We are proud to share with you an exceptional milestone in the life and career of our founder, Jana Chynoradská.
She began 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 changes the way we teach, lead, and learn.
This story has recently reached a new peak – Jana was elected President of the International Association of Innovative Teachers and Managers in Education (IAITME), a unique organization that brings together educators and leaders from all around the world.
Her sphere of influence, driven by her talent, determination, and clear vision, constantly enhances 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 strive for excellence in education.
On this occasion, we asked Jana a few questions, through which she revealed more about her journey, vision, and the innovations she has brought to the world of education.
Through love. When I was 19, my boyfriend was an English teacher, and when a teacher at Spartakovská 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 Comenius University in Bratislava. My boyfriend left after a few months, but the love for education stayed with me for life 😊.
Harmony Academy was founded in 2000 thanks to an unexpected impulse from my former student, Martin Březina, who approached me with the idea of establishing a language school. At that time, I didn’t realize that this moment would start one of the most important chapters of my life. Today I know that behind it was my deep desire to grow, create, and bring value not only to education but also to the lives of people around me.
Harmony Academy became a place where the passion for learning meets the freedom to explore new approaches and innovations in education. It was a journey full of challenges, but also of endless joy in building something that truly matters.
From the very beginning, Harmony has been our family story. My family—my husband, children, and loved ones—have been and remain an inseparable part of this journey. Their support, patience, and love give me the strength to overcome obstacles and keep moving the vision of Harmony forward.
Today, Harmony Academy is more than just a language school. It is a space where we connect people, support their dreams, and shape the future of education. I am deeply grateful for this journey and for everyone who has been and still is part of it.
The concept of Learn & Lead Innovation was born out of one of our regular evaluation discussions between me and Jonathan Chambers, a teacher at Harmony Academy. During our conversation, we realized that teaching “just” English did not fulfill us. We wanted to bring something more into education—something that would go beyond the framework of language courses. Spontaneously, we created a one-page project proposal and called it Learn & Lead.
We chose two strong verbs that expressed our subconscious desire: Learn and Lead. We liked their connection, and that’s how the original idea of Learn & Lead was born. In the autumn of 2010, we submitted our first project under this name, and since then we can date the beginning of this innovative journey.
The idea of innovation in education arose from the natural process we experienced in the classroom and within the wider school context. In class, we apply a learner-centered approach, which means that the teacher learns and grows together with the students every day. This process is not only about passing on knowledge but also about the continuous personal development of the teacher, who becomes an active participant in learning. The more open the teacher is to new approaches, the more their natural potential develops—not only in teaching but also in leadership.
Thus, Learn & Lead became an innovation that goes beyond traditional education—it is an approach where teachers, students, and school leadership develop in synergy. Each of us is both a teacher and a leader, mutually supporting one another on the journey of continuous growth. We know what and how to develop because we have experienced it ourselves, tested it, and learned from it. This approach leads to the creation of a learning school, where every step and every improved process is the result of continuous learning and innovation.
Being President of IAITME is a great honor and also a responsibility. IAITME is a unique platform that connects innovative teachers and leaders in education from around the world. My goal is to develop this community, share best practices, and help schools become centers of innovation and quality. I want to show that education has the power to change the world.
I believe that the teaching profession is the key to the future—not only of the education system but of society as a whole. Teachers today are no longer just transmitters of knowledge—they are leaders of transformation who have the power to inspire, awaken curiosity, and develop their students’ personalities. Their role is to help students discover their unique potential and lead them to think critically, create, and collaborate.
I see the future in innovations that will elevate schools to a new level—transforming them into learning organizations. This means that teachers, students, and school leaders continuously grow together, explore new approaches, and create an environment where learning is a lifelong value.
Supporting teachers is essential—from investing in their education, through mentoring, to creating spaces for their creativity and autonomy. I believe that innovations such as the use of technology, personalized learning, and a focus on soft skills like communication and collaboration will not only change how we teach but also the very essence of the school environment.
Teachers thus become not only classroom leaders but also catalysts of change, who, through their work, influence the entire community. Schools as learning organizations are places where the transformation of each individual—teacher and student alike—leads to a broader transformation of society. This shift, however, requires courage, openness, and vision, which we must cultivate together.
The future of the teaching profession is therefore not only about passing on knowledge but about creating a community of teacher-leaders who inspire future generations to build a better world.
On my journey, I have had to overcome many challenges that shaped me, our team, and the entire environment of Harmony Academy. The greatest challenge was maintaining and developing the vision of freedom—freedom for teachers to teach in the way that best suits their students, and at the same time, freedom for our organization to experiment and grow.
This process was often demanding, accompanied by uncertainty, mistakes, and, of course, moments of pain. As I write in my book “I Choose Because It’s My Life,” a new life—whether in a school or organization—is born “through pain and tears,” but it is always born in hope for a better tomorrow. It required courage to admit past mistakes, learn from them, and build a work environment that supports sustainable growth for both teachers and the organization.
One of the most important people on this journey has been my mentor and advisor Gabriela Lojová, who has stood by me since 2000, when I founded the school. Together we have developed our team of teachers, sought new approaches to education, and created an environment where teachers could grow not only professionally but also personally. Her support, wisdom, and trust in me and our shared goals have been invaluable.
Another challenge was introducing innovation in a conservative environment. I tried to convince others that schools can be places where not only students but also teachers communicate, listen, understand, and collaborate. This process was about gradually setting team dynamics and revealing the potential of each team member.
The support from my team, from Gabriela Lojová, and from the communities I worked with was invaluable. These people—colleagues, friends, and partners—helped me create an environment where freedom, trust, and growth go hand in hand.
Today, I am happy that we can share our experiences and original solutions with other schools and organizations. I believe that in every school, a “new life” can arise if we choose to follow a vision greater than ourselves and have the courage to make it real.
This journey has taught me that every challenge, no matter how difficult, moves us toward becoming better leaders, teachers, and human beings.
As Harmony Academy grew, my two greatest treasures—my children, Alžbeta and Jakub—grew with it. Today they are adults, but they have always been, and still are, my greatest inner motivation. There were times when everything suggested I should give up, but the desire for a better world for them always gave me the strength to continue.
My vision to transform education has deep roots in my personal story as a mother. It is an authentic, personal, and sincere journey that comes from within—from the heart itself. Thanks to my children, I know that every child deserves a system that supports their uniqueness, and every teacher deserves space for creativity and growth. This desire is what constantly drives me forward, even when the path is not easy.
My message to teachers and leaders in education is clear: Believe in the power of education—and in yourself. Teachers have a unique gift—they can shape the future by shaping the thinking, values, and dreams of their students. Being a teacher is much more than transferring knowledge—it is a mission to lead, inspire, and support students to discover who they are and what they can become.
Have the courage to be innovative, authentic, and curious. Don’t be afraid to go beyond the boundaries of traditional education, to explore new methods and approaches, and most importantly, to keep the love for what you do. Education is not static; it is a living process in which we grow together with our students.
And to you, education leaders, I say: Support your teachers. Create an environment where they can freely create, grow, and develop their potential. A school is not just an institution but a community where everyone—teacher, student, and parent—has their 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 grow into a tree that bears fruit for future generations. Believe in what you do, and never stop seeking new ways to push the boundaries of education.
Let us do everything in a way that allows us to feel good about ourselves, our work, and our contribution to others—today, tomorrow, and in the future. Because our legacy will resonate through the generations we have supported with the right dose of inspiration, confidence, and love. Even when we are no longer here, what we have sown will continue to shape the world and make it better.
We are very happy to have Jana in our leadership at Learn & Lead Innovation and IAITME. Her story is a powerful reminder that with passion, a clear goal, 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!
This initiative is implemented through the project:
Project title: Creation of a Network of Excellent ULCA Schools
Acronym: NELCA
Project number: 2023-1-SK01-KA220-HED-000158697