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.

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).

Martina is an experienced primary school teacher with many years of teaching practice both in the Czech Republic and abroad. She has taught at several bilingual schools as a class teacher and English language instructor, and she spent a year in Canada at J. V. Clark School. She graduated in Primary Education from Charles University and speaks English at the C1 level. Interestingly, she is also the author of a children’s book titled Indy, the Dog from Yukon.

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.

What I enjoy most about teaching is that it truly has meaning – one can help, inspire, and open up new horizons. I like being present when students discover new connections, start believing in themselves, and gradually find their own path. I believe that education does not have to be rigid – on the contrary, it can be open, free, and based on mutual respect. What I appreciate most in teaching is the contact with young people. I enjoy discussing with them, looking for ways to support them, and creating an environment where they are not afraid to ask questions, express their opinions, or make mistakes. I believe that such an atmosphere allows for real learning – not only for them, but also for me. In my free time, I like to discover the world around me – I travel, learn new things, do sports, and spend time in nature. I enjoy running, cycling, climbing mountains, and playing chess.

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.

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.

My name is Barbora, and I work at the school as a psychologist. I studied psychology at Palacký University in Olomouc. During my studies, I worked in a respite care service, where I assisted children with autism spectrum disorders, intellectual disabilities, or multiple disabilities. This experience gave me valuable skills in working with children and their families. I also gained practice in special education centers, children’s homes, diagnostic institutes, psychiatric clinics, and summer camps, where I led children’s groups. In 2024, I completed a comprehensive course in crisis intervention. In my free time, I enjoy spending time with my loved ones. My hobbies include sports, music, dogs, and traveling. My goal is to be a source of support for children, teachers, and parents — to help solve school and personal difficulties and to create an environment where everyone can feel safe and respected.

A special education teacher at Fostra Elementary, where she supports pupils with special educational needs and helps them overcome challenges in learning and personal development. She focuses on creating a safe and respectful environment where every child can progress at their own pace and find joy in learning. She works individually and in groups with pupils, teaches the subject of special educational care, and collaborates with teachers to set up support measures. She draws inspiration from the practice of her colleagues and from her own experience, believing that even small steps can make a big difference. In her free time, she enjoys playing volleyball, discovering new places, and spending time with friends over board games.

Melánie is a graduate of an international high school in Prague, where she studied psychology, English, media studies, and literature. She has Northern Irish and Czech roots, and grew up in South Korea, the United Arab Emirates, and the Czech Republic. As a result, she speaks both English and Czech fluently and naturally navigates international environments. She gained experience working with children as a classroom assistant in art lessons for pupils from Grade 1 onwards. She actively helped organize class activities and school events, and also provided individual support to students with special educational needs. Melánie brings enthusiasm, empathy, and the ability to build natural connections with children of various ages and needs to her work in the after-school program.

Callahan comes from Arizona, where she studied psychology at Empire State University in New York. She is currently pursuing her bachelor’s degree in psychology at the University of New York in Prague. She has a solid knowledge of the Montessori approach and, thanks to both her academic background and personal interest in neurodiversity, she brings understanding and empathy when working with children with ADHD and diverse learning needs. As a native English speaker with a basic knowledge of Czech, she easily navigates both international and Czech environments.

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.