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We are proud to share with you an extraordinary milestone in the life and career of our founder, Jana Chynoradska.
She started her journey as an English teacher, but thanks to her vision, determination and passion for innovation, she became the founder and director of Harmony Academy, which she transformed into one of the leading language schools in Slovakia. Her constant interest in improving education led her to create Learn & Lead Innovation, a platform that is changing the way we teach, lead and learn.
This story has recently reached a new peak - Jana has been elected President of the International Association of Innovative Educational Teachers and Managers (IAITME), a unique organization that brings together educators and leaders from all corners of the world.
Her circle of influence, driven by her talent, determination and clear vision, has continuously improved the quality and attractiveness of the teaching profession not only in Slovakia but also globally. Through her leadership, she inspires teachers, school leaders and organizations to embrace innovation and achieve excellence in education.
On this occasion, we asked Jane a few questions in which she revealed more about her journey, her vision and the innovations she has brought to the world of education.
1️. How did you get into the teaching profession?
Throughlove. When I was 19 years old, my boyfriend was an English teacher, and when the woman of Spartakovskaya Elementary School in Trnava needed another teacher, he called me. I started teaching fifth graders, and a year later I decided to study English Language and Literature at the Faculty of Education of the University of Bratislava. My boyfriend left a few months later, but my love for education has stayed with me throughout my life😊.
2️. Why was Harmony Academy founded?
Harmony Academy was founded in 2000 thanks to an unexpected suggestion from my former student Martin Březina, who approached me with the idea of starting a language school. At the time, I didn't realize that this moment would start one of the most important chapters of my life. Today I know that it was my deep desire to to grow, to create and to bring value not only to education, but also to the lives of those around me.
Harmony Academy has become a place where passion for learning meets the freedom to explore new approaches and innovations in education. It has been a journey full of challenges, but also the endless joy of building something that has real meaning.
From the very beginning Harmony has been our family story. My family - husband, children and loved ones - have been and continue to be an integral part of this journey. Their support, patience and love give me the strength to overcome obstacles and push Harmony's vision ever further.
Today, Harmony Academy is more than just a language school. It is a space where we bring people together, support their dreams and create the future of education. I am incredibly grateful for this journey and for everyone who has been and continues to be a part of it.
3️. How did the concept of Learn& Lead Innovation come about? What brought you to the idea of innovation in education?
The concept of Learn & Lead Innovation was born out of one of our regular assessment conversations between myself and Jonathan Chambers, a Harmony Academy tutor. During the discussion, we realized that teaching "just" English was not fulfilling for both of us. We wanted to bring something more to education -something that went beyond language courses. Spontaneously, we also created a project plan for one side of A4 and called it Learn & Lead.
We chose two strong verbs that expressed our subconscious desire: Learn a Lead. We liked their connection and so the original idea of Learn & Lead was born. In autumn 2010 we submitted our first project with this name and since then we can date the beginning of this innovative journey.
The idea of innovation in education was born out of a natural process that we were experiencing in the classroom, but also in the wider context of the school. In the classroom, we apply an approach focused on the needs of the pupilwhich means that the teacher learns and grows with his/her pupils every day. This process is not just about imparting knowledge, but also about continuous the personal development of the teacherwho becomes an active participant in learning. The more the teacher is open to new approaches, the more he develops his natural potentialnot only in teaching but also in leadership.
Learn & Lead has therefore become an innovation that goes beyond traditional education - an approach where teachers, pupils and school leadership develop in synergy. Each of us is both a teacher and a leadersupporting each other on a journey of continuous growth. We know what and how to develop because we have experienced it ourselves, tried it and learned from it. This approach leads to the creation of a learning schoolwhere every step, every improved process is the result of continuous learning and innovation.
4️. What does being IAITME President mean to you?
Being IAITME President is both a great honor and responsibility for me. IAITME is a unique platform that brings together innovative teachers and leaders in education from around the world. My goal is to grow this community, spread best practices and help schools become centers of innovation and quality. I want to show that education has the potential to change the world.
5️. How do you see the future of the teaching profession?
I believe that the teaching profession is the key to the future not only of the education system but of the whole society. Teachers today are no longer just facilitators of knowledge - they are transformational leaders who have the power to inspire, awaken curiosity and develop the personality of their students. Their role is to help pupils discover their unique potential and guide them towards the ability to think critically, create and collaborate.
I see the future in innovations that will take schools to the next level - to become learning organisations. That means teachers, students and school leaders continually growing together, exploring new approaches and creating an environment where learning is a lifelong value.
Supporting teachers is essential here - from investing in their education, to mentoring them, to creating spaces for their creativity and autonomy. I believe that innovations such as the use of technology, personalised learning and an emphasis on soft skills such as communication and collaboration will change not only the way we teach, but the very nature of the school environment.
Teachers become not only classroom leaders, but also catalysts for change, influencing the whole community through their work. As learning organisations, schools are places where the transformation of the personality of each individual - teacher and pupil - leads to the wider transformation of society. This shift, however, requires courage, openness and a vision that we must cultivate together.
The future of the teaching profession is therefore not only about imparting knowledge, but about creating a community of teacher-leaderswho, by their example, inspire the next generation to create a better world.
6️. What challenges have you had to overcome on your journey?
Along the way, I have had to overcome many challenges that have shaped me, our team, and the entire environment of Harmony Academy. The biggest challenge was to maintain and develop the vision of freedom - freedom for teachers to teach in a way that best fits their students, and at the same time, freedom for our organization to experiment and grow.
This process was often difficult, accompanied by uncertainty, mistakes and, of course, moments of pain. As I write in my book, "I Choose Because It's My Life," new life, whether in a school or an organization, is born in "pain and through tears," but it is always born in the hope of a better tomorrow. This has required the courage to acknowledge the mistakes of the past, learn from them, and build a work environment that fosters sustainable growth for both teachers and the organisation.
One of the most important people on this journey was my mentor and advisor Gabriela Lojováwho has been by my side since 2000, when I founded the school. Together we developed our team of teachers, looked for new approaches to education and created an environment in which teachers could grow not only professionally but also personally. Her support, wisdom, and confidence in me and our shared goals were invaluable.
Another challenge has been the introduction of innovation in a conservative environment. I tried to convince them that schools can be a place where not only pupils but also teachers communicate, listen, understand and collaborate. The process was about gradually setting up team dynamics and discovering the potential that each team member has.
The support from my team, Gabriela Lojova and the communities I worked with was invaluable. It is these people - colleagues, friends and partners - who have helped me create an environment where freedom, trust and growth go hand in hand.
Today, I look forward to sharing our experience and original solutions with other schools and organisations. I believe that a "new life" can be created in any school if we decide to follow a vision that is bigger than ourselves and have the courage to make it happen.
This journey has taught me that every challenge, no matter how difficult, pushes us to be better leaders, teachers and people.
My personal growth as a mom: the biggest motivation
As Harmony Academy grew, so did my two greatest treasures - my children, Elizabeth and Jacob. Today they are grown up, but they were and still are my greatest inner motivation. There were times when everything indicated that I would give up, but the desire for a better world for them always gave me the strength to continue.
My vision to change education is deeply rooted in my personal story as a mom. It is an authentic, personal and honest journey that comes from within, from my very heart. It is because of children that I know that every child deserves a system that supports them in their uniqueness, and every teacher deserves the space to be creative and grow. This desire is what keeps me moving forward, even though the paths are not always easy.
7️. What message would you like to convey to teachers and educational leaders?
My message to teachers and educational leaders is clear : Believe in the power of education and in yourself. Teachers have a unique gift - they can influence the future by shaping the mindsets, values and dreams of their students. Being a teacher is much more than just imparting knowledge - it's a mission to lead, inspire and support students to discover who they are and what they can be.
Have the courage to be innovative, authentic and curious. Don't be afraid to step outside the boundaries of traditional education, explore new methods and approaches, and most importantly, maintain a love for what you do. Education is not static; it is a living process in which we grow with our learners.
And to you, leaders in education, I want to say: Support your teachers. Create an environment where they are free to create, grow and develop their potential. A school is not just an institution, but a community where everyone-teacher, student, and parent-has a place and value.
Remember that education has the power to change the world. What you plant today as a seed of knowledge, trust and support will one day become a tree that will bear fruit for future generations. Believe in what you are doing and never stop looking for new ways to push the boundaries of education.
Let us do everything so that we have feel good about ourselves, our work and our contribution to others - today, tomorrow and in the future. Because our legacy will resonate in the generations we have supported with the right dose of of inspiration, self-confidence and love. Even when we are no longer here, what we have sown will go on to shape the world and make it a better place.
We are very pleased to have Jana in our leadership at Learn &Lead Innovation and IAITME. Her story is a powerful reminder that with passion, clarity of purpose and determination we can achieve great things.
We look forward to the bright future we are creating together for teachers and education around the world!
