Planning and Operating Teachers’ Day 2014

In recent years, the poor image of teachers and teaching in Israel has started to shift towards a positive trajectory. A public opinion survey commissioned by the foundation in 2012 revealed that the general attitude towards mathematics and science teaching, and towards switching careers to teaching, is becoming more supportive. This changing perception is critical to those who are considering teaching as well as those who teach.

We are aware that philanthropic foundations are unable to influence public attitude, however feel we need to capitalize on this emerging change in order to attract more talented people into teaching mathematics and the sciences. As part of this effort in 2013 we pilot-tested an initiative to celebrate a Teachers Day in Israel. Our intention was to use only the digital presence we created and to encourage parents and students to salute and celebrate their teachers on a specific day.

To our surprise, this internet-based initiative was met with enthusiasm and turned into a collaborative effort, as many educational organizations joined the initiative, school networks and municipalities organized special events, and even the Knesset’s Education Committee convened to mark the occasion by inviting their former teachers to the Knesset to personally thank them for their service. Dozens of volunteers participated and local celebrities joined in, posting public thanks to their teachers.

Among the partners who joined the effort was Google Israel, who provided digital support, the Teachers’ Union, which published the events via its various channels, and ORT and Amit School Networks, who created special events. The day was orchestrated by a group of passionate volunteers affiliated to the LEAD alumnae network. LEAD is a young leadership program, which was created in 1999 by Morris Kahn, attracting talented youth in the tenth grade to a long-term program, nurturing their social entrepreneurship skills.

Due to its success in 2013 and its prospective potential, we approached LEAD and suggested they take responsibility for the next Teacher Day. LEAD plans to hire a project manager to develop, plan, and organize the 2014 event. They will develop a detailed menu of activities that schools can undertake during the day; and they will expand the website and disseminate the content through social media. Concurrently they will build partnerships with education organizations, municipalities, additional funding partners, student and parent associations, local education authorities and schools.

It is hoped that this initiative will attract significant media attention and public discourse surrounding teachers and teaching; and flame the emerging sense of momentum which contributes to the growing feeling that education in Israel is changing course.

* The text above shows the grant as approved by the Foundation’s Board of Directors / Grant 124