The faculty and staff of The Ostrava International School are made up of professionals from around the world devoted to inquiry-based teaching and learning.
Elina Prochorova
Head of Primary and Early Years
Belarus
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Elina came to Ostrava from her native Belarus at the age of 17 and completed her post-secondary studies at the University of Ostrava.
She joined The Ostrava International School after considering both of her degrees, following her heart, and walking the path of teaching. Since childhood, she has spent her free time travelling and sketching the things she admires.
Zherry Jacela
EY Teacher
Philippines
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Bachelor’s Degree in Preschool Teaching, University of Ostrava
I’m a dedicated and highly qualified educator with a Ph.D. in Educational Management, a Master of Arts in
Education major in Early Childhood Education, and in Science Education. With over 20 years of teaching experience
across preschool, primary, and tertiary levels—including international teaching in South Korea and Indonesia—I’ve
learned that great teaching goes beyond lessons; it’s about inspiring curiosity, joy, and lifelong learning.
Master of Arts in Education, Early Childhood Education
STI West Negros University
Doctor of Philosophy, Educational Management
STI West Negros University
Albina Tulaidan
PYP Prep Class Teacher
Ukraine
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Bachelor’s Degree in Pedagogical Education – English Language and Foreign Literature, Cherson State University, Ukraine
Master’s Degree in Education, Pedagogy and Teaching Methods, English Language and Literature, Cherson State University, Ukraine
In 2022, Albina moved to Ostrava, Czech Republic and decided to walk the path of teaching anew, following her heart and dream to become a devoted teacher. Her decision to become a teacher is driven by a passion for education, a desire to make a positive impact on students’ lives and a commitment to professional growth and development.
In her free time, Albina enjoys cooking, watching movies and TV series, travelling and reading books. She also loves to do pilates.
Hyang Mi Jung
Classroom Support
Republic of Korea
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Bachelor’s degree and Certified Specialist’s degree in International Social and Humanitarian Work, Palacký University Olomouc and CARITAS College Olomouc
Master’s degree in Social Pedagogy – The University of Ostrava – ongoing.
From an early age, Lucie developed a passion for helping and guiding children, which naturally led her to join the Scout movement in 2011. Over the years, she has played a key role in planning weekend events and summer camps, where she also applies her paramedic training, ensuring the safety and well-being of the participants.
Driven by a desire to work in an English-speaking environment, Lucie found the perfect opportunity at TOIS, combining her love for the English language with the joy of working with children.
Lucie has extensive experience working in various kindergartens and afterschool clubs with children aged 4-11, accumulating over 350 hours of hands-on involvement. Additionally, she spent three months in Bolivia, working with children aged 2-14 from impoverished and marginalized communities, which is also where she learned the basics of Spanish.
In her free time, Lucie enjoys indoor climbing, hiking, practicing yoga, traveling, playing the guitar and piano, singing, and baking.
Elina Prochorova
Head of Primary and Early Years
Belarus
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Elina came to Ostrava from her native Belarus at the age of 17 and completed her post-secondary studies at the University of Ostrava.
She joined The Ostrava International School after considering both of her degrees, following her heart, and walking the path of teaching. Since childhood, she has spent her free time travelling and sketching the things she admires.
Yaren Cam
PYP 1 Class Teacher
Turkey
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Bachelor of English Language Teaching, Alanya Alaaddin Keykubat University
Yaren grew up in Turkey and always knew she wanted to be a teacher. After graduating from the Faculty of Education in 2022, she followed her passion for teaching and spent two years working with children of different ages in her native Turkey. She loved bringing creativity into the classroom through art, crafts, and drama projects, and helping her students grow in confidence.
After two years of teaching, Yaren came to the Czech Republic as a volunteer. She quickly fell in love with the country, its culture, and its people, and decided to continue her journey here. Living abroad has given her the chance to share her own culture, learn new languages, and continue growing as both a teacher and a person.
Outside of school, Yaren enjoys yoga, exploring new places, and learning a new language. She believes learning is most powerful when it is joyful, creative, and connected to real life.
Evangeline Tio
PYP 2 Class Teacher
Philippines
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Bachelor of Early Childhood Education, Philippine Normal University
Undergraduate Certificate in Special Education, Philippine Normal University
Ongoing MA in Education, major in Educational Management at Saint Jude College in Manila
Evangeline was born in the Philippines. She grew up bilingual, Filipino and English. After she graduated cum laude from university, she lived and work in Jakarta, Indonesia in 2011. Since then, she has worked in multi-cultural environments and helped children to reach their full potential.
She took on a new adventure and relocated from Asia to Europe in 2017 to begin working at an international school in Warsaw, Poland where she expanded her experience in teaching.
Evangeline had always dreamt of being a teacher and she agrees with the song The Greatest Love of All. She strongly believes that the children are indeed our future. And as an educator, it is her duty to teach them well and let them lead the way. It is important to hone the skills they possess and, while they learn and gain a sense of pride in their discoveries and achievements, let them laugh and make learning experiences fun.
Jake Butler
PYP 3 Class Teacher
Great Britain
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COMING SOON
Catherine Wambua
PYP 4 Class Teacher
Kenya
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Bachelor of Education, Maseno University, Kenya
IB Certificates Cat 1,2,and 3
IBEN Workshop Leader Training
International Middle Leadership Training
My work is all about helping every student feel included, supported and able to succeed. I’m passionate about understanding individual needs and working alongside students, teachers and families to find approaches that genuinely make a difference. I particularly enjoy supporting inclusive teaching through UDL, differentiation and individualised strategies, while building strong and trusting relationships across the school. I’m really looking forward to bringing my experience to TOIS, learning from others, and becoming part of such a diverse, inclusive and multicultural community where everyone has something valuable to contribute.
Andrea Usher
PYP 5 Class Teacher
Jamaica
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Masters of Education – Curriculum and Instruction, American College of Education, USA
Masters of Elementary Education and Teaching, American College of Education, USA.
Bachelor of Primary Education, International University of the Caribbean, Jamaica.
Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Teaching, Sam Sharpe Teachers’ College, Jamaica.
Andrea was born on the Caribbean island of Jamaica, where English is the official language. She also speaks Jamaican patois. Before arriving in Ostrava, Andrea taught for 19 years in her home country. Then, she began her foray into international teaching in 2014, where she taught at IB International World Schools as a PYP Homeroom teacher at the Swiss International School of Qatar. She held a dual role as IB PYP Coordinator and Homeroom teacher at School Lyceum #6 in Azerbaijan and again as IB PYP Coordinator at Invento, the Uzbek International School in Uzbekistan.
Andrea brings to TOIS her love of being a teacher and greatly appreciates being an international educator who has been able to build on and hone her teaching skills and learn about and embrace the culture of others in diverse and inclusive environments. Her learning philosophy is “Learn all you can today; use what you learn to change your tomorrow”.
As an educator, She finds joy in the process of both learning and teaching. Andrea loves dancing, listening to music, and audiobooks. She also gets excited about fashion jewellery and quirky eyeglasses.
Adán Sanchez
Music
Spain
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Bachelor’s Degree in Primary and Music Education, University of Cadiz, Spain.
Bachelor’s Degree in Flamenco Guitar, Conservatory of Sevilla, Spain.
One year study in the School of Modern Music and Jazz, University of Cadiz, Spain.
Host of Czech Television’s nationally broadcast “Hola niňos“ Spanish lessons for children
Adán was born in Arcos de la Frontera, Cadiz, Spain. At the age of 7, he started learning flamenco guitar in his hometown, in the long-standing tradition of his family. Music has always been a very important part of his life, and the reason why he decided to study music education and to share his passion with young learners.
Adán joined TOIS in 2015 as a Music and Spanish teacher in both the PYP and MYP programmes.
He loves to spend his free time with his wife and children, and to perform with his band around the Czech Republic.
Lenka Vann
Art, Czech for Foreigners
Czech Republic
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Bachelor’s Degree in Art and Design, Amesham and Wycombe College, UK
Master’s Degree in Teaching English and Art, The University of Ostrava
Semester of English studies at Hogskolan Kristianstad, Sweden
Lenka was born in Rožnov, Czech Republic and has a rich background in studying art under well-known local artists, such as J. F. Kovář, L. Kovářová, M. Kotrba, V. Ženožička. She is currently cooperating with the E. Thiemlová Art studio in Hlučín.
Lenka joined TOIS Primary in 2010 as a Class Teacher, and later fulfilled the role of librarian, and now Art Teacher.
She is the mother of three children scattered throughout the school at Early Years, Primary and Middle Years, and the wife of an enthusiastic rugby coach from Scotland.
Jennifer Kim
Korean Language
Republic of Korea
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Bachelor’s Degree in Business Management, Korea
TESOL Certificate, Canada
Jennifer has lived, worked and studied in Korea, Canada and the Czech Republic. Before moving to Ostrava, she worked for the education division of the company DaeKyo, developing and implementing curriculum for young learners. Jennifer has also taught adults and completed her TESOL certificate in Canada.
She likes to try new things, to travel, and watch movies. She says: “I believe that teaching is a difficult, important and rewarding calling, because I can see that they are growing”.
Jennis Kang
Korean Language
Republic of Korea
Klára Čaplová
Czech Language
Czech Republic
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Master’s Degree, Faculty of Czech Language, Literature and Culture, Palacký University, Czech Republic
With a Master’s Degree from Palacky University in Olomouc, Klára brings years of experience supporting expat integration to the Czech Republic, and teaching all levels of students.
Maria Lyka Osias
EAL and SEN
Philippines
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Bachelor in Elementary Education, Mangeles University, Philippines
My work focuses on helping every student access learning, make progress and feel genuinely included. As an SEN specialist, I use academic, behavioural and IEP insights to develop evidence-based, individualised support, with particular expertise in Autism Spectrum needs. A big part of the role is also working alongside teachers to strengthen inclusive practice through UDL, differentiation and professional learning. Strong relationships with students and families are equally important, especially when navigating complex needs or challenges.
I’m excited to bring this experience to TOIS and look forward to learning, collaborating and growing together with the whole TOIS Community!
Vanessa Hurníková
PSHE Teacher
Czech Republic
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Master’s Degree Palacký University in Olomouc, Faculty of Physical Culture
Major: Physical Education for Education, Minor: Geography for Education
Bachelor’s Degree Palacký University in Olomouc, Faculty of Physical Culture
Major: Physical Education for Education, Minor: Geography for Education
Born and raised in the Czech Republic, Veronika studied in Olomouc, where she developed her
passion for both physical education and geography. During her studies, she participated in
Erasmus exchange programs in Greece and Portugal, which broadened her perspective on
teaching and the role of physical education in different cultures. These experiences also showed
her how enriching it is to be part of the international community.
Her additional training as a Health-Oriented Physical Education Instructor and Fitness Instructor
has given her new perspectives on movement, with a focus on promoting health and well-being.
She believes that spreading the joy of movement among both children and adults is meaningful
and rewarding.
In her free time, Veronika enjoys spending time in nature or reading books
Lenka Primasz
Primary Teaching Assistant
Czech Republic
Jonáš Gray
Head of Secondary
Czech Republic
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Jonáš, a native Czech, lived in the country of Václav Havel for eighteen years before embarking on his college journey in Vermont, USA. He spends his free time translating to and from Czech and developing his knowledge of four other languages. Jonáš loves to listen to and play jazz in his Big Band, and has played a modest role in helping the Moravian-Silesian Region attract tourists from around the globe.
Vendula Dobešová
Deputy Head of Secondary
Czech Republic
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Master’s Degree in Systems Engineering and Informatics, VŠB Technical University of Ostrava
Pedagogical certificate in Lifelong Learning, Pedagogical Faculty of Ostrava University
Vendula was one of the founding team members of Brett’s international school of Ostrava project, eventually serving as School Director of the Czech Gymnasium from 2012-2015. Before leaving for Maternity Leave, she also taught IB DP Mathematics.
In her spare time, she loves playing with her two boys. She enjoys listening to music, singing, and any kind of sport that helps her relax.
Paul Ahuja
Sciences
Great Britain
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Bachelor’s Degree (HONS) in Biology, Middlesex University, England
Postgraduate Certificate In Education (PGCE), Goldsmith’s College, University of London, England
QTS, United Kingdom
Paul is originally from London, England and after having lived there for most of his life he decided to move to the Czech Republic with his wife and two children. Paul lives in a small village that is very close to both the Slovak and Polish borders. He has a lot of experience in both the UK and international education, and was part of a successful school improvement leadership team in England. Paul has been at TOIS since 2015.
In his spare time, Paul enjoys playing soccer and spending time with his family and friends.
Jelena Ščerbová
EAL and English
Serbia
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Master’s Degree in Philology and Education, University of Belgrade, Serbia
Master’s Professorial Degree in Language, Culture and Literature, University of Belgrade, Serbia
Ongoing PhD in Philology, University of Belgrade, Serbia
Jelena was born in Croatia and has, since early childhood, been fascinated by different cultures and languages. As her own family background is multicultural and multilingual, the study of Philology came naturally to her. Since the age of 7, Jelena has never stopped following her heart, learning about new cultures and languages ever since.
She drew upon her extensive language skills in Croatian, Serbian, English and Arabic while teaching children in United Nations refugee camps before moving to Ostrava in 2018 to begin working at The Ostrava International School as a PYP 2 Class Teacher.
Jelena’s background has also given her the skills to lead as Head of the Early Years Centre and Inclusion Coordinator.
Pavel Kunčar
DP Sciences, MYP Integrated Sciences
Czech Republic
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Master’s Degree in Education, Biology and Chemistry, the University of Ostrava, Czech Republic.
Pavel has spent his entire life in Ostrava and its surroundings. Since childhood, he has always been fascinated by the world around him and how nature works. Pavel decided early on to study the natural sciences, and his interests have always brought him close to nature. He enjoys outdoor sports in summer and winter, preferably with his family. He has extensive experience in teaching biology and chemistry and in helping to prepare students to pursue their interests in these fields at university.
Pavel is The Head of Science, and an IB DP Chemistry and Biology Teacher, as well as the leader of the TOIS Duke of Edinburgh Programme.
Thato Manare
Individuals & Societies, English Language and Literature History
South Africa
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Vanessa Hurníková
PSHE Teacher
Czech Republic
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Bachelor of Science in Teaching Education, Stetson University, Florida
Lorybelle Castillo
Individuals & Societies, English Language, Librarian
Czech Republic
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Master’s Degree in Education in Advanced Teaching, University of the People, USA
Master’s Degree in Euroculture, University of Groningen, Netherlands & Palacky University, Olomouc, Czech Republic
Master’s Degree in Communication, Major in Communication Research, University of the Philippines
Bachelor’s Degree in Humanities, Major in Political Economy, University of Asia and the Pacific, Philippines
Lorybelle joined TOIS in 2016 and started as an EAL Teacher at the Primary School. Currently, she is the EAL Coordinator at Secondary, as well as an English and Individuals & Societies teacher.
She dabbles in photography and enjoys travelling, watching films and TV series, baking, and trying out new recipes.
Kateřina Galatenko
Czech and German Language
Czech Republic
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Master’s Degree in Teaching Music, Choral conducting and Czech Language, University of Ostrava.
Graduate of the Brno Conservatory, Classical Piano
One Semester at the Universität für Musik und darstellende Kunst, Graz, Austria.
Kateřina always knew she wanted to become a teacher, and she joined TOIS in 2016 after almost ten years of teaching at various institutions. Her goal is to make her subjects both challenging and enjoyable for her students.
Kateřina loves reading and discussing ideas found in books. She also likes spending time with her twin children, listening to jazz and classical music, playing the piano, practising yoga and cooking.
She is convinced that her life goal is to be happy and to share happiness with others.
Adán Sanchez
Spanish Language and Performing Arts
Spain
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Bachelor’s Degree in Primary and Music Education, University of Cadiz, Spain.
Bachelor’s Degree in Flamenco Guitar, Conservatory of Sevilla, Spain.
One year study in the School of Modern Music and Jazz, University of Cadiz, Spain.
Host of Czech Television’s nationally broadcast “Hola niňos“ Spanish lessons for children
Adán was born in Arcos de la Frontera, Cadiz, Spain. At the age of 7, he started learning flamenco guitar in his hometown, in the long-standing tradition of his family. Music has always been a very important part of his life, and the reason why he decided to study music education and to share his passion with young learners.
Adán joined TOIS in 2015 as a Music and Spanish teacher in both the PYP and MYP programmes.
He loves to spend his free time with his wife and children, and to perform with his band around the Czech Republic.
Chandler Cryer
Spanish Language and English
USA
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Chandler is originally from the state of Georgia in the US. After teaching in the US, China, and Turkey, she and her husband decided to move to Ostrava and join the international community at TOIS in 2023. Chandler has always enjoyed learning languages, and she loves sharing the joys of exploring new cultures and perspectives through language with her students.
Besides learning new languages, Chandler likes to spend her time writing, biking, rollerblading, and going to museums.
Jennifer Kim
Korean Language
Republic of Korea
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Bachelor’s Degree in Business Management, Korea
TESOL Certificate, Canada
Jennifer has lived, worked and studied in Korea, Canada and the Czech Republic. Before moving to Ostrava, she worked for the education division of the company DaeKyo, developing and implementing curriculum for young learners. Jennifer has also taught adults and completed her TESOL certificate in Canada.
She likes to try new things, to travel, and watch movies. She says: “I believe that teaching is a difficult, important and rewarding calling, because I can see that they are growing”.
Jennis Kang
Korean Language and Literature
Republic of Korea
Lenka Hadašová
German Language
Czech Republic
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Leah Arriola
Mathematics & Sciences
Philippines
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Master’s of Arts in Education, Philippine Women’s University, Philippines
Bachelor of Science in Chemistry and Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering, Mapua Institute of Technology, Philippines
I am a dedicated and certified teacher with years of diverse teaching experience across preschool, elementary, secondary, and higher education settings.
I bring a strong background in Science (major in Chemistry) supported by advanced studies in Early Childhood Education and Special Education. Throughout my career, I have designed inquiry-driven, differentiated, and data-informed lessons that significantly improved student mastery, engagement, and performance across grade levels.
My expertise spans laboratory management, curriculum development, IEP accommodation, and technology integration, allowing me to meet the needs of diverse learners effectively. I am committed to continuous learning and delivering innovative, student-centered instruction that results in measurable academic growth.
Hedwiga Kašlík
German Language
Germany
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BA in German and Music for secondary schools, University of Leipzig
MA in German and Music for secondary schools, Charles University in Prague
Hedwiga was born in Romania to a Romanian father and a German mother. Soon her parents moved to Stuttgart/Germany, where she grew up.
After her wedding to a Czech husband, she has now been living for more than 10 years in the Czech Republic. With this international background, she was always eager to get to know new cultures, languages and people of different nations. At the same time, it gives her joy to rebuild the reputation of the German language in the Czech Republic.
Being part of the development process, and raising children and young adults has filled not only her professional life, but also her free time, as she is engaged in different non-profit organi
Jitu Leta
Mathematics
Ethiopia
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Master’s degree in Mathematics, Ostrava University, Czech Republic
Bachelor’s degree in Mathematics, Bahir Dar University, Ethiopia
Jitu’s passion for math began during her childhood, influenced both by her father and a passionate teacher at her primary school. This love for math also ignited Jita’s interest in the teaching profession. For her, teaching goes beyond simply completing tasks from textbooks; it involves imparting life lessons and shaping young minds.
To further enhance her qualifications, she has started pursuing MA in Educational Leadership and Management. With four years of experience in teaching mathematics, she has always envisioned making a positive impact on children; their hope for the future inspires Jita a lot.
Mišo Löwy
Visual Arts
Slovakia
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Faculty of Animation, Academy of Music and Performing Arts, Bratislava, Slovakia
Born in Slovakia in 1984, Mišo studied movie animation and has always been interested in drawing, comics and cartoons. He worked for over a decade in the field of advertising and graphic design for companies and music television in Slovakia and the Czech Republic, as well as doing freelance illustrations. He joined TOIS in 2016.
Mišo loves to work at TOIS, because of the rich background of international students and colleagues, who make him feel he can belong anywhere in the world. His students call him Mr. Mišo.
In his free time, Mišo illustrates children’s books that he co-creates with his wife and their two cats.
Milan Šurkala
Computer Science & Mathematics
Czech Republic
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Master’s Degree in Informatics, Computer Graphics specialization, VSB-TU Ostrava, Czech Republic
PhD in Informatics, Computer Graphics specialization, VSB-TU Ostrava, Czech Republic
Milan is from the Ostrava region and loves interdisciplinary connections, in his personal life and in his teaching. Milan not only teaches Computer Science, but he is also a programmer, a journalist and an artist – busy as a painter, illustrator, and stock photographer. Milan tries to connect all of these fields into his life and lessons.
He also strongly believes that algorithmic thinking can improve the lives of students in many non-IT situations, and he tries to develop this in his students.
Alexter Generale
Sciences
Philippines
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Master of Arts in Education & Innovation, Webster University, USA
Bachelor of Science in Biology, University of Southern Mindanao (USM), Philippines
As a passionate and innovative educator, I have over 10 years of international experience in helping students achieve their greatest potential in Biology. I am dedicated to provide experiential learning that molds young minds to become globally competitive and equipped with 21st century skills.
With a modern, student-centered approach tailored to the educational needs of today’s generation, I aim to help propel our students to greater heights.
Omar Rojas
Performing Arts
Mexico
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– Doctor in Musical Arts, Janáček Academy of Music and Performing Arts, Brno, Czech Republic
– Master in Musical Arts, Janáček Academy of Music and Performing Arts, Brno, Czech Republic
– Licentiate in Music Composition, Trinity College London, London/Mexico City
– Associate in Music Theory, Criticism, and Literature (AMusTCL), Trinity College London, London/Mexico City
– Ongoing Diploma in Sound Creation with New Technologies, Mexican Center for Music and Sound Arts (CMMAS), Morelia, Mexico
Born in Tamaulipas, Mexico, and raised in Mexico City, Omar later moved to the Czech Republic to continue his studies and subsequently develop his professional and family life. He completed both his Master’s and Doctoral degrees in Composition at the Janáček Academy of Music and Performing Arts in Brno, under Professors Arnošt Parsch and Ivo Medek. He also pursued further studies through Trinity College London at the Centro de Investigación y Estudios de la Música in Mexico, as well as an ongoing Diploma at the Mexican Center for Music and Sound Arts.
From 2002 to 2006 and again in 2014, Omar served as a faculty member at the Centro de Investigación y Estudios de la Música in Mexico, teaching and mentoring young composers and children.
His academic work includes extensive publications on the use of Fibonacci and Lucas number sequences in music, the adaptation of Mayan calendrical systems to compositional processes, and the integration of field recordings into electroacoustic and hybrid works. His most recent research explores original mathematical and symbolic systems for composition, with a particular focus on pre-Hispanic Mexica (Aztec) numerical and cosmological principles.
He has presented lectures and workshops across the Americas, Europe, and Asia, sharing his findings on topics ranging from Mexican and Latin American music history to mathematical and symbolic models for composition. As a member of the Artistic-Pedagogical Research Group of the Society for Artistic Research (SAR), he continues to contribute to international dialogue through conferences and publications.
Omar’s compositions have received international recognition, including First Prize at the VII University of Zaragoza Composition Competition (2011) and 3rd Prize at the Concorso di Composizione Carlo Sanvitale in Italy (2025), as well as selections at the Manuel Enríquez International Forum of New Music. He has been awarded grants and support from institutions such as Mexico’s National Fund for Culture and the Arts, the Tamaulipas Institute for Culture and the Arts, and the Mexican Center for Music and Sonic Arts, where he also held an artistic residency. His works have been performed worldwide and have involved collaborations with film, theatre, and dance, including projects with Monticello Park Productions in New York and the Czech-Austrian contemporary dance company ProArt.
Crystal Martasek
English Language, Mother Tongue Support
Philippines
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Bachelor of Secondary Education, major in English, Negros Oriental State University, Philippines
Pallavi Pal
IB DP Econ & Business
India
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Master of Commerce, Mumbai University
Post Graduate Diploma in Management of Education, KJ Somaiya
Post Graduate Diploma in Education for Peace, KJ Somaiya (2017)
Bachelor of Education, Mumbai University
Bachelor of Commerce, Mumbai University
I have more than a decade of experience across international curricula (IBDP, IGCSE, AS & A Levels,) enriched by exposure to international school environments that have further strengthened my professional and leadership capabilities. I am keen to contribute to broader academic development and coordination responsibilities, applying my expertise to support curriculum excellence and collaborative growth within the TOIS community.
Tuğçe Kurtbeyoğlu
Literature and Individuals & Societies
Turkey
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Bachelor’s Degree in English Language Teaching, Istanbul Aydin University, Turkey
Associate Degree in Public Relations and Publicity, Anadolu University, Turkey
Tuğçe was born as a twin sister in Mersin, a Mediterranean city in Turkey. Growing up, she moved frequently within Turkey but spent most of her life in Istanbul. Her hobbies range from literature, to sports like football, tennis, and taekwondo, to music. She learned to play the violin and started writing her own songs in English at the age of 12, sparking her passion for languages, writing, and music. After spending summers as a camp counsellor in international camps and teaching English for five years in various IB schools in Istanbul, she decided to move abroad.
In her free time, Tuğçe enjoys writing, composing, and singing her own songs. She is currently focused on improving her Spanish, learning Czech, and brushing up on her high school German skills. Despite being a dog person, she has two cats named Rosa and Clara. Tuğçe is also passionate about volunteering at animal shelters and supporting charitable causes for stray dogs and cats.
Jelena Ščerbova
Inclusion Coordinator
Serbia
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Master’s Degree in Philology and Education, University of Belgrade, Serbia
Master’s Professorial Degree in Language, Culture and Literature, University of Belgrade, Serbia
Ongoing PhD in Philology, University of Belgrade, Serbia
Jelena was born in Croatia and has, since early childhood, been fascinated by different cultures and languages. As her own family background is multicultural and multilingual, the study of Philology came naturally to her. Since the age of 7, Jelena has never stopped following her heart, learning about new cultures and languages ever since.
She drew upon her extensive language skills in Croatian, Serbian, English and Arabic while teaching children in United Nations refugee camps before moving to Ostrava in 2018 to begin working at The Ostrava International School as a PYP 2 Class Teacher.
Jelena’s background has also given her the skills to lead as Head of the Early Years Centre and Inclusion Coordinator.
Mario Valdez
Student Wellbeing Coordinator
USA
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Mario is originally from the heart of the Sonoran desert in the USA. Having completed his Bachelor’s education, he signed up for the Peace Corps where he served in a small village community in Ukraine from 2015 to 2017.
He has dedicated his life to supporting the development and growth of youth, striving to be a source of empowerment and helping to remove barriers to success in life.
Crystal Martasek
EAL and Language Support
Philippines
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Bachelor of Secondary Education, major in English, Negros Oriental State University, Philippines
Jonáš Gray
University and Careers Counsellor
Czech Republic
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Bachelor’s Degree in German and Economics, Minor in French, University of Vermont, USA
One Semester Study Program, Universität Augsburg, Germany
Jonáš, a native Czech, lived in the country of Václav Havel for eighteen years before embarking on his college journey in Vermont, USA. He spends his free time translating to and from Czech, developing his knowledge of four other languages. Jonáš loves to listen to and play jazz in his Big Band, has been playing a modest role in helping the Moravian-Silesian Region drum up the interest of tourists from around the globe.
Jonáš teaches English and German at Secondary, and serves as TOIS University and Careers Counsellor.
Jennifer Kim
Korean Community Coordinator
Republic of Korea
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Bachelor’s Degree in Business Management, Korea
TESOL Certificate, Canada
Jennifer has lived, worked and studied in Korea, Canada and the Czech Republic. Before moving to Ostrava, she worked for the education division of the company DaeKyo, developing and implementing curriculum for young learners. Jennifer has also taught adults and completed her TESOL certificate in Canada.
She likes to try new things, to travel, and watch movies. She says: “I believe that teaching is a difficult, important and rewarding calling, because I can see that they are growing”.
Lenka Primasz
Primary Teaching Assistant
Czech Republic
Martin Hruška
Maintenance
Czech Republic
