People at the Department of Social Education
Acting Head of Department
Members of the department
Docents (Associate Professors)
Assistant Professors
Parental leave
Lecturers
Non-teaching staff
Parental leave
Studenti doktorských studijních programů
Parental leave
doc. Mgr. Michal Kaplánek, Th.D.
Associate Professor | kaplanek@ped.muni.cz
In 1988, I joined the Catholic congregation of the Salesians of Don Bosco, which was still a clandestine act at the time. In my academic research, I strive to establish the methodological groundwork for educational institutions to function simultaneously as a home, a school, a playground, and a church. From 2004 to 2022, I served as the guarantor for the Leisure Pedagogy study program at the Faculty of Theology, University of South Bohemia. Currently, I teach Social Pedagogy at Jabok – College of Social Pedagogy and Theology in Prague, and since 2021, I have been working on developing the philosophical aspects of social pedagogy at our department. Additionally, since September 2022, I have resumed my activities at the Salesian Youth Center in Plzeň, which I founded in 1990.
doc. Mgr. Dušan Klapko, Ph.D.
Associate Professor and Guarantor of the Doctoral Study Program in Social Pedagogy | klapko@ped.muni.cz
I have been working at the Department of Social Pedagogy since 2005. In my teaching, I focus on social theories, social inclusion, the history of social pedagogy, methodological approaches, and courses on experiential education. My research focuses on textbook analysis, the analysis of power discourses regarding the socialization of Roma children, the effects of theatre in education, and the impact of experiential learning. I consider the successful completion of projects funded by the Czech Science Foundation GAČR and NAKI to be significant professional achievements; for the latter, I received the Europa Nostra Award. CV and Publications
doc. PhDr. Jiří Němec, Ph.D.
Associate Professor and Guarantor of the Master’s Study Program in Social Pedagogy | nemec@ped.muni.cz
My passion lies in themes related to the educational significance of play, creativity, and experiential education. I also guide students in exploring the complexities of the world and socio-pedagogical phenomena through both qualitative and quantitative research. My research interests focus on leisure pedagogy and educational strategies for socially disadvantaged students. I love nature and traveling, and I am an avid runner, alpine hiker, and ski mountaineer. CV and Publications
Mgr. Veronika Nýdrlová, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor | veronika.nydrlova@mail.muni.cz
At the department, I focus on teaching applied drama, specifically the form known as Playback Theatre. In addition, I integrate my professional experience in experiential and therapeutic work into courses designed for the personal and social development of future educators. I consider connecting social-pedagogical practice with international experts to be highly significant. For this reason, my doctoral dissertation focused on a community project conducted in the occupied Palestinian territories.
Mgr. Lenka Gulová, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor and Guarantor of Lifelong Learning Program | gulova@ped.muni.cz
In both my professional and civic life, I focus on supporting individuals and community development. The most effective tool I have been using for years is project design, which effectively bridges theory with practice, and research with reality. I have experience in both the public and non-profit sectors. In addition to over thirty years of teaching experience, I am an active member of leisure-focused associations with an emphasis on environmental issues. Spirituality and faith, activation and motivation toward the meaning of life, and respect for diversity give my life hope. Open University Project | CV and Publications
Mgr. et Mgr. Martina Kurowski, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor, Guarantor of Internships and the Educatorship Study Program | kurowski@ped.muni.cz
I am a social pedagogue, an assistant professor, and a coordinator of several community projects. My research activities focus on the education of children from socially disadvantaged backgrounds, the implementation of the social pedagogue profession in schools, and diversity in schools. I enjoy traveling and building connections, which is why I am active in our department's international projects. Support for Education Development in Ukraine | Aktion | CV and Publications
MgA. Lenka Polánková, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor and Guarantor of the Drama Education Specialization | polankova@ped.muni.cz
I focus on the potential of drama education in working with socially disadvantaged groups and in the area of school-based primary prevention. My true passion lies in the Theater of the Oppressed method and working with groups whose voices need to be amplified in society. I have had the opportunity to collaborate with young people growing up in institutional care, people experiencing homelessness, and women with a history of domestic violence. Furthermore, I address issues such as the coexistence of majority and minority societies and gender issues. I am a founding member of the Cabinet of Theater of the Oppressed at the Faculty of Education, Masaryk University CV and publications.
Mgr. et Mgr. Veronika Kolaříková, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor and Guarantor of the Bachelor’s Study Program in Social Pedagogy and Leisure | kolarikova@ped.muni.cz
I hold a Master's degree in Sociology from the Faculty of Social Studies and a Ph.D. in Social Pedagogy from the Faculty of Education at Masaryk University. In my academic work, I focus on themes related to the sphere of everyday social life, specifically the construction of national identity, social discourses, social practices, norms, and social pathologies. Furthermore, I address the education of students from socially disadvantaged backgrounds, Roma identity, and the Holocaust of the Roma and Sinti. Additionally, I am actively involved in museum pedagogy, drawing on my many years of experience as a cultural educator. My research also examines museums as social institutions where dominant social discourses are reflected, diverse identities are constructed, and varied educational activities take place. I regularly publish my research findings in academic journals and engage in lecturing activities. In my free time, I enjoy painting and drawing.
Mgr. et Mgr. Markéta Košatková, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor and Guarantor of the Bachelor’s Study Program in Education for Diversity and Inclusion | kosatkova@ped.muni.cz
Social pedagogy has taught me to explore the boundaries of the (im)possible; that is why I am interested in intercultural and international education, diversity, and discourse and human action within it. Professionally, I focus on the personal development of future teachers and the education of students with special educational needs. My research and personal interests are reflected in my recent articles in the journals Pedagogická orientace and Sociální pedagogika. In addition to my doctoral studies, I also study photography and am an active member of the Academic Senate at both the faculty and university levels. CV and Publications
Mgr. Barbara Strobachová, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor | strobachova@ped.muni.cz
I completed a Master's degree in Psychology and subsequently a Ph.D. at the Faculty of Education, Masaryk University in Brno. I am dedicated to psychotherapy and personal development, but I also enjoy guiding and teaching both children and university students. My interests extend to social entrepreneurship, project management, and community work. Feel free to stop by the Slunovrat School (for an observation or internship) or visit me at the department if you wish to discuss Personality Psychology, Developmental Psychology, or Psychodiagnostics. You are also welcome if you are considering using the non-traditional phenomenological methodology, MCA, for your research. CV and Publications
Mgr. František Trapl, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor and Coordinator for Internationalization | trapl@ped.muni.cz
Just as we naturally bridge theory and practice, I naturally aspire to intertwine my personal life with my professional one. Thus, in both these spheres, I strive for the global human being (Internationalization), for human dignity (Values), for acceptance (Inclusion), for respect (Diversity), and for the education of the human soul and spirit. CV and Publications
Mgr. Tomáš Andrášik, Ph.D
Assistant Professor | andrasik@ped.muni.cz
I am an educator and psychotherapist. At the Faculty of Education, I guide students through courses on personal development, applied drama, and improvisation. I co-founded the Zázemí Therapeutic Center in Brno, where I work as a psychotherapist with individuals and groups. My research focuses on Gestalt therapy, Gestalt Theatre, applied improvisation, and the personal development of educators. I am also interested in the relationship between mental health and the educational process. I believe that the most important source and instrument of an educator's quality is their own personality. CV and Publications
Mgr. Andrea Poslt
Lecturer | poslt@ped.muni.cz
Ing. et Ing. Jana Šajkovicsová
Department Secretary | sajkovicsova@ped.muni.cz
I studied Phytotechnics and Plant Biotechnology at Mendel University in Brno. Although I originally planned to pursue a career in these fields, life took me in a different direction, and I have spent the majority of my professional life in administration. I gained experience as an operations manager at a garden center and as an assistant in both brick-and-mortar and online flower shops. I enjoy expanding my knowledge, which is why in 2017 I obtained a ministry-accredited certificate as a childcare provider. Subsequently, I worked for a year as a nanny and administrative support in a kindergarten. Currently, I focus on data analytics and big data visualization. I love nature and try to spend as much time as possible outdoors. My dream is to own a fruit orchard.
Mgr. Žaneta Hrabcová
PhD. Student | 515654@mail.muni.cz
I envision a world where everyone is heard, regardless of age, gender, or nationality. To contribute to this reality, I focus on working with children and youth, striving to build a safe space where they can fully express their authenticity. I also engage in non-formal education, where I enjoy using unconventional methods—since football has been a lifelong companion, I am very close to football-based methodologies. Social pedagogy thus permeates all my professional activities, providing diverse theoretical frameworks from which I can draw.
Mgr. Dagmar Krišová
PhD. Student | krisova@ped.muni.cz
I specialize in gender-sensitive education and feminist pedagogy. My research investigates the awareness of students in teacher education programs regarding gender equality and gender-sensitive education. As a member of the Cabinet of Theater of the Oppressed, I contribute to teaching and the development of drama education and the Theater of the Oppressed at the department. Outside of academia, I collaborate with the associations Brno na kole and Konsent. Towards Gender Sensitive Education | The Role of a Partnership Approach and Group Work in Preparing Children for Leaving Institutional Care
Mgr. Natálie Miklánková
PhD. Student | miklankova@rect.muni.cz
Dance has been an integral part of my life since childhood. Through it, I realized how even a seemingly 'ordinary' leisure activity can deeply transform our personality, attitudes, and values. This inspired me to pursue this field academically. For me, social pedagogy is not just a discipline, but a way of viewing the world. It teaches us to create a safe space where we can grow both as individuals and as a community—learning to be authentic while remaining connected with others. It is about learning how to communicate, understand one another, and live respectfully in a diverse society. I continue this journey in my research; my dissertation explores how the inclusion of Ukrainian students in Czech schools is mediated not only through language and relationships but also through the body and embodied experience. Beyond teaching and research, I work as an Employee Development and Education Specialist at Masaryk University, focusing on e-learning. Outside the university, I coordinate the Daruj Kelímek (Donate a Cup) charity initiative.
Mgr. Jitka Opálková
PhD. Student | 208731@mail.muni.cz
I am a PhD student at the Department of Social Pedagogy, Faculty of Education, Masaryk University. During my bachelor's studies, I received the Dean's Award for distinguished creative activity. I have long been dedicated to working with socially excluded families and serve as the Deputy Director of the non-profit organization Teen Challenge International Czech Republic. I focus on fundraising development and possess experience in project management, team leadership, strategic development, and interdisciplinary collaboration. My professional interests include parenting support, early care, and social inclusion. Additionally, I explore themes of dignity, mindset, spirituality, and the potential for change in the lives of Roma women.
Mgr. Bc. Marie Procházková
PhD. Student | prochazkovamarie@mail.muni.cz
I am a PhD student in Social Pedagogy, a field in which I also earned my Bachelor's and Master's degrees. I am further expanding my understanding of the human experience by studying Psychology at the Faculty of Arts, Masaryk University. I have long been dedicated to working with children, whether through the Scout movement or other leisure activities. This experience and my personal interest in this target group are reflected in my dissertation research. Currently, I work at a grammar school, where I aim to develop and establish social-pedagogical and psychological support for students
Neda Taslimian
PhD. Student | 583990@mail.muni.cz
Performance Artist, Actress & Drama Educator
Neda Taslimian is a performance artist, actress, and drama educator
specializing in socio-political theatre with teens. Neda is graduated from DAMU
university in Master of Authorial acting and pedagogy. With a background in
dramatic literature, art therapy, she creates process-driven work centered on
identity, resistance, and embodied storytelling