Zdenka Gottwaldova

Early Childhood Lead Teacher, Primrose

BA in Education, Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic

Waldorf Grades Teacher Certificate, Waldorf Training Institute, Prague, Czech Republic

Waldorf Early Childhood Certificate, Sophia’s Hearth, Keene, NH
 

Before joining the Waldorf School of Philadelphia, Zdenka worked as an educator in both Europe and the United States. Her teaching career began in the Czech Republic, where she taught elementary grades before moving to the U.S. and continuing her work in early childhood education. She worked as a Lead Teacher at Sheltering Arms in Kimberton, a Waldorf-based daycare, providing nurturing care and early learning experiences for young children. Zdenka has worked in Waldorf classrooms ranging from nursery to kindergarten, and she finds deep joy in nurturing the wonder, imagination, and developmental needs of young children. 

Zdenka came to Waldorf education through her own lifelong search for a meaningful, human-centered approach to teaching. Inspired by the holistic philosophy of educating head, heart, and hands, she pursued both grades and early childhood Waldorf training. She believes that every child deserves an education that honors their individuality, cultivates creativity, and fosters reverence for the natural world — and for each other's uniqueness.

DEIJ work in the classroom and the school community is deeply important to Zdenka. She believes that fostering reverence for the natural world goes hand-in-hand with honoring each person’s unique gifts and experiences. “Creating an inclusive classroom begins with a willingness to reflect, to listen, and to keep learning,” she shares. “I know that supporting equity and belonging is ongoing work — both within myself and in our community.”

When Zdenka is not in the classroom, she spends most of her time playing tennis and squash and enjoys the energy and friendly competition of playing in local leagues. Tending to her flower garden is one of her greatest joys — watching something beautiful grow through care and patience brings her deep satisfaction. She also finds peace and renewal spending time around horses and going horseback riding. A lifelong dream of hers is to sail along the entire coast of Croatia in the Adriatic Sea, a place that holds a deep and special connection for her.