Cultural Educator of the Year
“Teaching in the USA is a rich experience that has prepared me to meet the challenges of our world and the future. As a music teacher, I see great benefits of exploring Slovak culture and music with U.S. students. My students are learning to respect the diversity of traditions and cultures.”

Jana Bertova, Ph.D. • Slovakia
South Carolina Outstanding Cultural Educator

Music Teacher
St. James-Santee Elementary and Ladson Elementary ▪ Charleston County School District, South Carolina

Jana Bertova’s students have so much fun, they often don’t realize they’re learning! As music teacher at St. James-Santee and Ladson elementary schools, Bertova integrates cultural activities into her lessons. The second-term VIF teacher regularly plays classical music on the piano, plays folk music on the accordion, sings her favorite songs in Slovak or Czech, or teaches her students a European or African dance.

Using music as a window, Bertova shares her Slovakian heritage with her students, giving them a glimpse of the cities and countryside of Slovakia, traditional instruments such as the fujara and cymballum, and Slovak holidays like Fasiangy.

This year, Bertova and her husband treated everyone to a performance of traditional Slovakian dances to the music of their country, dressed in native costume. As part of that presentation, Bertova shared photos, videos and stories, teaching those in attendance about the castles, ruins and cathedrals of Slovakia; climate; popular pastimes; architecture and folk art; and Slovakian traditions, foods and language. Participants also learned to dance a Hungarian czardas. Thanks to Bertova’s efforts, the world beyond their community has come to life for students, faculty and parents.

Principal Lerah Lee, St. James-Santee Elementary School:

“Dr. Bertova has provided meaningful cultural experiences to our children and parents. The students at St. James-Santee Elementary now understand that our world consists of various cultures and traditions that contribute to our global society. I appreciate the cultural seeds she has sown to ensure our boys and girls are exposed to the many traditions across our globe.”

Principal Reginald Bright, Ladson Elementary School:

“Ladson Elementary has been privileged to have Dr. Jana Bertova as the music teacher at our school this year. Dr. Bertova has shared her homeland with our school in varied ways and it has made a great impact on our children and staff.”