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!
After school educator
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
I studied at a pedagogical school with a focus on early childhood education. I gained experience working in a kindergarten, an after-school club, and as a children’s ski instructor — all of which helped me build a close bond with children and a genuine love for working with them.
I am empathetic, reliable and creative. I enjoy communicating with people and always strive to create a warm and friendly atmosphere. Family is very important to me, and I cherish the time spent with my loved ones.
In my free time, I enjoy going for walks, listening to music, watching films, working out, photography and travelling. I love discovering new places and gaining new experiences.
Teacher Grade 0
I’m originally from California, but I have called Prague my home for the past nine years. I earned my degree in History and Global Studies, and I have a passion for the world of education. My professional journey before Maple Bear includes many years as an English language teacher, along with roles as a camp leader, au pair, and literacy tutor.
As an educator, I thrive on the creative aspects of the job — whether I’m developing sensory experiences, inventing new games, or using dance, song, and exercise to engage both the mind and body. I am dedicated to nurturing student curiosity by approaching every learner with kindness, empathy, and a smile.
Outside of school, I like to cook and go out to discover the city or nature together with my daughter and our dog.
Teacher in the preparatory class
I grew up in South Africa and later developed my passion for education by studying to become a first-level teacher at ITEPS in the Netherlands, where I also completed my teaching practice. During my professional journey, I have had the opportunity to work in various international classrooms across Europe, Africa and Asia. This has made me very aware of the different ways in which children learn and how much we can learn from each other’s backgrounds.
What appeals to me the most is child-centred teaching, learning through play and inquiry-based teaching, where children have space to discover, ask questions and take responsibility for their own learning. For me, teaching is all about building relationships and creating an environment in which children feel safe, comfortable and can be themselves.
Outside of school, I like to travel, spend time in nature and discover new places and cultures.
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 2
I am from Ontario, Canada. I am a qualified teacher who incorporates teaching strategies from my experiences in Canada. I specialise in Mathematics, Science, and Music, and have a passion for helping students develop critical thinking, creativity, and confidence.
I make sure to create a safe and welcoming learning environment where students are encouraged to ask questions and take risks. Through focused inquiry and hands-on learning, I encourage students to become active participants in their own learning. I have experience supporting students with a wide range of learning needs, and I am committed to meeting students where they are through differentiated instruction.
In my free time, I enjoy hiking, camping, staying active through sport, and exploring the arts and music.
Teacher Grade 2
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.
Afternoon Club Teacher
My name is Roman and I have been working as an English teacher in primary school for several years. At Maple Bear, I look forward to bringing my experience from teaching at a private school, summer camps, and extracurricular activities such as sports and drama.
I believe that education is not just about passing on knowledge, but above all about awakening curiosity, confidence, and the joy of discovery. With my passion for languages and a wide range of interests — from ecology and art to science and technology — I strive to show children how colourful and fascinating the world around us can be.
My goal is to help children discover their strengths, develop their talents, and encourage them to try new things without fear and find their own path.
Afternoon Club Teacher
Originally from Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, I am a passionate educator with experience teaching Pre-K, First Grade, and students across multiple grade levels. I have also coordinated and led extracurricular activities and summer camps, creating engaging experiences that support students’ growth and learning.
Outside of work, I enjoy staying active through strength training and running, as well as travelling, photography, cooking, and creative hobbies such as ceramics and painting. I’m also a music lover who enjoys attending concerts.
I am a proud cat mum and happy wife, and I look forward to bringing my enthusiasm, creativity, and dedication to this new community.
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
Teaching assistant
I have five years of experience as a teaching assistant across three primary schools and one kindergarten. Working with children is something I find deeply fulfilling. I am consciously dedicated to nurturing their potential and to communication that is respectful and kind.
After studying anthropology, I worked as an au pair in multicultural London, where I also obtained a CAE certificate in English. I have worked with organisations such as NROS, the Red Cross, Rytmus, and Letní dům — a non-profit supporting children from children’s homes. I have also supported premature babies and visually impaired children within a large corporate setting. I thrive when my work feels meaningful and has a broader impact.
In my free time, I love being creative, reading books and travelling. I am also a proud mum of two wonderful daughters.
Special educator
My name is Natália, and thanks to my practical training at the Secondary School of Education, I discovered that what fulfils me most is supporting children in their individual development. This is why I decided to pursue the path of special education.
At the beginning of my practice, I worked with adolescents in a diagnostic institute, and later I spent several years leading reeducation and developmental sessions at a private primary and nursery school in Prague. I believe that when children receive sensitive guidance and sufficient support, they are able to develop their full potential with joy.
Outside of work, I most enjoy spending time in nature and with my family, and I also love baking and making chocolate pralines.
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.
