Csóti Heni

One of the defining experiences of my teenage years was being a youth leader in a children's organization, where I organized leisure activities for younger kids and took responsibility for them. Later, I was responsible for training youth leaders and worked as an animator at children's events. This path eventually led me to the Faculty of Education and Psychology at Eötvös Loránd University (ELTE), where I completed my master's degree in educational research and early childhood education.

During my university years, I focused on experiential pedagogy and, together with several others, established the Critical and Experiential Pedagogy Workshop. Our goal was not only to involve children as active participants in the education process but also to incorporate this approach into teacher training. I also worked as a leisure coordinator at a state primary and secondary school for a few years.

I joined the Budapest School team in 2015, at its inception. I played a role in launching the Balaton Kindergarten and the P10 program as a mentor teacher. Later, I worked on the establishment of the BPS Studio. It was an exciting experience to lay the foundations of the BPS model based on our own experiences.

In the meantime, I became a parent to two children, moved to the countryside, and currently support the daily operations of the school as the manager of Zugló. What I love about BPS is that teachers can be autonomous creators, have the freedom to respond to individual student needs, and adapt to the dynamics of small communities. Here, children can learn about themselves, their peers, and the world around them through their own experiences, experientially, and reflectively.

Klein Mirka Eszter

Since I can remember, creation has played a significant role in my life. I consider visual arts my main vocation, which includes painting, tattooing, and, on a hobby level, ceramics. As I enjoy working with people, creating together, and value the development of various social communities, in 2020, I joined a Budapest-based association that visits children's homes as a volunteer (KöJkök a Gyermekotthonban). Simultaneously, I began a three-year study program to become an art therapy group leader (MMSZKE).

As a budding art therapist, I started facilitating group and individual sessions for both adults and children. Based on the knowledge and experiences I gained, in 2021, I had the opportunity to lead arts and art therapy sessions for children at the Smart Kids Gyermekfejlesztő.

I take great joy in combining my work with children with promoting various art forms and active creation. I believe that we are all creators, and the fortunate ones can find their voice as quickly as possible to express their feelings and thoughts in everyday life.

In the Budapest School, during these activities, I not only focus on developing the children's manual skills but also consider it important to provide as many opportunities and assistance as possible to bring them closer to each other and help them evolve towards a more stable sense of self. Currently, they are young creators, and in the future, they can confidently and happily apply their creativity to move mountains when necessary.

Koós Dóra

I graduated as an elementary school teacher and, being drawn to the arts, I also gained perspectives in drama and art specialization to support experiential education for children. I believe that learning can only be effective when a child (and, in my opinion, an adult as well) perceives it as play, an experience, or a source of joy that they want to repeat over and over again.

Raising three children is also a common and exciting adventure (I hope, for all of us) that, even though it seems to have ended with their growing into adults, keeps us curious about each other, ensuring the everlasting warmth of the nest we once built.

I aim to create such a safe and nurturing nest for the little ones at my new school, BPS Zugló. We are a place where children arrive every morning with anticipation and joy in their hearts. Here, alongside the expected "must-learns" of school, we can discover nature in the city together, learn to live in a accepting community, and ultimately become people capable of positively influencing their surroundings.

Gadácsi Lilla

I graduated as a primary school teacher from ELTE, and I was already eager to start teaching while I was a student. Hungarian language and literature are my expertise, so writing and reading are very close to my heart. However, I also have a great passion for arts and crafts as well as physical activity. During my university years, I spent a semester in Finland, where I gained a wealth of experiences and methodological inspiration.

I worked in the state education system for a few years and developed a deep affection for children. However, I felt that the environment was not the right fit for me. I saw it as outdated, gloomy, and tense, where nobody really felt comfortable. I aspire to teach in a way that makes learning experiential and personalized.

In addition to teaching, I am also a yoga instructor. I teach yoga to both children and adults. I bring this practice into the school as well, allowing children to learn relaxation techniques, proper breathing, improve their posture, and lead healthier lifestyles, all while fostering a love for physical activity.