At Maple Bear Elementary School Prague, we are proud to have a team of experienced and passionate professionals who inspire, support, and empower our students every day. Committed to bilingual education, our educators create a nurturing environment where every child can grow, thrive, and reach their full potential. Meet the dedicated team that brings our vision to life!
Reception
Principal
Kristýna graduated from the Václav Hollar School of Art and subsequently from the Faculty of Education at Charles University. After graduating, she started teaching in a kindergarten, where she discovered the great impact adults can have on the upbringing and education of children.
She taught both in kindergartens and for a while in primary school English and art education. In 2017, she became the director of an international bilingual kindergarten where she successfully built a bilingual education system for preschool children from scratch. The kindergarten became a success in the neighborhood and Kristýna ensured continuity of quality after her departure in 2021. At that time, she began her position as Key Collaboration Manager at Teacher Alive, a non-profit organization that trains teachers and principals.
In 2022, as manager, she began leading a pilot project for a new qualification for headteachers at the National Institute of Education in Prague, which is now running successfully at the institute. In 2024 and 2025 she worked on a new project in systemic support for headteachers in the country.
Kristýna has been involved in the Eduzměna working group, the 2030+ Partnership, and is a member of the Early Childhood Education Association, among others. She has written a children’s book and is a proud mum. Kristýna loves nature, hiking in the mountains and hills, playing sports, practicing yoga and reading a huge number of books.
And what is Kristýna’s mission at Maple Bear?
I have spent the last four years devoted to an intensive study of everything a school principal needs to know to provide a quality and safe environment for children, teachers and parents. My goal is to create a school where every child is the center of attention, where they learn to their fullest potential and are excited to come to school every day.
Academic Coordinator
Renata graduated with a degree in teaching Psychology and Physical Education from the Faculty of Physical Education and Sport at Charles University. After completing her Master’s degree, she spent two years in New Zealand, where she studied English and worked in preschools.
Since 2011, she has taught English at a primary school in Prague and also worked at a private grammar school as a teacher of Social Studies and Physical Education.
In 2017, together with her husband, a New Zealand native, she founded a language school, where they developed their own curriculum designed to motivate children to learn English in a fun and playful way. They use the principles of the CLIL method, project-based learning, and language immersion.
Renata is raising two bilingual daughters and has long been dedicated to pedagogy that places the child at the centre of the learning process. She is now eager to apply her international experience in the Maple Bear environment.
In her free time, Renata loves traveling, the sea, sunshine, sports, music, cooking, and spending time with her family.
Enrollment Manager
At Maple Bear, I’m responsible for welcoming new families, daily communication with parents, and building the school’s community life. I guide parents through the entire enrollment and school selection process to ensure they feel welcomed and supported.
In the past, I have also provided individual consultations for families choosing preschools and primary schools, as well as mentoring for preschool educators. I have over 15 years of professional experience in the field of education, particularly supporting children and young people with disabilities. I have worked as a preschool teacher with a focus on the inclusion of children with special educational needs and multilingual backgrounds. In the non-profit sector, I have been involved in advocacy work for inclusive education.
I come from Italy, and multilingualism has always been a central theme in both my personal and professional life. I approach it from an interdisciplinary perspective—through linguistics, intercultural communication, and sociology. I’m also raising a bilingual son and strongly believe that linguistic and cultural diversity enriches not only children but society as a whole.
In my free time, I enjoy singing and escaping into the forest or near water. Some of my favorite moments are sitting for long meals with the people I love.
Teacher Grade 0
Before Maple Bear, I taught preschool and worked as an Education Coordinator, where I led STEM and academic programs. These roles deepened my understanding of early childhood development and creative learning. I believe children learn best when they feel safe, seen, and inspired. I strive to build a classroom where they’re valued, curious, and excited to learn.
Outside of school, I enjoy biking by the river, reading outdoors, and spending time with my family and our dog, Reese.
Teacher Grade 0
My name is Eliška and I am a Czech language teacher at Maple Bear School. I studied education and mathematics at the Faculty of Education. My journey in education began in the Scouts, where I led a children’s group and worked as a trainer in leadership courses. Later, I spent five years teaching in a kindergarten and also gained a lot of experience caring for children. I believe in building warm and positive relationships with children and in nurturing their natural curiosity.
In my free time, I enjoy reading, spending time with my daughter, and being with my family. I’m very happy to be part of the Maple Bear team and to accompany your children on their educational journey.
Teacher Grade 1
I hold a double major in Psychology and English, with honours in Neuropsychology from the University of Connecticut. Specialising in early child development through play therapy. I combine neuroscience and education to create engaging, effective learning experiences. As an English language instructor with eight years of experience in private and state schools. I believe every child learns differently. My teaching prioritises individual strengths, fostering confidence through positive reinforcement, interactive activities, and personalised attention. I champion hands-on, experiential learning in warm, safe environments where students feel empowered to explore and grow. Beyond teaching, I’m an avid reader, I love traveling and keeping active, which enriches my classroom with diverse perspectives. Teaching is a passion for me.
I aim to ignite a lifelong love of learning using play-based techniques to help each child thrive. Education should be a fun adventure, inspiring, and full of discovery!
Teacher Grade 1
I graduated from the Pedagogical Lyceum at the Secondary Pedagogical School in Litomyšl and I am currently completing my Master’s degree at the Faculty of Education, Charles University. My favourite subjects to teach are Czech language, elementary science, and art education.
I have been teaching for six years. I have worked at both public and private primary schools, as well as in a kindergarten. I have experience with the Step by Step programme, project-based learning, verbal assessment, and teaching pupils with different mother tongues. I enjoy creating teaching materials that support multisensory learning, because I believe that the more senses are engaged in the learning process, the better children remember what they have learned.
I put great emphasis on creating a positive classroom climate, building strong relationships among children, and fostering their connection to society. For me, teaching is not only about passing on knowledge, but also about helping children become aware of their place in the world and grow into people who can think in wider contexts. That is why I like to include projects that connect learning with real life and social issues. Since I focus on children with specific learning difficulties, I am always looking for ways to make learning as accessible as possible for every child. I see education as a long-term process, in which children not only gain skills but also build a relationship with the world and with themselves.
In my free time, I enjoy practicing yoga, swimming, arranging flowers, and exploring new countries and cultures. Creating teaching aids is, for me, not only part of my professional work but also a form of relaxation.
Teacher in after-school program
I have been working with children for 15 years – from my very beginnings, when I was still a student working as a part-time nanny in several families, through 2 years of experience as a nanny in a children’s group, several years of managing summer camps and then 5 years of experience as a teacher in an afternoon club.
All of these experiences has now led me to Maple Bear, where I am in charge of the afternoon club and everything related to it. From creating a safe and loving atmosphere for children, through activities and games that will be our daily routine, after-school trips to supporting the independence and growth of each child.
My biggest goal in Maple Bear is to create such a sense of security for each child that they return to school every morning with a smile. I believe that if you do your job with love, everything works
After school educator
I am a pedagogy student specializing in Primary Education, with many years of experience working with children—a field that fulfills me and continually motivates me to grow. As a young and driven individual open to new experiences, I bring enthusiasm, energy, and a genuine interest in the world of children to everything I do. Learning and expanding my knowledge is a joy for me, and I see professional growth as a natural part of becoming a better educator. My long-term involvement in Junák – Czech Scouting has given me extensive experience in leading groups, interpersonal communication, and navigating unexpected situations. These skills have taught me independence, patience, and the ability to respond quickly and responsibly.
At the elementary school, I assist with music education and support the musical development of children in the school club. Working with children is not just a profession for me—it is a joy, but one I approach with great responsibility and respect. I am careful, reliable, and adaptable, with a sincere interest in education, volunteer work, and supporting others. I am constantly developing my skills and looking for new ways to inspire children and support their individual growth.
In my free time, I enjoy reading, writing, music, and art. These activities help me cultivate creativity and enrich my teaching practice, bringing new ideas and inspiration into the school environment.
Reception
At Maple Bear, I am in charge of daily contact with parents and students immediately after they arrive at school.
You can see me both at the reception and among the students in the afternoon club, where I really enjoy visiting the children for a good mood and inspiration.
Combining administrative work with contact with children gives me a great balance that gives me joy and peace.
After more than 12 years of working with children in various positions- from a nanny, to a primary school teacher to a children’s group leader, I am very happy to be able to work here, where I can combine my love for children and my passion for order and help fulfill the vision of Maple Bear School.
In my free time, I really like to travel and discover new places, read books and always make time for good food and great company.
