School Leadership

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.

Masters in Education, Czech, and English Language and Literature, Palacky University, Olomouc, Czech Republic

Renáta has worked in different areas of our school since we first opened. For 7 years, she held the role of Deputy Head of Secondary School, and since the beginning of 2021 has been serving as the Head of Primary.

Renáta believes that learners can reach their full potential when the people they trust trust them, and that we are all much more than the sum of our mistakes.

Renáta loves going on trips with her family, and playing Lego and board games with her son and two step-daughters. She re-charges her batteries by playing badminton, jogging, and cooking.

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.

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.

Masters in Philosophy, minor in Rhetoric & Communication, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
Ongoing PhD in Philosophy, Palacký University, Olomouc, Czech Republic

Lasse is an IB DP graduate from Denmark. Besides teaching Design and Humanities in the MYP and TOK in the DP, Lasse also oversees Academic Honesty at TOIS. Since he started in 2015, Lasse has taught at all levels of the school, including the Early Years, Primary, Middle Years and Diploma programmes. This has made him fully prepared to take on the new role of IB Continuum Coordinator.

He came to the Czech Republic to be with his Czech wife and he has never looked back. In his spare time, Lasse loves playing D&D, drums, and board games, reading books and spending time with family and friends.

Master’s Degree in Education, University of Ostrava
Master’s Degree in Fine Arts, University of Ostrava
Semester of Arts studies, Academia si Belle Arte di Catania, Italy

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 thinking about both of her degrees, following her heart, and walking the path of teaching. Elina began as a Class Teacher, and moved quickly to the role of PYP Coordinator.

Since childhood, she has spent her free time travelling and sketching what she admires.

Magister’s Degree in Education (Geography and Social Sciences), University of Ostrava, Czech Republic.
International Communications course, Kristianstad University, Sweden.

Born, raised and educated in Ostrava, Jiří always wanted to experience working abroad. Working at TOIS has allowed him to experience an international working environment while taking advantage of staying in his hometown, close to his family and friends.

Jiří has been with the school from its very beginning and has witnessed the growth of IB programmes in the TOIS curricula. Currently, he is coordinating the Middle Years Programme at TOIS, drawing upon his years of experience as a teacher of MYP Technology, and Individuals and Societies.

Jiří is an enthusiastic traveller, using any opportunity to explore the cultures of other countries to enrich his intercultural understanding.

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.

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.

Bachelor’s Degree in English Language and Literature, Humboldt State University, USA.

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.