Our team

I am an experienced educator dedicated to the development of education. I focus on creating a school environment where both students and teachers feel comfortable, and where children gain skills that will help them succeed in the digital world of the 21st century. My philosophy is based on the belief that school should not only be a preparation for life but also a place full of joy and imagination. I believe that every student has the potential to succeed if we provide them with the space to grow and develop their self-confidence, courage, and responsibility. With over 20 years of experience as the principal of three primary schools, I have also worked as an academic and instructor. I am certified as a Microsoft Innovative Educator Expert and have been recognized as a two-time winner of the Global Teacher Forum. I was also a finalist for the Global Teacher Prize in the Czech Republic and in 2024, I was honored with the title of School Director of the Year. I hold a doctorate in pedagogy and an MBA in school management. Under my leadership, every school I’ve worked with has achieved significant improvement, as confirmed by the Czech School Inspection.

I enrich the school environment with my managerial and organizational skills, which I gained through my experience at the Ministry of Education, Youth, and Sports. These experiences allow me to effectively contribute to the development of the school and innovations in the educational process. I am actively involved in project-based learning, which supports the development of students' skills in the real world. In addition, I organize school trips and excursions that provide students with new experiences outside the classroom. I ensure smooth communication with authorities, whether it concerns administrative matters or cooperation with external partners. I lead the student affairs department, where I am responsible for student support and communication with parents. I am also a key figure in organizing the admissions process, ensuring that it runs smoothly and transparently.

Claudia Van Der Sande is a native and empathetic speaker from the USA with experience in international environments. In the Czech Republic, she has taught English in kindergartens as well as in both lower and upper primary school levels. She holds an accredited TEFL certificate along with an additional specialization in teaching young learners. Early in her career, she focused on nutritional counselling and educating children about healthy eating habits, applying her teaching skills in both community and school programs. This unique combination has given her a deep sensitivity to working with children and teens, and she excels at creating a friendly and stimulating learning environment.

Borek Novak is a native English speaker originally from Canada who has worked in the Czech educational system for over twenty years as a teacher, lecturer, translator, and manager. He holds degrees in European and International Area Studies and also completed teacher training in English language and civics at the Faculty of Education, Charles University. His teaching focuses on English, history, and civics, bringing an international perspective, linguistic precision, and rich life experience gained through his studies and travels across Europe, the Balkans, and Central Asia. In the classroom, he skilfully connects lessons with authentic cultural and historical contexts, fostering student independence, critical thinking, and civic engagement. He is also active in the areas of media literacy, inquiry-based learning, and the promotion of democratic culture.

Jana Svobodová has over twenty years of experience in education, personal development, and working with children. She has worked as a teacher, teamleader, personal coach, mentor, and lecturer—always with deep respect for the uniqueness of each individual. In her teaching practice, she combines a background in the humanities with artistic expression and personal development, fostering authenticity, creativity, and self-confidence in her students. She believes that the key to education lies in inspiration, creating space to explore one’s own potential, and providing kind, supportive guidance. Her educational approach is grounded in strong academic foundations, gained through her studies in Czech language and literature, pedagogy, political science, and psychology at the Faculty of Arts, Charles University, and further enriched by numerous accredited courses in personal development and coaching.

Dominik works as the Operations Coordinator at Fostra Elementary School. He has extensive experience in providing customer service and daily communication with parents and students. In his role, he helps students navigate the school environment, supports their study habits, and facilitates their transition between grades.