New Educational Institutions that Joined in 2020-2021
Despite COVID-19, 8 new schools joined Meitarim in 2020-2021 – 5 elementary schools and 3 high schools, one of which is a special education school. In addition, 15 new preschools joined.
National ‘Continuing Education’ Training for Meitarim Educators in Honor of Tu B’Shvat
An online ‘Continuing Education’ training for all of the Meitarim educational staff took place before Tu B’Shvat, focusing on distance learning. Approximately 350 preschool, elementary and high school teachers attended the training.
Professional Development
Meitarim continued – including remotely – teaching professional development courses to the educational staff in the Meitarim network: the pedagogical instructors, school teachers, kindergarten teachers and the principals.
Entrepreneurship Incubator
With the assistance of the Matanel Foundation, Meitarim worked with approximately 15 schools this year to help them develop new initiatives related to Judaism and integrated education. The initiatives were a dream come true for the schools, and helped them implement optimal, creative teaching methods. Projects included a Talmudic garden, Multi-Subject Learning Games and Group Development through Forest Education.
Leadership Program for Principals in the Meitarim Network
Fifteen principals from Meitarim’s schools took part in the third year of Meitarim’s Leadership Programs, supported by Gesher, the Matanel Foundation and the Jewish Community Federation of San Francisco. The COVID-19 crisis directed this year’s focus on innovative and creative pedagogy, particularly in a virtual classroom and on relations between Jews from Israel and the rest of the world. Speakers from all across the globe met with the group. The group came up with interesting, innovative initiatives for both classrooms and distance learning – which can be used during routine times and times of crisis.
Ongoing Guidance
Meitarim continued to provide ongoing support to about 85 kindergartens, 34 elementary schools and 10 high schools, onsite and remotely.
Principals’ Forum
The Principals’ Forum, made up of school principals in Meitarim’s network, convenes three times a year. The forum is dedicated to perpetuating educational leadership in the Integrated Educational system.
Looking Forward to 2021-2022
The Fourth Cohort of the Leadership Program for Principals, Continuing Education courses for teachers of various subjects, National Trainings, the second year of the Entrepreneurship Incubator program, 4 new schools and 7 new preschools who will join the Meitarim family!