Our teachers

Merve obtained a bachelor's degree in physics from Istanbul University and a master's degree in physics education. Since 2014, she has had the honor of teaching physics within the IB program, and she is deeply committed to making this subject engaging for her students. Apart from teaching, her profound interest in the underwater world led her to become an advanced diver in the depths of the water, allowing her to explore the secrets of the underwater environment.

Kristýna graduated in sociology, economics, and management from Masaryk University. Subsequently, she decided to complete her pedagogical qualifications, and after her maternity leave, she started working at Duhovka. At Duhovka, she values the friendly and inspiring environment, where everyone can freely express their opinions, and students and teachers support each other. She is fascinated by the diversity of different life stories and perspectives on the world that she encounters there.

Mark graduated from the University of Toronto in 1996 with a BA in History and the Humanities. He travelled to the Czech Republic in 2003 on a backpacking trip with his wife Kavita and they liked it so much that they haven’t left. Mark has taught English, History and Geography in Czech state schools since 2005. First, in South Bohemia where he lived until 2013 and most recently at PORG Liben. He is the proud father of two lovely girls.

English language teacher, native speaker

Keith graduated in Mechanical Engineering from Queen’s University Belfast and went travelling. While living in China he taught language and cultural relations at a university for teachers. It was here he discovered his love of teaching. He moved to Prague in 2005 and has been teaching English as a foreign language here since then. He spent a lot of his teaching life in the British Council and Jan Kepler Grammar School and thoroughly enjoys interacting with school children of all ages. He spends his free time with his children, as well as running and playing football and rugby.

Teacher of English language and aesthetic education - physical theatre

Born in Prague, Eliška grew up in an international community and is, therefore, a huge fan of bilingual education. She has experienced the British system first-hand both as a student and an educator and has joined the Duhovka team after seven years of working at the Prague British School. Apart from English and social sciences, she has also studied methodology of teaching dance and led a variety of courses for children as well as adults. Physical activity and theatre are definitely Eliška's lifelong interests – besides dance, she loves all kinds of martial arts, acrobatics, street workout or skydiving and stunt work. And despite giving the impression that she won't sit still, she can be very happy at a poker table or playing board games.

Tyler graduated from The University of California Santa Cruz in 2010 with a degree in music.  He moved to Prague in 2013 and fell in love with the cultural atmosphere of the city.  He has played in jazz, blues, and rock bands, as well as given performances on classical guitar.  He enjoys attending concerts at Rudolfinum and writing his own music.  When not playing music, Tyler can be found reading classic novels, skateboarding, or downhill mountain biking.  He combines his passion for literature and music an English teacher and music teacher at Duhovka.

English Language Teacher, Film Teacher, Drama Teacher

Brian Joseph Callaghan studied Classical Literature and Theater at Saint Joseph's College, New York. He has completed a three-year Montessori Teaching Program in Prague, and in 2021, he completed stage 1 of IB Drama. When not teaching, Brian writes and performs stand-up comedy and is the Artistic Director of the Prague-based theater troupe, the Prague Harman Street Players.

Martina graduated at the pedagogical faculty of Univerzity in Hradec Králové, specialization in Mathematics and Physics.  She has been teaching Mathematics and Physics at the 2^nd grade at a elementary school in Mladá Boleslav since she finished the University.  She has visited the European School in Lucemburk to get some new experience and she has attended Science teaching course. She is a volleyball coach and she likes flying, archery, reading books and she loves lots of kinds of sports.

Jaroslava spent most of her life in German-speaking countries, where she studied art history, philosophy, and the history of science and technology at the University of Stuttgart. She later obtained degrees in German studies, pedagogy, and Slavic studies at the University of Erlangen. Her teaching career began at universities in German-speaking countries and later in the Czech Republic, where she specialized in foreign language didactics, communication, German studies, and pedagogy. At international schools, specifically EISP and ISP, she taught IB German A and B courses. 

Adéla graduated from the Faculty of Education at Jan Evangelista Purkyně University in Ústí nad Labem, with a focus on teaching Czech language and literature, as well as History. In the summer of 2012, she completed  in Ohio an AMI Montessori course specialized in adolescents and actively contributed to the implementation of Montessori education at a high school. Currently, she teaches Czech language and literature.

In her free time, she enjoys reading, going to the theater, engaging in sports, traveling, and spending time with friends.

Otto has 10+ years experience teaching English Language and Literature. He has a Master of Education, a Bachelor of Arts in Literature, and is licensed from the State of Oregon since 2007. He's taught English Language and Literature, Advanced Placement, and International Baccalaureate in the US, Germany, Kuwait, and now Czech Republic.

After graduating in history from Durham University, Andrew pursued a music career in Newcastle-upon-Tyne. He ran his own D.I.Y. label, promoted live shows, and operated a recording studio and a music rehearsal space. This allowed him to work as a music producer and sound engineer, assisting artists and bands from various music genres in capturing their music on tape. After nearly ten years in this profession, Andrew moved to London to retrain as an English teacher. Following three years of teaching in the capital city, he relocated to Prague to study for a teaching diploma, which gave him the opportunity to train new teachers entering the field. Andrew hails from Portrush in Northern Ireland and continues to have an interest in live music, the natural world, and the living history that surrounds us every day.

After finishing my studies at the J.A. Komenský Grammer School in Uherský Brod, I graduated from the Pedagogical Faculty of Masaryk University, majoring in mathematics and geography. For eight years I taught at the Josef Bublík Primary School before I was elected mayor of Suchá Loz in 2002. In 2010 I became a Member of Parliament of the Czech Republic. In 2016-2020 I was the Councillor for Education of the Zlín Region and in 2021 I was appointed Minister of Education, Youth and Sports. I was the Chairman of the Czech UNESCO Commission, a member of the Board of Trustees of Charles University and a member of the "think-tank" "Education 21" at Charles University. I spent many years working in the Scouts as a leader of a centre or a troop. I also currently teach at the Faculty of Social Sciences at Charles University.

Raúl studied mathematics at UNAM in Mexico and obtained bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees. Subsequently, he worked in a postdoctoral position at Charles University in the Czech Republic. He has been dedicated to teaching mathematics at the university level for approximately 12 years, with a focus on mathematics, physics, and computer science. He also led the course "Qualitative Methods" as part of the MBA program. He collaborated with various students with diverse interests, including mathematicians, physicists, economists, and lawyers. This experience led him to adopt an individualized approach to teaching, tailored to the needs and interests of each student. At Duhovka School, he values the excellent school environment created by students' behavior, their willingness to collaborate, the professional and friendly approach of teachers, and the dedication of staff.

Jan comes from Jesenice near Prague, from a family of teachers. When he was a child, he fell in love with hiking and since then he admires nature. He graduated from Jan Patočka High School in the center of Prague. The school focuses on philosophy and love of philosophy has been accompanying Jan throughout his whole life. His desire to combine philosophy and nature brought him to Palacký University in Olomouc where he studied Earth Sciences with focus on paleontology at the Faculty of Science. Nature and further education became his hobbies. He is also fond of adventures and that is why he has been paddling since he was a child. With his club, he has visited rivers in France, Austria, Poland, Slovenia, Slovakia, and Croatia. He likes to read, write short stories, play games, and watch films and TV series.

Even though she was born half a century ago about 5,000 km far from Prague, she feels at home in the Czech Republic for many years. From an early age she went to school studying majority of humanities in English. After graduating, she was studying History at the University of Minsk for three years, and then she graduated in History from the Philosophical Faculty of Charles University in Prague. Later she graduated in English Language Teaching from University of Pardubice. She has more than twenty years ́ experience in teaching English at high school (gymnázium), at the College, at the economic fields at Czech Technical University, in various courses for children and adults as well as the students with special educational needs. Methodological courses at universities in England helped her gain insight in the subject of ELT, friends from different countries and much more teaching experience. In addition, besides she is keen on travelling (she has already been to various locations in 18 countries in the world), she fancies another special hobby which also became her profession for several successful years - she is able to design projects and bring them to life as a Grant Specialist.

Ondřej graduated from the Faculty of Education, University of South Bohemia in České Budějovice, with a degree in Czech and Spanish. He also has a long-term interest in Czech as a foreign language. At our school, he teaches Czech and Spanish.

What I like about Duhovka

What do we do differently? I like Duhovka for a few reasons. First, the strong focus on student education is really impressive. Second, I appreciate the use of the Montessori method, which is unique and effective. Lastly, the friendly environment makes it a great place to be.

What helps me in my work

I have a PhD degree in theoretical physics from Charles University, which gave me a strong foundation in physics. I also have several years of teaching experience at different levels. This hands-on experience has helped me learn how to engage students and create effective learning environments. The work with students of different age has taught me to adapt quickly and take on new challenges.

Ondřej grafuated from the Faculty of Education at the South Bohemian University in České Budějovice in the study programme Czech Language and History for Secondary Education. Between the years 2007 – 2014, he worked as a teacher at Gymnázium Příbram. In his free time, he likes sports, travelling, reading and going to the cinema or theatre.

Ondřej studied PE and Sports at the Faculty of Physical Education and Sport, and specialized in coaching. At the same university, he also got a bachelor’s degree in Physiotherapy and a doctoral degree. Outside of school, he is coaches of top athletes and introduces individual training into team sports. In his free time, he does sports and improves his own training. When he is not doing sports, he likes to read a good book or travel around the Czech Republic or abroad.

She graduated from Faculties of Arts of Universities in Ostrava and Brno. Doctor’s degree in history of education she defended successfully at the Faculty of Art of the Charles University. She worked in the National museum of education of J.A. Komensky and she also taught at a primary school for several years. She teaches Czech language and history at Gymnasium Duhovka, she is a class teacher at the same time.

Nikola graduated in physical education and natural sciences teaching at the Faculty of Education at the University of South Bohemia. She chose this path because, with a certain degree of admitted naivety, she believes that people can behave well towards each other, and her mission is to spread this "goodness." She is a fan of experiential education and various types of courses. During her studies, she was involved in organizing various programs for university students, and she later continued this by working as a lecturer for orientation courses for elementary and high school students. She has a weakness for challenges, shirts, and vegetarian hamburgers.

Tomas graduated from the University of Economics in Prague, discipline International economic relations, and now he studies the Education of economical subjects. In 2013 he completed a diploma Montessori course for children from 12 to 16 years (Sekundarstufenkurs) at the Institute of holistic learning in Tegernsee and Potsdam in Germany. At Gymnasium Duhovka he is a member of school management, teaches German language, financial literacy and economics, he manages the school websites and he is a class teacher.

Lenka graduated from the Faculty of Education of the University of South Bohemia in České Budějovice, disciplines Czech language and Music. At gymnasium Duhovka she teaches Czech language and literature, art and education for life. In 2012 she completed a course the AMI Montessori Orientation to Adolescent Studies in Ohio and she became a certified Montessori teacher for students from 12 to 18 years.

Zuzana graduated from the Faculty of Science of the Charles University, discipline Teaching of mathematics and biology. In summer 2012 she completed the course AMI Montessori Orientation to Adolescent Studies in Ohio. 

Filip is studying artificial intelligence at the Faculty of Mathematics and Physics, Charles University, and besides his studies at Duhovka, he is actively involved in the field. His interests include theater, sports, and movies.

Petra graduated from the Faculty of Education in Hradec Králové, specializing in teaching chemistry and physics. In her professional career, she not only taught these subjects but also worked with children with developmental and behavioral disorders. After more than a decade of teaching, she decided to gain experience and knowledge outside of the school environment and started focusing on the field of marketing innovative medicines. In 2021, she decided to partially return to the field of physics in Montessori and Duhovka educational environments.

Adam's career in education started when he was six, when his younger brother was born, and later on it was academically climaxed by Master's degree at Charles University in Prague. Adam's hobbies are sport, cooking, mushroom-picking with his dog, reading and igniting sparks of critical thinking.

What I like about Duhovka

I have always been interested in learning principles and what helps people learn, and the Montessori approach is one that seems to make a lot of sense to me.

What helps me in my work

I have been teaching English in the Czech Republic to children, teenagers and adults of all levels for over 20 years. I have also trained teachers in the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Hungary and Georgia. I also have 2 kids of my own :)

I graduated in English and Sports Science at Christ Church University College Canterbury in 1999. I have a diploma in teaching English to adults (DELTA) and a certificate in teaching English to young learners (CELTYL). I am also a Cambridge Oral Examiner for Cambridge main suite and young learner exams.

Martin is from near Liverpool in England, and is a huge fan of the music and football from that city. He studied English literature at university and has a Master's in Education. Martin has over 20 years’ teaching experience, gained from working in the Czech Republic and Spain, and enjoys teaching all levels and age-groups.

In his free time, he enjoys cycling, tennis and reading. 

Radka obtained her education at the Faculty of Science, where she specialized in mathematics and biology. She later expanded her qualifications by adding English language proficiency at the Faculty of Education.

Her invaluable experiences from traveling around the world and the various life situations she encountered during her journeys greatly assist her in her teaching profession. According to Radka, it is crucial for a teacher not to be merely a theoretician solely interested in their subject matter, but also to be able to teach with perspective and an open-minded approach.

At Duhovka, she has embraced the role of a teacher as a guide in the learning process. In her view, a teacher stands on the same level as the students and approaches them with friendliness and a helpful attitude, striving to aid them in understanding the material being taught. 

Jana Svobodová graduated from the Faculty of Arts at Charles University in the fields of Czech studies and political science. Later, she supplemented her education with a teaching qualification through state exams in psychology and pedagogy. She has been involved in Montessori education for over 20 years. She worked at a Montessori farm in Germany and in a school in Amsterdam. She spent five years at the International School of Prague (ISP) and three years at the Montessori Primary School Archa. In her free time, she dedicates herself to her family and two Border Collies. She enjoys attending cultural and social events, advocates for lifelong learning and personal growth, and works as a personal development coach.

She is the graduate of the secondary Václav Hollar Art School and of the master study programme of the Academy of Performing Arts at the Theatre Faculty in Prague with focus on stage design in alternative and puppet theatre. She regularly cooperates with an independent theatre group Letí and she is the author of two puppet theatre fairy tales. She loves various art techniques, her specialty being turning wood. She became involved in working with children through the interactive festival Vyšehrátky and assistance in the registered association Máme otevřeno? She also continued to study and further her teaching qualifications for upper elementary and secondary school and now at Duhovka High School she is delighted to be teaching Art and Art History.

Jiří graduated from a high science school in Pardubice and than from the Faculty of Mathematics and Physics of the Charles University in Prague, discipline Teaching. He gained a great experience while teaching at a primary school. He has been working as a mathematics teacher at our gymnasium for many years. He likes to pass his time with students not only at school, but also during various sport and culture events, project excursions, and trips and so on. Beside his family his most favorite hobbies are sports, playing the guitar, visiting the theatres and traveling.

Jiří graduated from the Faculty of Education at Charles University and teaches social science subjects at a high school.

Zdena graduated from the University of Chemistry and Technology in Prague and teaches chemistry and English language at a high school.

Christine holds a bachelor's degree in International Relations with a focus on elective subjects related to creative writing. In addition, she has obtained CELTA and DELTA qualifications. Her journey into the field of Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL) was not something she initially planned; rather, she gradually fell into it and found herself intrigued by it.

Ultimately, what she values most in her profession is the people she works with, including colleagues and students. The relationships she builds with them are at the core of her pedagogical journey.

Jan studied specialized biology at the Faculty of Science, Charles University, and later pursued a degree in biology and geography with a focus on education. He enriched his theoretical knowledge through a volunteer teaching internship in the Himalayas, where he gained valuable insights into the needs and priorities of students.

In addition to his teaching career, he also worked in social services, where he deepened his understanding of patience and empathy.

At Duhovka, he appreciates the inspiring team of motivated individuals who are eager to continuously learn and grow. He also draws from his years in scouting, where he developed a passion for working with children and youth and for education in all its forms.

Magdaléna studied Spanish philology at the Faculty of Arts of the Masaryk University in Brno. She continued her studies at the Faculty of Arts of the Charles University in Prague with the Iberoamerican program. After completing university she worked for four years as a teacher of Spanish at a basic school. She later extended her teaching qualification to secondary schools as well. Now she is attending the Montessori course for ages 12-18. She devotes her free time to Spanish and Latin American literature, photography, theater, music and travelling.

What I like about Duhovka

What attracted me at Duhovka was its Montessori programme, which corresponds to my idea of education. These include, above all, respectful communication and providing space and time for students' own development.

I obtained my Master's degree in chemistry teaching at the Faculty of Science of Charles University and in Mathematics teaching at the Faculty of Mathematics and Physics of Charles University, my Ph. D. degree at the Faculty of Science of Charles University - Physical Chemistry and Chemical Education.

For the last 13 years I have been teaching at an eight-year high school in Prague and I am also involved in mentoring future chemistry teachers. As part of this programme I have completed courses in mentoring and conducting reflective interviews.

Jan completed his bachelor's studies at University College London, where he earned a BA degree in Russian Studies, and spent a year on an internship at the Higher School of Economics in St. Petersburg. Currently, he is finishing his master's studies in teaching Russian language and history for secondary schools at the Faculty of Philosophy of Charles University.

His decision to dedicate himself to education and the teaching profession was motivated by the desire to do something for others. He wanted to leverage his knowledge and experiences from studying abroad and apply them in the Czech education system. He believes that the Czech system has its strengths and limitations, and he sees Duhovka and its philosophy as an ideal synthesis of both systems he has experienced.

Eva is the graduate of the master study programme with focus on Physical Education and Psychology at the Faculty of Physical Education and Sport, Charles University, where she also pursued her doctoral studies. She undertook an internship in Greece while a student, a teaching internship in Portugal, and a postgraduate internship in Canada. In her spare time she is very active with a wide variety in sports and she also serves as a youth athletic trainer.

For Ondrej, a lover of foreign languages who spent part of every summer as a camp counsellor, the Faculty of Education was a natural choice. As part of his studies, he spent a year in Germany and a six-month teaching internship in Ireland. Although he enjoyed studying pedagogy, he also wanted to try something different after his state exams in 2015. The following years he worked as an assistant tax advisor in an international firm and then as an assistant auditor in a family firm. However, nature took its toll and he gradually returned to teaching work: first in vocational German and English courses for adults and university students, and from 2020 he joined our high school as a German teacher. He also has an English language qualification and has completed a course as a nutrition counsellor, from which he applies his knowledge in his elective subject. He enjoys nature, movement and aha moments.

Daniel Werling has a Masters degree in International Business from San Diego State University and a Masters in Education from Angelo State University in Texas.  Daniel and his wife met in Argentina and continued their love for traveling until it brought them to Shanghai, China where they lived and taught for over five years.  He and his wife moved to Prague two years ago where he has taught Economics, Geography, and Sciences and his wife is a kindergarten teacher at Lycee Francias de Prague.  They are expecting their first child in November, a baby girl.