English Upgrade

From blackboard to real world.

For head teachers ready to make change happen.

After 23 years of teaching, I’ve learned that English isn’t about grammar – it’s about courage. And right now, many Czech schools are teaching English the same way they always have, even though the RVP asks for something different.

What I see in classrooms

I observe lessons and compare them with RVP requirements, your ŠVP, and your current materials. What I find is often the same: dedicated teachers working hard but facing a gap between what’s expected and what’s actually happening in the classroom.

Good news? Some of you are already on the right track. You’ve built great relationships with students, you use clear lesson structure, and you have the courage to use English.

Even better news? There’s always room for improvement – and that’s exactly what we will work on.

What schools need (and what I offer)

Most textbooks mention the key competencies from RVP, but they’re built on frontal teaching – not on developing real communication skills. That’s the gap we’ll fill together.

Here’s what it looks like when we work together:

For your teachers:

• Less frontal teaching, more student-led activities
• Practical differentiation strategies that don’t add hours of prep
• Awareness of common language errors – to make sure we don’t ‘drill in’ CZenglish, instead of English
• More confident use of English in the classroom (without fear of mistakes)

For your school:

• Alignment with RVP requirements in a way that feels natural, not forced
• Collaborative planning by grade level (so nobody does it alone)
• Personal growth plans for each teacher – focused on what they want to improve
• Ongoing support when you need it (not as an inspector, but as a partner)

How it works

1. Lesson observation and analysis I’ll visit your classrooms and compare what’s happening with RVP expectations. No evaluation – just clear, honest feedback about what’s working and what could work better.

2. Collaborative planning Teachers at the same grade level create a shared monthly plan based on key competencies. You divide the work, share ideas, and support each other.

3. Personal growth plans Each teacher chooses their intention: What do I need to improve? How will I know it’s better? What support do I need?

4. Ongoing support Change isn’t a leap – it’s a series of small, brave steps. I’m here to help when you’re unsure, when you’re stuck, or just want a second opinion.

The real goal

If your students leave the lesson wanting to speak more and understand more – you’ve succeeded. That’s what language learning at this age is really about: joy, curiosity, and connection.

Competitive Debating

21st-century learning in action

A two-day training for English teachers who want their students to speak with confidence and think with courage.

Bring 21st-century competencies into your English teaching – without disrupting your existing curriculum and without overwhelming your teachers.

Two days packed with practical ideas

You’ll debate, try things out, and discover why this approach works. Then we’ll show you how to bring it into your classroom – step by step, without pressure.

For English teachers, this means not only two days of intensive work and inspiration, but also plenty of practical ideas you can use right away in your lessons. You’ll leave with a practical handbook full of games and ideas you can use on Monday.

Why debate belongs in your school

Debate naturally develops competencies your school is already working on: communication, collaboration, creativity, and critical thinking. It aligns with RVP requirements for active learning and student autonomy – and gives your English team a concrete tool to make it happen.

For your teachers: Because your students already have opinions. Debate teaches them to express those opinions clearly, listen to others, and think before they speak. It’s not about winning arguments – it’s about building confidence, respect, and the courage to engage with ideas.

What your teachers will take away

• A clear understanding of how competitive debate works
• Practical experience leading and participating in debates
• A handbook full of classroom-ready activities
• Confidence to lead students through something new
• A way to integrate 21st-century skills without reshaping your curriculum

What happens during the training

Day 1: Experience it yourself Your teachers will debate, make mistakes, laugh, and discover why this approach engages students. They’ll understand the rules not by reading them, but by trying them. They’ll also see firsthand how debate naturally creates the active, student-centered learning that RVP requires.

Day 2: Bring it to your classrooms We’ll explore how to introduce debate without adding stress to already packed schedules. Simple activities. Real engagement. Skills that last. Your teachers will leave with a clear idea of what to do next week – and where to head during the year.

Both days: Meaningful English conversations with fellow teachers. Practical experience. A supportive space to try something new.

This training is for your school if:

• You want more active, student-centered English lessons
• You’re looking for practical ways to develop 21st-century competencies
• You value teacher confidence as much as student outcomes
• You’re ready to try something proven – even if it’s new to your school