relationships and a common interest. The teaching is bilingual and follows a unique concept, which is the combination of Montessori pedagogy with the latest knowledge not only from pedagogical science.

What helps me in my work
The foundation is my university studies at the Faculty of Education of Charles University, Montessori training and ongoing further education, lifelong experience in school and leisure education in elementary schools and in clubs and camps, natural interest in education, psychology, respectful approach to people and nature. Last but not least, I must definitely highlight my experience as a parent, which is a great day school and a constant opportunity for me to make progress.

Daleen Pillay
Daleen Pillay
English teacher

What I like about Duhovka
I enjoy the community in Duhovka. The school has a wonderful way of including children, parents and teachers equally in decision making and I love that the parents are so involved with their children’s futures. It helps create a more stable bond between families which in turn helps teachers educate their children in the most individual way.

What helps me most at work
I have a Licentiate in Musical Theatre which focuses on performance and education. It allows me to be a very creative teacher which is essential in Montessori education.
Working in theatre in education has been really helpful. At Duhovka, we follow the Montessori principles and it’s remarkable how Theatre in Education and the Montessori Philosophy correlate with each other.

Šárka Poláková
Šárka Poláková
Czech teacher

What I like about Duhovka
What I like about Duhovka is the unique idea of combining the Montessori method with bilingual education. Duhovka is a place full of creativity and respect for children, parents, and teachers.

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.

Hana Široká
Hana Široká
Czech teacher

Why I work at Duhovka
What I like about Duhovka is that it gives children the opportunity for free personal development. I appreciate the respect for individual pace and the promotion of critical thinking. A competitive environment is replaced by cooperation, children's creativity is encouraged. I believe that experience-based learning helps to create a quality foundation for our children's future lives.

What helps me in my work
I have a degree in pedagogy from Charles University, 8 years of experience in elementary school, 2 years of experience in a Montessori school and a 2-year Montessori training. 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.
Grade 1 - 5 Assistants and Future Teachers

Patrik Grúner
Patrik Grúner
teacher assistant

Why I work at Duhovka
Duhovka is a safe environment where everyone has the opportunity to discover their abilities and express their uniqueness. I see the connection of the Montessori method with Czech-English education as a great advantage. I like the fact that the individual progress of the pupil is valued here and that their critical thinking is encouraged.

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.

Adéla Hájková
Adéla Hájková
teacher assistant

What do you like about Duhovka
I love being at Duhovka because of the great colleagues and students who I can work with and who teach me something new every day. The environment at Duhovka is friendly and respectful. I also like that we as employees are encouraged to further our education and develop our knowledge and skills.

What helps me in my work
When working at Duhovka, I draw mostly on the knowledge I gained during my studies at the Pedagogical Faculty. At the same time, studying English allows me to communicate fluently in both languages spoken at our school and to help others with translation when needed.

Jana Holzerová
Jana Holzerová
teacher assistant

What I like about Duhovka
Students at Duhovka are encouraged to actively learn independently and are not afraid to make mistakes in the process. Making mistakes is seen as a natural part of learning in the school. Teachers are guides who help pupils learn within a safe environment, but they are also constantly learning themselves.

What helps me the most when working
At Duhovka, I use my theoretical knowledge from my studies of Elementary Teaching at the Faculty of Education of Charles University.
I have several years of experience working with children as a camp leader, swimming instructor and also as a babysitter. During my Erasmus+ study stay I worked at the Czech School Madrid, where I educated Czech children living in Spain in the form of a Saturday school.

Brooke Johnson
Brooke Johnson
teacher assistant

Yukiko Kashiwabara
Yukiko Kashiwabara
teacher assistant

What makes Duhovka great for children
I believe Duhovka is great for children because of the community we create within the classroom and the entire school. As a Montessori school, it offers the child opportunities to develop their own capabilities, independence and cultivates their natural desire to learn. Lastly, Duhovka is a great place for children to embrace unique learning experiences in the prepared environment and most importantly, building respect as part of the community values in the school.

What helps me most at work
One aspect of my education that greatly helps me when working at Duhovka is my background in Early Childhood Education. My 10+ years practice as a teacher has honed my ability to communicate and engage with my students from various cultural backgrounds fostering a positive and inclusive learning environment. Over the years in education and from my life experiences, I have embraced and grown from all kinds of situations that ultimately helps me become a better teacher at Duhovka.

Martina Váňová
Martina Váňová
teacher assistant

Why I work at Duhovka
Duhovka is great for children because it provides them with a different form of learning than in traditional schools. The teachers are 100% dedicated to the children. Children and parents receive support, help and information from the school. Parents are also part of the school. Duhovka children also have a great advantage in that they can spend their afternoons in the after-school center and in the school garden or take advantage of the school's large selection of afternoon clubs.

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 for the last 3 years in Duhovka. Pedagogical studies - teaching assistant abroad and in the Czech Republic.

Martina Vopravilová
Martina Vopravilová
teacher assistant
Middle School Teachers

Jan Čermák
Jan Čermák
Czech teacher

Why I work at Duhovka
Enthusiasm for working around children. Genius loci - the special charm of a place that does not feel like "going to work" but still "going to school". Discovering together how to make the path to knowledge accessible and enjoyable for children.

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 :)
- 7 years of experience (of which 4 years 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

Joshua P. Dionne
Joshua P. Dionne
English teacher

Michaela Freyová
Michaela Freyová
Science teacher

What I like about Duhovka
I see Duhovka as a good environment for children and their parents. I like the open communication and nice spaces for learning. Working at Duhovka allows me to combine theory with practice.

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.

Pavel Haase
Pavel Haase
Math teacher

Daryl Harrison
Daryl Harrison
English teacher

What I like about Duhovka
I chose Duhovka because the school's vision and values reflect my own and I am really excited about the opportunity to teach through Montessori methods.

What helps me at my work
The most important part of my life experience that will help me most when working in Duhovka is my positive attitude towards students, their education and my desire to always improve my teaching methods.

Markéta Maivald
Markéta Maivald
Czech teacher

What I like at Duhovka
At Duhovka I like the diverse environment where children and teachers from different cultural and linguistic backgrounds meet. In this diversity every child finds his/her place, learns respect, friendly and open communication with others. Children at Duhovka are encouraged to realize their own worth, their hidden and obvious talents. As a parent of Duhovka children, I see them growing into individuals who can find their place in a changing world. Last but not least, the children at Duhovka can afford to be children with all that goes along with this beautiful but sometimes challenging time of life.

What helps me mostly at work
Primarily, it is the field I studied where I gained a deep understanding of the subject I am teaching. Next, it is an inspiring study of pedagogy that is led by experienced teachers, didacticians and psychologists. I have been greatly enriched by many years of experience teaching Czech as a foreign language at Czech and foreign universities. My personal experience with the system of teaching in a private Montessori school in Florida, USA and in public schools in Nevada, USA is extremely valuable for me.
My education and experience
I graduated from the Faculty of Arts of UP in Olomouc in Bohemian, English and American Studies. I defended my PhD in Czech Philology in 2006 at the same university. Now, I am completing my 2nd year of pedagogical education - teaching the 2nd grade of primary and secondary schools - at the Faculty of Arts of the University of Pardubice. I am constantly educating myself in the field I teach in and which I enjoy very much. I have taken RWCT courses at the Prague Psychotherapy School, as part of the continuing education program and my favourites include Reading Workshops and Contemporary Literature for Young People, I continually attend seminars on topics that help me learn about myself and other people.

Kristýna Přikrylová
Kristýna Přikrylová
Czech teacher

Why I work at Duhovka
In Duhovka, children participate in the running of the school, create the environment in which they will learn and spend their time, and care for it together. I like the teacher being more of a guide who teaches the children independence.

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.

Tannia Ríos
Tannia Ríos
Spanish teacher

Jan Tichý
Jan Tichý
Czech teacher
Middle School Assistants

Adéla Hájková
Adéla Hájková
teacher assistant

What do you like about Duhovka
I love being at Duhovka because of the great colleagues and students who I can work with and who teach me something new every day. The environment at Duhovka is friendly and respectful. I also like that we as employees are encouraged to further our education and develop our knowledge and skills.

What helps me in my work
When working at Duhovka, I draw mostly on the knowledge I gained during my studies at the Pedagogical Faculty. At the same time, studying English allows me to communicate fluently in both languages spoken at our school and to help others with translation when needed.

Simona Vosáhlová
Simona Vosáhlová
teacher assistant
Other teachers

Gabriela Matoušková
Gabriela Matoušková
PE teacher
teacher assistant

What I like about Duhovka
Duhovka gives me the opportunity to be a teacher who respects her students, treats them individually and can safely develop the abilities and skills they are gifted with.

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

Jan Pokorný
Jan Pokorný
IT teacher

Lucie Rogozová
Lucie Rogozová
PE teacher

Vlaďka Šťastná - Happy
Vlaďka Šťastná - Happy
art teacher

Why I work at Duhovka
The way of working, connection, collaboration on projects. The process, the way everything is connected, children are allowed to experience and to have an overview, to put everything in context. The creative freedom, the search for inspiration, the joy and fulfilment, regardless of the outcome. CREATIVITY, the opportunity to respond to current cultural events, anniversaries and exhibitions. You want to discover something? Just take part in it.

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...