Our teachers

Duhovka is great for children because it follows the Montessori philosophy, which emphasizes hands-on learning, independence, and respect for each child’s unique pace and interests. In a Montessori environment like Duhovka, children learn through exploration and discovery, fostering deep understanding and a love of learning. The classrooms are carefully prepared with materials that encourage curiosity and critical thinking. Teachers at Duhovka act as guides, helping children build confidence and take ownership of their education. This approach supports not just academic growth, but also emotional and social development, laying a strong foundation for lifelong learning.

One of the most valuable parts of my life experience that helps me at Duhovka is my own journey of choosing my path, starting at Rutgers University and later shifting careers from legal work to teaching to align with my true interests. This decision to follow what felt meaningful and authentic mirrors the Montessori philosophy, which encourages children to explore their passions and learn through self-direction. In many ways, I see myself as a living example of what Montessori nurtures: curiosity, independence, and a deep respect for personal growth. Sharing that journey helps me connect with the children and support them in becoming confident, self-motivated learners.

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.

Duhovka is a place where children naturally develop their potential and personality. Its prepared and calm environment offers enough space for each child to build his/her social skills, independence, self-confidence, responsibility, and a positive attitude towards learning. 

I strive to guide children on their journey through life and support spontaneous exploration in them.This is why I continue educating myself and seek effective ways to develop children. 

This desire to learn has brought me to Montessori pedagogy and to Duhovka. I was drawn to its comprehensive educational approach based on the natural developmental needs of the child.

During my many years in the position of a teacher and in a leadership role in a private English preschool and later also in a public preschool I gained rich teaching and practical experience which I would like to further develop at Duhovka.

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.

Children at Duhovka grow up in a safe and respectful community. Thanks to the Montessori approach, they learn independence, responsibility, and mutual respect. The children grow at their own pace and learn to be themselves. I believe that such an environment provides children with confidence and a desire to pursue what they enjoy.

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.

I like that Duhovka is made up of kind people with open hearts who share a common interest in a respectful approach to children and Montessori education.

I enjoy experiencing the omnipresent family atmosphere here where emphasis is put on mutual respect and supporting the growth of all community members while providing space for individual needs, interests, and unique potential.

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.

Having worked with children throughout my life and having experienced a variety of approaches to pedagogy, what I have seen at Duhovka has been wonderful.

Children are encouraged to be their own person and shape their natural personalities with great freedom to explore and learn. Teachers approach each child with great care and warmth, guiding gently and seeing what they need. Their method is natural and instinctive, giving each child the ability to learn about their own autonomy, responsibility and critical thinking.

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.