Teacher Education Programs in Israel
In Israel, following the conclusions of the Shenhar Commission (1991-1994), the
Posen Foundation has developed training programs for educators to teach
Jewish Studies and Judaism as Culture. Several innovative programs are
preparing the next generation of Israeli educators to teach in Israeli
state (secular) schools, among them:
- Initiated in
2004, The Ofakim Program for the Study of
Judaism as Culture,
Tel Aviv University, is a three-year program that trains exceptional
students to teach Judaism as Culture in Israeli state schools. In
addition to their "Jewish culture" studies, students learn Jewish
philosophy, Hebrew culture, and one other subject from the department,
and participate in a special program to obtain a teaching certificate.
Upon graduating, students receive a B.A. and a teacher's
certificate. The program grants its participants full tuition plus a
stipend. In exchange, the students commit to teaching Judaism as
Culture in the education system for at least three years, as well as
perform community service during their studies. Upon completion of
their studies, the Ministry of Education places the graduates in high
schools within the state system.
- The Kerem
Institute for Jewish Humanistic Teacher Training, founded
in Jerusalem in 1974, trains teachers in the fields of the humanities,
Judaism and arts in the spirit of humanism. The Kerem Institute offers
teachers a year-long program in Judaism as Culture supported by the
Posen Foundation.
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