Diploma Programme Team

Jan Švihálek
jan.svihalek(zavinac)isob.cz

I was born in Brno, where I live now together with my family. Both my parents and some of my grandparents are teachers, so my professional path was quite clear. I earned my Master's at the Pedagogical Faculty of Masaryk University specialising in German and Physical Education and I have been teaching PE and German language at various schools since I was a universtity student. I have been working as Head of School at the International School of Brno since it's founding in 2008. I speak English, German, Spanish, Russian and Czech. I am also an active musician, with passion for literature and art.

Sara Akbari
sara.akbari(zavinac)isob.cz

Creating inspirational educational environments has always been an ongoing passion for me. I received my master's degree and teaching degree from London and after working a few years in England, I decided to travel further afield and broaden my horizons. Once I was in Dubai I started my leadership career in an MYP/DP school and decided then that this was the path I would continue, as the IB curriculum truly embodies what education is about, sparking the natural curiosity of students through challenging yet significant inquiry. From Dubai I continued onwards to the German Embassy School of Tehran a PYP school with very high academic standards and diverse cultures, that continued to develop my skills for creating meaningful actions in a global community. I feel very honored to be starting my new career at the International School of Brno with an outstanding group of educators. I was very warmly greeted by the school community in March and I would like to take this opportunity ahead of time to thank my team for fostering, what I know will be, an inspirational, caring and an intellectually stimulating academic year for our students.

Dylan Vance
dylan.vance(zavinac)isob.cz

I grew up in Thunder Bay Canada on the north shore of Lake Superior. I have a BA in Philosophy and am currently working towards a Master's in Education specialising in Administrative Leadership. I have been teaching for over ten years and am very proud to see how far ISB has come as I've been here since the beginning. Along with spending time with my family, I love cooking, photography and playing music. I can speak English, Czech and French.

Barbara Albrechtová
barbara.albrechtova(zavinac)isob.cz

I am from Brno and hold two Master's degrees: one in Experimental Biology and in the other in Secondary School Education specialising in Physical Education. I've been teaching at ISB for two years now and I'm also the IB Diploma Programme Coordinator. While I was studying, I belonged to a figure staking club here in Brno - first as an athlete and later as a coach. Besides sports, I love nature and animals. I speak English and French.

Lukáš Pocar
lukas.pocar(zavinac)isob.cz

Hi, I'm Lukas and I teach math and physics, helping students see the subjects as more than numbers on a page. I try to approach teaching as a sort of theatrical performance, where me and the students are both the audience and actors. Outside of school I love to go to the gym, run and play videogames.

Lara Mayer
lara.mayer(zavinac)isob.cz

I am Australian and have a Bachelor of Education (Primary) from the University of New England. I taught in government schools in Sydney and London, and PYP schools in Kyiv and Ulm (Germany). I love gardening, crafts such as cross stitch and crochet, and visiting new places. I am excited to be here in Brno and am looking forward to learning more about Czech culture.

Kurt Bonser
kurt.bonser(zavinac)isob.cz

Hi! I am from Livonia, Michigan, U.S.A. I have a bachelor’s degree in Zoology with a minor in Spanish from Northern Michigan University. After that I obtained a teaching certificate in Integrated Science from Madonna University and am qualified to teach all sciences at the secondary level (grade 6 to 12). I am currently working towards my masters in Education Leadership through Madonna University (online of course). I have taught internationally in China for 4 years, before that I had taught in American for 2 years. In my spare time I like doing anything outdoors in nature, hiking, running, biking, swimming, and camping.

Ondřej Kala
ondrej.kala(zavinac)isob.cz

I am from Brno and I work at ISB from September 2021. I finished my bachelor’s degree in Czech and History at Masaryk University in the summer 2013. Now I study Master’s degree in Palacky University in Olomouc. Before teaching Czech at ISB, I was employed in big worldwide corporates where I worked in several managerial and coordinating positions. I spend my free time with my family, reading and meeting friends while drinking a good coffee.

Sean Fogarty
sean.fogarty(zavinac)isob.cz

Hello! My name is Sean and I'm from Ireland! I've been teaching for the past 12 years, so it's something that I am really passionate about. I have a Bachelor's in English Literature and History, a Masters in Training and Education, and I will be studying a Masters in Literature and Language here in Brno! I have worked in a few different countries, but I'm really excited to add the Czech Republic to that list. In my spare time I like playing guitar, travelling and reading.

Tamara Penn
tamara.penn(zavinac)isob.cz

Originally from New York, I have spent most of my adult life living overseas and teaching mathematics at international schools in Asia, Latin America and Europe. My passion is to help students see the beauty and relevance of mathematics in their world. I have a Master's degree in Math and Technology and have worked with the IB for the past 15 years as an MYP/DP mathematics teacher and examiner. In my free time, I enjoy travel adventures, nature photography, learning auto mechanics, and reading mystery novels.

Paul Guerin
paul.guerin(zavinac)isob.cz

I moved from London to Brno with my family in 2022, having enjoyed a 27 year career teaching a range of subjects at secondary level, leading on IT and business studies, as well as spending the best part of two decades in educational management and leadership as assistant or deputy headteacher. I studied geography with a focus on political and economic geography, and Information Technology at the College of St Mark and St John - Exeter University - before completing my teacher training at the University of Wales.

Borek Čermák
borek.cermak(zavinac)isob.cz

I was born in Bruntál, Czech Republic. Ever since I can remember, I have found the world a fascinating place and wanted to get to know it better. That led me to the UK, where I earned my Bachelor's and Master‘s. I worked on a research project in Tunisia, travelled and volunteered in East Africa, taught in Kenya. Teaching and learning have always been a big passion of mine. I am a strong believer that knowledge needs to be shared. It is the best way to make the world a better place. My other passion is my family and if I am not with them, you will find me either cycling or hiking.

Jerbylyn Agtutubo
jerbylyn.agtutubo(zavinac)isob.cz

Hi! I’m Ms Bing. I graduated with a degree in Secondary Education majoring in Mathematics from the Philippine Normal University and completed my Master’s degree in Educational Measurement and Evaluation from Miriam College. I am from the Philippines but have lived in several countries, teaching IB MYP/DP Mathematics to Secondary students for the last 14 years. I taught at a Cambridge IGCSE school in Indonesia, and IB Continuum schools in the Philippines, Mexico, Japan and most recently in Albania. I enjoy traveling and meeting people from different cultures, and working with students from different cultural backgrounds is something I have grown accustomed to. This is my first year at Brno and also at ISOB and I am really excited to be part of this school community.

Chris Quarrie
chris.quarrie(zavinac)isob.cz

I am originally from Canada and have been an international educator for over 25 years, teaching in schools across Canada, New Zealand, the UK, and Malaysia. My teaching experience includes MYP Design, DP Chemistry, and Environmental Systems and Societies, as well as a variety of international science programmes. I am passionate about helping students develop curiosity, creativity and a deeper understanding of the world around them through inquiry and hands-on learning. Outside of school, I enjoy travelling, visiting art museums, painting, watching movies, listening to music, and spending time with my family. I am excited to join the International School of Brno community and look forward to learning and growing together with our students and families.

Sonia Bueno-García
sonia.garcia(zavinac)isob.cz

I am Spanish, from the centre of Barcelona. Initially an Art Historian, I began very soon to teach my language abroad and eventually, after many language courses and collaboration with the Instituto Cervantes, I did my Master’s degree on Applied Languages. I enjoy my time doing many different things but I definitely enjoy travelling, reading and swimming.

Šarlota Duchoňová
sarlota.duchonova(zavinac)isob.cz

Hello, my name is Šarlota and Brno is my hometown. I’m a former ISOB student myself and I love that I am back as a Psychology teacher and a wellbeing assistant in this nurturing, holistic and friendly environment.
After graduating with the IB Diploma, I decided to move to Scotland to pursue further education in Psychology. I obtained a first class BSc (Hons) in Psychology from the University of the West of Scotland and then pursued a MSc in Clinical Health Psychology from the University of Strathclyde in Glasgow. Alongside my studies, I completed a Counselling Skills (COSCA) course and, with my research team, presented our published research at the University of Cambridge and other conferences across the UK. I’m an advocate of lifelong learning and slow present living in this fast changing environment. In my free time, I enjoy spending time with my dog, exploring new places, getting lost in nature or a good book, and picking up new creative hobbies.

Petra Doležalová
petra.dolezalova(zavinac)isob.cz

Dobrý den/Hello, my name is Petra Dolezalova. I was born in Brno and recently returned home after 25 years of living and teaching in Australia. During that time, I gained invaluable experience as a high-school teacher and university printmaking lecturer, while also running my own art-therapy practice supporting children with disabilities. On a personal note, I am a practicing artist with a deep passion for exploring various mediums, including painting, ink drawing, ceramics, and printmaking. My work has been widely exhibited and recognised across Australia and Europe. I am excited to bring my expertise in both art and education to the International School of Brno. I believe my diverse background, blending international teaching experience with a deep passion for visual creativity, will enable me to contribute positively to the ISB community. I look forward to connecting with students, parents, and fellow colleagues. If you see me around the school, please don’t hesitate to come and say hello.

Tereza Straka
tereza.straka(zavinac)isob.cz

Hi, I’m Miss T!
I’m the School Psychologist, and I’m passionate about supporting children and helping them feel safe, heard, and understood.
I have a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Masaryk University and a Master’s degree in Clinical Psychology from Sigmund Freud University in Vienna. I’m also currently completing certified psychotherapy training with Dalet.
Outside of school, I love travelling, surfing, painting, good music, deep conversations, and spending time with my husband, friends, and my dog Ollie.
I believe that sometimes, having someone who truly listens can make all the difference.

Gizem Oyman
gizem.oyman(zavinac)isob.cz

My name is Gizem. I have a background in biochemistry with research experience in cell biology and microscopy. I am excited to join ISOB as a Science Laboratory Technician, and I look forward to supporting teachers and students with practical science activities while helping to maintain a safe, organised and engaging laboratory environment. Outside work, I enjoy spending time with my family, cooking, creative activities and being in nature.

Jan Navrátil
jan.navratil(zavinac)isob.cz

Hi, my name is Jan and I am from Brno, Czech Republic. I am professional musician and I play the guitar with variety artists. I work for musical theatre (Mestske divadlo Brno) and occasionally I collaborate with the opera or philharmonic orchestras for different shows. I studied at B.I.B.S. (Brno International Business School) for Bachelor's programme and Master's degree in Strategy and Leadership in English. I am looking foward to sharing and exploring world of music with all the students!