Our teachers

I love working at Duhovka not only because it is a beautiful, peaceful environment but there is also a
sense of peace within and amongst the staff. There is not the normal culture of negativity and blame I
have witnessed elsewhere. Issues are dealt with with openness, conversation and focus on the issue,
not an individual. The same approach is applied throughout the school, which supports a positive
environment.

Since moving to Prague in 2012 I have been working with young children. This was a great
preparation for having my own children. Being a mother of two small boys has given me the self-
awareness and experience to know how to be calm, even when everything else is not.
In 2015 I completed my AMS Early Childhood Teaching diploma. In addition to this, having a BA (hon)
in Interior Design and being the owner of a teahouse/community centre/theatre called A Maze in
Tchaiovna for 9 years taught me how to observe patterns in people, create new systems and design
solutions.

What I like about Duhovka

I chose to work at Duhovka as because it nurtures and values each child's own unique personality, allowing them to explore and learn in a way individual to themselves. When visiting the school, I noticed that the calm environment meant every child had space to be seen and heard. I am looking forward to seeing where their minds take them and seeing their personalities grow! The classroom is for the child, with the size of furniture and arrangement made specifically for them, showing that they are what is important. I am excited to work in an environment designed to make the children's independence shine.

Duhovka is a place for children where their individual needs are respected and their autonomy and self-motivation supported. Thanks to the carefully prepared environment and special materials, children can learn through sensorial perceptions, develop motor skills, and experience the feeling of self-competence which helps them grow self-confident. Interactions with friends of different age groups promotes their social skills and empathy. The approach used by Duhovka views a child’s development in a complex way. The children are able to grow in a safe and predictable environment where their individual needs and interests are appreciated.
Already during the times of my volunteer help at Duhovka, I had the honor of
following the development of several children from toddlers to preschoolers. This has been a crucial experience for me as it allowed me to see how the values and approach of the school reflected not only in these children’s skills but, indeed, in their personality and the development of their own interests and competencies.
I am currently in the last year of my psychology studies at the Philosophical Faculty of the Charles University. Already when I applied, I knew I would specialize in developmental psychology and work with children one day. I looked for further ways to achieve this goal: I completed study courses focusing on the leading of crisis assessment interviews with children and on anger management, as well as an introductory course to learn the method of neuro-developmental stimulation to support a healthy psychomotor development of children. I am a sports climbing instructor for children, and this past year I decided to continue my education and study in order to be able to work as a special learning needs teacher.

I first learned about Duhovka as a parent when we chose the preschool for our own son, then two years old, as a place that offered everything that was important to us – a respectful approach, Montessori pedagogy, bilingual Czech-English environment, everyday time and space for free play in a garden, and even food without sweets. Duhovka has perfectly fulfilled our expectations and has won our favor also thanks to its warm and friendly atmosphere and aesthetic environment. However, from the position of a teacher, I consider Duhovka’s greatest asset its sincere efforts to adjust the program, to the maximum extent possible, to the children’s development and needs at the given age. Some decision may not look attractive at first sight but the parents can be absolutely sure that their children always come first at Duhovka.

I got seriously interested in exploring respectful education approaches and
Montessori education after the birth of my son. The world of toddlers draw me in to the point where I decided to change my job and become first a child caretaker and later a teacher for the youngest children. My knowledge of foreign languages and the international environment, as well as my long-term interest in further education and self-development, which I carry from my former career helps me greatly at my current position with Duhovka. I do my best to pass to the children the values I as a parent believe in, and, just like the children, I learn something new at work every day.

I have graduated from a university specializing in (teaching) foreign languages, speak fluent English, German and Chinese, and also have a basic knowledge of the Polish language. I am an accredited child caretaker with experience from a children’s group for children from 2 to 4 years old, I have completed a study course in respectful education, and attended Montessori education lectures focusing on children from 0 to 3 years old. In my work I also draw on my experience from Montessori workshops for the youngest children and their parents.

Duhovka is a great place with a free and respectful approach to education without unnecessary stress and pressure to perform. It seems to me that the children are really happy here, in a safe environment with their teachers who give them their full attention so that the children can develop at their own pace and, at the same time, learn values such as respect and regard for others, independence, and kindness.

What I like about Duhovka

The atmosphere at Duhovka is very pleasant and children can develop here according to their individual needs. They learn independence and responsibility. The teachers are very friendly, I am not afraid to ask any question. I am looking forward to the school year!

Duhovka has a long tradition and is one of the first Montessori institutions in the Czech Republic. I went through a common journey with Duhovka from its birth - the formation by professional American Montessori lecturers, to the present, when it offers a comprehensive educational program for children from 18 months to 19 years - "from toddlers to graduation". As a person with teacher education and many years of experience, I appreciate the way in which Duhovka creates a positive environment for children's development in all areas – from mathematics, languages and arts to social interactions with the world and society.

I like being a part of Duhovka because of its very peaceful and friendly atmosphere. The children have here the opportunity to develop in many different directions and are treated with respect.

Duhovka is great for children because it provides them with an environment to learn important skills
on their own. By setting up tasks for the children to be independent it helps them to work through
problems to find a solution. The schools offers support when needed to the kids however, encourages
them to be independent.
I have recently graduated from University and during my time there I took a course in Human Growth
and Motor Development which helps me understand how children grow and how their motor skills
change as they age. I have also worked as a caregiver where I have learned a number of skills in
communication, compassion and patience. I have been working with kids for 10 years and look
forward to working at Duhovka.

Duhovka’s friendly atmosphere is what I like best about it. Duhovka Preschool is a place where I feel good and I am sure the other staff members, as well as the children, feel just the same. It is a place of mutual respect towards everyone, which I greatly value.
In my work with children I primarily draw on my own journey of self-knowledge. One can only pass to others what he himself has learned and experienced in his life. I believe that this is also why I understand children so well and can be a good guide to them on their own journey.
I have gained experience working with children during my speech therapy studies. I learned to take an individual approach to every child, respect their unique personalities, and look for creative ways of achieving goals. My three-year stay in the USA, where I studied at a school focusing on leadership and personal development, also has a positive influence on my current work.

I like that Duhovka forms a community of people with an open mind and heart. Communication here is based on mutual respect and we all have a chance to grow, learn from each other and work on ourselves. This is true not only in relationships between adults, but also in relationships with children. Respect for the uniqueness of each of us is a valuable gift and experience in life. Duhovka forms a living body that is constantly changing and evolving. Thanks to the amazing team, it is a pleasure to go to work :-)

I have been working in Duhovka since its foundation. Its philosophy attracts people who require width
and depth from life, constantly work on themselves, continue educating themselves in the area of their
expertise, and are open to new challenges. Montessori principles including, in particular, respectful
communication and respect for others, ability to express and name one’s needs, feelings and
emotions, support of the children in the process of discovering the world around them in a prepared
environment.
In guiding the children, I draw especially on my knowledge gained at the High School of Pedagogy, a
course on Montessori pedagogy attended in the Czech Republic and the American Montessori
Society training. I enjoy reading books about Montessori and child education. I also draw inspiration
from my studies at the Duncan Centre Dance Academy, as well as from various seminars in the area
of art and personal development.

What I value most about Duhovka is its safe environment and its staff’s empathy and kind
communication based on mutual respect. I feel quite lucky to be able to work with such
inspiring people who create together a caring and friendly work environment and guide the
children with such sensitivity and understanding. Here at Duhovka, people with similar
values come together whose mission is to raise caring, independent and peaceful individuals
and help them develop their potential.