Educators are the key to a better tomorrow. That’s why we are excited to welcome you to the IAC National Summit with your own special track. Whether you are teaching at a Jewish day school, a public school, a supplementary education program, summer camps, Hebrew schools or after-school programs, this track is made for you!
You’ll network with other educators from all over the country, learn from each other, share experiences and forge collaborations during a three-day professional development opportunity focusing on Israel education and Hebrew teaching for diaspora educators. As part of this track, you’ll dive into innovative approaches to teaching Hebrew; how to use children’s literature for cultural and linguistic connections; how to inspire the next generation and integrate Israel into the identity of Jewish American children through learning.
Gain valuable insights, practical strategies, and solutions to key challenges in the field by learning innovative teaching methods and celebrating the rich cultural heritage of the Jewish people.
Community, Language, Culture - Education for Israel in a Changing Reality
The Educators’ Track at the IAC National Summit offers educators a comprehensive experience, including a professional development workshop focusing on Israel education.
Thursday, 9/19/24
4:00 PM – 6:30 PM EST
Echoes of Wisdom: Great Jewish Teachers and Their Timeless Messages for Today’s Educators
Speaker: Dr. Aliza Lavie, Former Member of the Israeli Knesset and Chairperson of the Israel Film Council
Other Speakers:
Alon Friedman – Founding Executive Director of “Enter”: The Jewish Peoplehood Alliance
Zohar Vloski – Global Executive Director of Zionist Education JNF-USA
Hagai Kimmelman – Educator, lecturer and consultant specializing in Judaism, Zionism, Israeli Society and Culture, Jewish Peoplehood and Antisemitism.
Rachel Raz -Master Educator, entrepreneur, creator, connector and consultant
Gusti Yehoshua Braverman – Head of The Department of Irgoon and Israelis Abroad – The World Zionist Organization
Friday, 9/20/24
8:30 AM EST
Escape Room to Combat Antisemitism
9:30 AM EST
Discovering the Magic of Hebrew – A Fascinating Journey through the Website of the Academy of the Hebrew Language (HEB)
Speaker: Jonathan Rossen Maman, Head of the Department of External Courses and Professional Development at the Academy of the Hebrew Language.
A special opportunity to be exposed to many treasures of the Hebrew language and receive up-to-date and qualified knowledge to enrich teachers and students. The workshop will provide you with diverse ideas and tools that can be used to prepare classroom and school activities and for any other purpose. Join us as we discover the magic of Hebrew!
10:45 AM EST
Game On: Innovative Education through Gamification by Quala
Have you ever wondered how to turn a regular classroom into a thrilling quest? At Quala, we bring the excitement of gamification to education. Founded by former Israeli Air Force pilots, we specialize in edutainment, transforming traditional learning into dynamic, interactive experiences.
Imagine your students solving puzzles, cracking riddles, and embarking on missions that teach teamwork, communication, and critical thinking. We make learning as fun as a game night with friends, fostering a love for learning and keeping students engaged.
Ready to see your students light up with enthusiasm? Join us at Quala’s workshops and discover how we can turn everyday lessons into extraordinary adventures!
Saturday, 9/21/24
9:30 AM EST
Hebrew and Israel – Now More Than Ever!
Speaker: Dr. Esty Gross, Chief of Staff & Director of Education, Hebrew at the Center.
Today, more than ever, after the events of October 7th, the Hebrew language is important to us beyond communication. The Hebrew language is a central tool for raising our students’ awareness of their Jewish identity, their relationship with Israel, the importance of mutual guarantee and social action. Do you want to know how the students are led to all this in Hebrew class? At all levels? at all ages?
10:45 AM EST
Use It or Lose It – Make Them Fluent: The What and the How
Prof. Vardit Ringvald, Brandeis University
Workshop for teachers and parents – how to instill the language in our learners and children.
12:00 PM EST
The Core Elements of Our Strength: Raising Jewish Leaders
2:30-3:30 PM EST
Indoctrination in Education: From Gaza to the U.S.
3:45 PM EST
Miriam Peretz, Educator and Israel Prize Honoree (HEB)
5:00 PM EST
Closing Panel – We are all Ambassadors! Moderated by Rachel Raz- Educator, Entrepreneur, Consultant
Since October 7th, many of us have found ourselves representing the State of Israel and the Jewish people. In many cases, we lack the tools and knowledge of how to effectively represent our community. This may have led to frustration and disappointment. Please join us for a panel with experts from the field of Jewish and Israel education who will share best practices to help you become a knowledgeable ambassador in times of war and peace.
Participants:
Pro. Vardit Ringvald – Research Professor and Director of the Consortium for The Teaching of Hebrew Language and Culture
Hagai Kimmelman – Educator, lecturer and consultant specializing in the history of Judaism, Zionism, Israeli Society and Culture, Jewish Peoplehood and Antisemitism
Avishag Ravid – National Keshet Director – Israeli American Council (IAC)
Shira Schaffer – OFEK Hebrew Education Director – Israeli American Council (IAC
