Adolescent Program 12 - 15 years

Since my teens I’ve known that true power doesn’t lie in dominance, but in cooperation and the ability to accomplish great things. Children are the ones who can change the world, and their everyday actions are tremendous. I strive to awaken the same energy in adults. I love my work because it lets me witness this miracle and serve humanity.

Hanka is an experienced Montessori teacher, methodologist, and trainer with more than twenty years of practice. She studied Czech Studies at the Faculty of Arts, Charles University, where she later led the seminar “Communication in Practice.” She has completed international AMI courses and trainings in leadership and for the 0–3, 3–6, 6–12, and 12–18 age levels, and has experience from many schools abroad. She was present at the founding of Montessori Schools Andílek and the Montessori Institute Prague and also serves as an assistant trainer in international courses. She is the author of the book Montessori školka and the podcast Montessori jiskření, and collaborates with the publishers Portál and Euromedia. She provides parent coaching, and parents and teachers can meet her at talks in the Andílek Academy or at educational conferences, where she shares experience and inspires joy in learning and a respectful approach to education.

Even though my grandparents were both teachers, I never dreamed of becoming one. As a child, I wanted to be a psychologist. Already in elementary school, I read books about the human psyche and its disorders. But fate had other plans. When I was 14, I went to a summer camp, and the head counselor asked if I could help with the younger children. I agreed — and without realizing it, my teaching journey began. I went on to study at a secondary pedagogical school, visited various schools to explore different educational approaches, and eventually discovered Montessori education. I was fascinated by how well thought-out the system is — how it respects both the psychological and physiological development of the child and promotes understanding through technically designed materials. It’s an incredible gift we can give to children because it truly prepares them for real life. I love how children think and ask questions.

Ludmila studied Czech Language and Special Education at the Faculty of Education, Charles University. Already during secondary school, she began working at Montessori Slaný, where she gained experience as an assistant, after-school guide, and teacher in both elementary and preschool environments. She completed Montessori courses for ages 0–3 and 3–6. During her studies, she explored teaching in traditional, Waldorf, and Montessori schools, including a Montessori high school. She visited many Montessori preschools across the Czech Republic and one in Finland. She also spent six months on the British island of Guernsey caring for two young girls. Occasionally, she provides childcare at weddings and events, teaches Czech as a foreign language, prepares students for entrance exams, edits texts, and leads a dance club. Working in diverse settings has helped her develop a flexible approach to both children and teaching.

I’ve loved natural sciences and discovering the living and non-living world around us since childhood. I began teaching children and youth already in high school through extracurricular programs—especially horse-riding clubs, which remain my biggest passion. Later, during my university studies, I led a science club, combining my academic background with my enthusiasm for discovery. What I enjoy most is sharing curiosity and excitement about observing and understanding nature, encouraging independence, problem-solving, and persistence. Helping children develop curiosity and confidence to explore further—that’s what gives my work meaning.

Eva earned her degree in Vertebrate Zoology from the Faculty of Science, Charles University in Prague. She has long been involved as a youth leader at the Prague House of Children and Youth. In recent years, she participated in the project Biodiversity dynamics across a continuum of space, time, and their scales at the Faculty of Environmental Sciences, Czech University of Life Sciences. In her free time, she enjoys horse riding, cycling, and hiking.

During my studies, I was interested in learning mathematics in different ways than I had experienced. In my master thesis I focused on non-traditional approaches in mathematics teaching, on the problem and project method. This led me to search for a school that would do exactly that. It was also important for me to find an environment where it is natural to approach children individually, where there is a sense of support and trust towards students and each other among colleagues, and where everyone is striving to develop further. In Andílek I found exactly that combination of a welcoming, supportive environment and the opportunity to learn and explore mathematics from a different perspective.

Klára studied Mathematics Teaching for Secondary Schools and English Philology in Olomouc. During her studies she spent a semester at university in Norway and England. In the last year of her studies she taught construction mathematics and English at a secondary school. She has been going to camps all her life and spent two summers as a counselor at summer camps in the USA. She enjoys working with children and young people and has been involved as a volunteer in various organisations since high school. She enjoys spending her free time in nature or creating with pencil or thread.

What drew me to Andílek were the same values I share with Montessori education—as both a teacher and a mother. It’s a deep trust in the child and respect for their individuality. I am fully aware of how important it is to build on a child’s intrinsic desire to understand the world and how it works. Supporting this curiosity is essential for me. In my language classes, my goal is to help students use the language naturally and confidently from the very first lessons—without fear of making mistakes.

Sylvia graduated from the Faculty of Education, Charles University, majoring in French Language and Social Sciences. She later added English to her teaching qualifications. She also studied for two semesters at Université de Perpignan in France and holds a DALF C1 certificate in French. She is currently enrolled in an AMI course focused on Montessori education for adolescents. Sylvia has been working at Andílek since October 2020.

My studies in Salzburg gave me a deeper understanding of Austrian culture and language. Working with children and adults has accompanied me throughout my professional journey, whether in international settings, sports education, or schools. I also focus on professional development coaching as part of my work.

Kateřina graduated from the Prague University of Economics and Business and the Faculty of Law at Charles University. She continued her studies at the University of Salzburg with a focus on Austrian culture and language. Professionally, she has worked in the education of children and adults in international and school environments. In addition to her teaching practice, she also works as an accredited professional development coach.

I came to Spanish completely by chance — thanks to a teacher who was kind enough to give me the opportunity back then. It turned out to be one of the best decisions of my life. I fell in love with the Spanish language and culture, and I was lucky to have amazing classes shaped by both inspiring teachers and classmates. Those are exactly the kinds of lessons — full of energy, joy, and inspiration — that I want to pass on to my students.

Bára is studying Hispanic Studies at the Faculty of Arts, Charles University. She has gained experience working with children and young people as a leader at summer camps. She loves traveling and discovering new cultures, which also inspires her teaching.

A child’s soul—sensitive, perceptive, and honest—is for me a source of unique joy and often a reflective mirror for myself. Being with children, working with them, and learning from them gives meaning. The child’s world offers a truthful glimpse into the future.

Vítězslav was born the year John Steinbeck received the Nobel Prize for Literature and The Rolling Stones debuted at London’s Marquee Club. After high school, he hesitated between forestry school—dreaming of joining the Mountain Rescue Service—and the call of artistic muse. He eventually studied at the Conservatory, majoring in Composition and Conducting, and has devoted his life to music. As a composer and performer, he collaborated with various theatres and ensembles. After the Velvet Revolution, he founded a music publishing house, producing over 250 classical and jazz albums. He co-founded Andílek Atelier, a creative platform for Montessori children, where he now leads the choir, shares music joyfully, and teaches woodworking. In 2018 he completed the Montessori Adolescent Orientation Course in Sweden and is helping launch the adolescent program for the upper school.

After graduating from high school, I spent several winter seasons in the mountains teaching children and adults how to ski. Besides outdoor activities, what I enjoyed most was sharing the children’s enthusiasm and seeing their progress—whether after two hours, a week, or an entire season. After my daughter was born, I naturally began exploring child development from a new perspective. Later, our family faced a new challenge—our daughter’s developmental language disorder (dysphasia). I’ve been learning how to support her through all possible situations using alternative communication methods and approaches from special education. Thanks to this personal experience and patience, I believe I can provide strong, empathetic support to both children and adults. The working environment at Andílek is, moreover, very welcoming and inspiring.

Dominika studied Sports Management at the Faculty of Physical Education and Sport in Prague. In 2011, she obtained a license from the Association of Professional Ski Instructors and taught skiing for several years. She holds an internationally recognized Certificate of Advanced English (C1). In her free time, she enjoys lettering and calligraphy.