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.

Petra Pešičková is an experienced educator with over a decade of practice in progressive educational programs focused on active and inquiry-based learning, critical thinking, and outdoor education. She has worked as a class teacher at daVinci and Vitae elementary schools, where she led autonomous projects, tandem classes, and coordinated after-school programs. Her career began as a teaching assistant and teacher in the Step by Step program. She has extensive experience with inclusive education as well as home schooling her own children. She is a graduate of numerous professional training programs, including RWCT (Reading and Writing for Critical Thinking), Hejný Mathematics, drama education, and formative assessment.

Martina Hrkalová is an experienced teacher and lecturer with many years of practice in educating primary school students, driven by a deep interest in fostering students’ creativity and individuality. She has worked in both Czech and international schools, where she led classes in Czech and English, developed her own thematic units, and tested innovative teaching approaches in practice. Her teaching combines language instruction with elements of art, drama, and children's personal development. She has extensive experience with heterogeneous student groups, classroom leadership, mentoring colleagues, and individualized student support. She is the author of English textbooks for primary school students and a member of the expert group revising the Czech national curriculum (RVP).

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.

Edita Nováková Machová is an experienced teacher with many years of practice at both primary and secondary schools. She is passionate about teaching science—especially chemistry and biology. In her classes, she applies an inquiry-based and constructivist approach, encouraging curiosity, critical thinking, and practical understanding. She actively engages in educational innovation, working as a mentor and head teacher, and contributing to the development of curriculum documents. Her strengths lie not only in her subject expertise and well-developed didactic methods, but also in her ability to respond to students’ needs and create a safe and respectful learning environment. She regularly attends educational conferences and seminars both in the Czech Republic and abroad, with a keen interest in wellbeing, group dynamics, and ethical issues in education. She is open to new technologies and modern tools, including AI, which she actively integrates into her teaching.

I am responsible for communication with potential students and their parents. My main task is to present the benefits of studying at Fostra Gymnasium, inspiring parents and students to choose this school, which connects education with real-life experience, and providing information about the programs offered, while building positive relationships with prospective students. I am fascinated by how education opens doors for personal development, allowing students to unlock their potential and preparing them for future success. Part of my job is not only ensuring the smooth process of recruitment but also sharing this passion and helping students find a direction that will excite and fulfill them.