Certificate in Experiential Israel Education

A professional development program designed to train educators in experiential Israel education and pedagogical approaches to engage young learners with Israel.

Duration: Six-week program combining virtual and in-person sessions

Geographic Scope: North America and Israel; serves educators from across the United States and Canada

Focus Areas:

• Israel education and literacy
• Experiential education methodologies
• Engaging teens and young adults with Israel
• Meaningful educational experiences
• Conflict education and nuanced perspectives on Israeli-Palestinian conflict

Eligibility:

• Early-to-mid-career professionals for whom Israel education is part of their work
• Professionals working with teens and young adults in Israel travel programs, youth groups, summer camps, synagogues, school Israel clubs, day schools, Hebrew schools
• Teens responsible for Israel education in youth organizations
• Individual applicants and organizational cohorts welcome

Target Participants:

• Youth-serving organization (YSO) educators
• Israel trip leaders and organizers
• Day school and Hebrew school teachers
• Youth group directors
• Campus professionals
• Federation and foundation staff
• Advocacy and social justice organization leaders

Funding Sources:

• Charles and Lynn Schusterman Family Philanthropies
• Jim Joseph Foundation
• Paul E. Singer Foundation
• Jewish Community Response and Impact Fund

Contact Information:

• Organization: The iCenter for Israel Education
• Address: P.O. Box 843, Northbrook, IL 60062
• Phone: 847.418.8336
• Email: hello@theicenter.org
• Website: theicenter.org

Application Process

Cohort Model: Participants are organized into cohorts of 30-40 individuals from diverse educational settings and institutions

Program Structure:

• Six weeks of instruction
• Small and large group sessions
• Virtual and in-person components
• Practical skills practice
• Peer networking and feedback

Learning Components:

1. Content exploration related to Israel
2. Practice in new pedagogical skills
3. Development of Israel literacy
4. Practical application strategies
5. Peer learning and feedback from cohort members

Special Tracks:

• Conflicts of Interest Certificate Program (approximately 4 weeks) - focused on teaching about Israeli-Palestinian conflict, holding multiple narratives, facilitating difficult conversations

Organizational Cohorts: Organizations can build their own cohorts for their professionals

Application Details: Specific application requirements, deadlines, and submission process not detailed in provided materials. Interested applicants should contact The iCenter directly.