Our teachers

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.

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 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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, 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.

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.

What helps me in my work

My qualifications for working at Duhovka include a degree in English Literature and Spanish from the University of Reading, and a PGCE with Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) at the University of Exeter. I also hold a CELTA certification and have completed a 120-hour TEFL course, both of which have equipped me with strong skills in teaching English as a foreign language.

These qualifications, along with my practical teaching experience, prepare me well for my role at Duhovka. What helps me most in working at Duhovka is my experience teaching in diverse cultural settings. I feel I’ve learned to adapt to different learning styles and create a welcoming environment for all students.

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

Since my high school studies, I have been babysitting children of various ages. Since my university years, I have worked in children's leisure clubs (for example, the Children's Club of the Cabinet of MÚZ in Brno). I worked for a year as a tutor in a forest kindergarten and then for two and a half years as a teacher in an afternoon center at Štěpánská Primary School. As a volunteer, I also attended FOD Klokánek and I am currently enrolled in the programme of the Mezikrok initiative, which is dedicated to children leaving orphanages and their subsequent integration into society.

I am currently studying Social Pedagogy and Social Work at the Dejvická School, and I have a Bachelor's degree in History of Art from Masaryk University in Brno.

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.

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

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

My education is a mixture of alternative and traditional learning from nursery school to university. This includes conservatory training for a BFA in music at the New School in New York City and an ongoing professional music career.

I bring over twenty years teaching experience into the classroom. Continuing on my own learning adventure, last year I extended my TEFL with a Young Learners certification from the Language House Prague.

More recently I added the guide training for Cosmic and Language II (6 -12 years old) from Duhovka Institute.

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

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 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.

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 a graduate of the Teacher Live program.

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.

What helps me in my work

What helps me most in my work at Duhovka is my experience as a teaching assistant at a primary school, where I had the opportunity to work with children and develop their skills.

I have graduated from a teaching assistant course and I am studying a Bachelor's degree in English and Foundations of Social Sciences.

What helps me in my work

Rediscovering a sense of purpose and desire to work in education. Also knowledge from travelling in Europe, studying teaching at the University of South Bohemia or perhaps working as a teaching assistant in a kindergarten in Radovice or as a tutor of Czech and Mathematics.

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.

What helps me in my work

I have been teaching music for 25 years, I have experience in ZUŠ (music schools for children 6-15), in primary school and at the Faculty of Education. I like to do music workshops for children within various projects, music festivals and in cooperation with the educational programmes department of the Czech Philharmonic Orchestra.

I graduated from the Pedagogical Faculty of Charles University in Prague. I am constantly trying to further my education in the field of music pedagogy or pedagogical trends. My children (not only my own) are importantly my "teachers".

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.

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...