Impactful and Inspirational Israel Professional

Development Experiences

CAJE 2007

Funded by the Hermelin Davidson Center for Congregational Education

                                                                              

I’m writing to share a few thoughts about the recent TEAM Mission to Israel. What an amazing experience. I didn't really know what to expect heading into the trip, and my experiences far exceeded any expectations I could have even dreamed.

                                                                           

Coming from Prague to Israel really added an exciting dimension to the experience.

We spoke a few times about coming "from darkness to light," in transitioning from the Czech Republic to Israel, and I really felt that way.

Life in Israel seemed brighter and better, more like home. Our itinerary in Israel was certainly fast-paced. Though I was tired at times, I wouldn't have wanted the trip to be any other way.

Based on the trip, I’ve come away with a renewed sense of Jewish pride, an excitement for sharing my experiences with my students, and a feeling that continuing our heritage is an essential part of my being. I even decided to take a Melton class to learn more.

I am so thankful for the opportunity to:

see the things I did, meet the people I met

and to participate in such a great program.

In discussion with many of the younger group of teachers at my school, I can tell you that all of us are returning to our classes next year with renewed energy.

That in itself has made the trip a resounding success. Thank you so much for all your hard work.

BackgroundInitiative designed to help teachers in congregational school settings learn about and practice teaching skills and enrich Jewish knowledge. It offers professional development with direct classroom application

Background

It offers a $1000 stipend per year for participantsIt offers a 10 day trip to Israel to participants who successfully complete the programIt has the William Davidson Graduate School for Jewish Education as its partner

Program Structure Pre-School Teacher spent two years learning about Judasim.

K-2 grade teachers had an intensive summer study experience and monthly study opportunities throughout the year of 2002-2003. Topics included; classroom management, multiple intelligences, family education, technology, holiday text study, and bringing Israel to the classroom.

Program Structure3-5 grade teachers studied from fall 2003 –summer 2005 during two and three hour seminars on Sunday afternoons. Topics included; social action, prayer, texts, Israel, Torah, and general classroom management.

 

Israel Trips

6-12 Grade teachers studied from the spring 2006 – spring of 2007, with intensive teaching about Israel. 2nd year they learned how to relate to teens.Experts from around the country were used to facilitate the sessions as well as local mentors and educators

Israel TripsDesigned to reawaken the love of Israel and bring it to the classroom. Also meant to begin to create partnerships and relationships among teachers and our partnership 2000 region in the Central Galilee. June 6-16 2002, 60 Pre-School teachers traveled to Israel to experience Israel through the eyes of pre-school children.

Israel Trips

The trip was for all K-5 TEAM participants and took place on June 20-July 30 of 2005. 100 teachers and artists traveled to Israel.Teachers created a community Israel curriculum based on all that they learned in Israel and about Israel.

Israel Trips

61 6th-12th grade teachers traveled to Prague and Israel from June 17 to June 28th, 2007.The focus of the trip was to strengthen the teacher’s connection to Israel through learning on site.

Itinerary

Each trip was designed differently:– All included a day and a half in our

Partnership 2000 Region in the Galilee

– Jerusalem– Tel Aviv– Pinat Shorashim, K’far Kedem– Visit with Schools and/or Educators

Impact on the Community

Community of Educators:

– Participation in NIRIM: Professional Development Program jumped from 30 teachers to 100 actively participating.

– Directors of Education report that their teachers are more connected within their schools.

Impact on the Community

Creation of Israel Out of the Box Curriculum and materials.Pre-Schools have incorporated Israel into many different activities.Artists created a community exhibit based on their reflection of the trip.

Impact on the Community

6 Congregational Schools are linking up with Israeli schools in the Region for a School to School Project.One Congregational School Principal recreated an experiential learning place in Israel in her school.

Unique Features

All Teachers from the community are included:

• Israelis• Teachers who travel to Israel a lot• First timers

Respects Educators and makes them feel valued.

Unique Features

Very active involvement by lay leadership in the program and the trip. The philanthropist traveled with the group 2 of the 3 times.Each trip was evaluated by professional evaluators.

Making it happen in your community….