Graduates

Mandel Program for Academic Leadership in Teacher Education: Cohort 2

January 2022 – July 2023

Dr. Saleem Abu Jaber

Head of Arabic Language and Literature Department, Achva Academic College

Saleem Abu Jaber is head of the department of Arabic language and literature at Achva Academic College, where he is also an academic advisor. He is responsible for ensuring the accessibility of higher education to the College’s Arabic-speaking students. Previously, he was the head of the Bedouin teacher education track and the founder and director of the Center for Arabic Language Teaching at Kaye Academic College of Education. A senior lecturer and researcher in Arabic language and literature and Islamic culture, he is also involved in promoting optimal training for kindergarten and elementary school teachers in the Bedouin society in the Negev. Saleem develops and leads training programs in education, pedagogy, educational leadership, and social responsibility, with an emphasis on self-empowerment and the professional identity of students as future educators and agents of change in the Arab society. Saleem holds a bachelor’s degree and teaching diploma from Tel Aviv University, a master’s degree from Bar-Ilan University, and a doctorate from Tel Aviv University. He lives in Kafr Qasim.*This biography was last updated at the start of the program

Dr. Tami Aviad-Levitzky

Head of Department of English Language and Literature, Gordon College of Education

Tami Aviad-Levitzky is head of the department of English language and literature and head of the international English unit at Gordon College of Education in Haifa. Her work at the college includes adapting the English department’s course of study to the Wadmany-Inbar reform, developing a new certificate program in adapted English teaching, and revising the English program of the College to meet international and academic needs. Tami also oversees English-language courses offered by other departments (EMI: English as a medium of instruction), provides pedagogical support for the MASA online education portal, and helps develop curricula for student exchange programs. Tami teaches linguistics and language acquisition both at Gordon College and at the Shaanan College of Education, and conducts research in those fields. She holds a doctorate in English linguistics and foreign language development from the University of Haifa, and lives in Haifa.*This biography was last updated at the start of the program

Dr. Zipora S. Babchik

Head of the Education Department, Hemdat College of Education

Zipora Babchik is the head of the education department at Hemdat College of Education, where she also heads the Avney Rosha Institute’s principal training program. Zipora is a lecturer and researcher both at Hemdat College and at Levinsky College of Education. Her teaching and research focus on the entry into teaching, principal education, training for first-time principals, teaching and learning for gifted students, and links between academia and the field. Previously, Zipora was director of the Marom Center for Humanities and Science for Gifted Students in Ashdod, and served as the academic coordinator for the Hashkafa teachers’ community program in the Ministry of Education’s Jerusalem district. Zipora holds a doctorate in comparative literature from Bar-Ilan University. She lives in Modi’in.*This biography was last updated at the start of the program

Dr. Gilit Caduri

Head of Department of Primary Education, Gordon College of Education

Gilit Caduri is head of the department of primary education at Gordon Academic College of Education, where she is teaches on the undergraduate and graduate levels and supervises final projects of students in the graduate program in management and innovation in education. Gilit’s research focuses on teachers’ narratives, teacher education, and the philosophy of education. She holds a doctorate in education from the University of Haifa, and is a graduate of the Mandel Leadership Institute’s Mandel Scholars in Education Program. She lives in Karkur.*This biography was last updated at the start of the program

Dr. Brachi Elitzur

Head of the Women’s Campus, Herzog College

Brachi Elitzur is the head of the women’s campus of Herzog College, where she lectures on Bible studies and rabbinic literature in the undergraduate and graduate programs, conducts research on Midrashic literature, and coordinates the Regev accelerated degree program for academically gifted students. As head of the women’s campus, Brachi advances special programs that expand the students’ teaching skills, introduce students to diverse populations, and help students meet the changing needs of the education system. Brachi holds a doctorate in Talmud from Bar-Ilan University. She lives in Ofra.*This biography was last updated at the start of the program

Dr. Hagit Evan-Rifinski

Head TESOL Certification Program, Bar-Ilan University

Hagit Evan-Rifinski is head of the English teacher training program at Bar-Ilan University. She is also a lecturer at Talpiot College and has been an English teacher and homeroom teacher for over three decades at the Alliance high school in Tel Aviv. Hagit has extensive experience in both software and courseware design, having worked for many years at the Center for Educational Technology and at Eric Cohen Books. She also taught English as a second language in Australia, and worked in teacher education in Rwanda. Hagit holds a doctorate in linguistics from Bar-Ilan University. She lives in Tel Aviv.*This biography was last updated at the start of the program

Dr. Zeevik Greenberg

Senior Lecturer, Tel-Hai College

Zeevik Greenberg is a senior lecturer at Tel-Hai College. His areas of expertise are social and economic geography and settlement, community, and education. He is head of the Center for Rural Studies at Tel-Hai College, and a research fellow at the Institute for the Research of the Kibbutz and the Cooperative Idea at the University of Haifa. Zeevik teaches and researches fields related to the social and economic development of regions in the periphery. His research focuses on populations with multi-dimensional marginality and their integration in education and society. Zeevik holds a doctorate in human geography from the University of Haifa. He lives on Kibbutz Yiftah.*This biography was last updated at the start of the program

Dr. Guy Hefetz

Head of the Creative Arts in Education Department, Oranim College of Education

Guy Hefetz is head of the creative arts in education department at Oranim College of Education, where he is also the head of program development and staff development in the Faculty of Education. Guy has headed the development of curricula and staffs of lecturers and pedagogical instructors at the College for the last decade, and also leads alternative training for teachers there. Guy facilitates change processes in schools that are seeking to implement systemic change and to adopt new educational paradigms. He is involved in the professional development of individuals, teams, and organizations, and is guided by a vision of promoting humanist approaches in education and society in Israel. Guy holds a doctorate in education from the University of Haifa. He lives on Kibbutz Hannaton in the Lower Galilee.*This biography was last updated at the start of the program

Dr. Tammy Hoffman

Program Head at Kibbutzim College of Education; Director of Education Policy at Israel Democracy Institute

Tammy Hoffman is the head of the Regev program for outstanding students at the Kibbutzim College of Education and is a research fellow and director of education policy at the Israel Democracy Institute. Tammy has worked in teacher education for over 15 years. Her research areas include the link between the education system and the military, as well as the promotion of civics and democracy education in the education system in the context of teacher education and teacher status. In her role at the Kibbutzim College, she heads an excellence program that provides a unique space for educational leadership and influence in the College’s areas of activity; in her role at the Israel Democracy Institute, she conducts research in policy and ways of implementing education for democratic citizenship in the education system. Tammy holds a doctorate from the Constantiner School of Education at Tel Aviv University, and is a graduate of the second cohort of the post-doctoral program at the MOFET Institute. She lives in Herzliya.*This biography was last updated at the start of the program

Dr. Shira Iluz

Lecturer in the Faculty of Education, Bar-Ilan University

Shira Iluz is a lecturer in the faculty of education at Bar-Ilan University, where she is also the director of HaLev – The Center for Simulation in Education. Shira leads the application of simulative experiences in professional training and development processes for teachers, and develops theoretical and applied research based on the principle of evidence-based practice. Her research examines the attitudes and positions of teachers in diverse contexts. Shira holds a doctorate in education from Bar-Ilan University, where she is a senior staff member in the faculty of education. She lives in Nof Ayalon.*This biography was last updated at the start of the program

Dr. Yehuda Jacobson

Head of the Teacher Education Unit, Tel Aviv University

Yehuda Jacobson is the head of the teacher education unit at Tel Aviv University, where he is a member of the management team of the Constantiner School of Education. As head of the teacher education unit, he leads a new practice-based teacher education (PBTE) program and is head of the social science teaching track. Previously, Yehuda was principal of the Alon high school in Ramat Hasharon and served as deputy chair of the Association of Secondary School Principals in Israel. Yehuda holds a doctorate in sociology and anthropology from Tel Aviv University, with a specialization in the anthropology of adolescents and young adults and the anthropology of education. He lives in Ramat Hasharon.*This biography was last updated at the start of the program

Dr. Anat Kidron

Program Head and Academic Director, Tel-Hai College

Anat Kidron is the head of the program for teaching Land of Israel studies at Tel-Hai College, where she is also the academic director of the M.Teach combined master’s and teaching certificate program. Previously, Anat was head of the faculty of humanities and social science at Ohalo College. Her teaching areas include regional teaching, the development of alternative assessment, innovative pedagogy, and problem-based learning. Her research focuses on the history of the Land of Israel in the modern era. Anat holds a doctorate in Land of Israel studies from the University of Haifa. She lives in Tzurit.*This biography was last updated at the start of the program

Dr. Shai Mamo

Head of Clinical Training and Program Coordinator, Hemdat College of Education

Shai Mamo is the head of clinical training at Hemdat College of Education, where he is also the coordinator of the Regev program for outstanding students. A member of the College’s management team, he oversees a cooperative initiative with municipalities that links the College’s pre-service teacher-training with local needs. He also lectures in the education department and is involved in tutoring and mentoring, in-service training programs, and pedagogical consulting for various initiatives. Previously, he served as a school principal for over 20 years. Shai holds a doctorate from the University of Potsdam in Germany. He lives in Jerusalem.*This biography was last updated at the start of the program

Dr. Rama Manor

Head of the Elementary Education Track, Beit Berl College

Rama Manor is head of the elementary education track at the Arab Academic Institute for Education of Beit Berl College, where she is also a senior lecturer in the department of Hebrew language and literature and the head of the research lab at the Center for Education for Shared Society. Rama also teaches in the School of Education of the Hebrew University of Jerusalem. Previously, she served as head of the department of Hebrew language and literature and as a pedagogic instructor at Beit Berl’s Arab Academic Institute. Rama specializes in the grammar, semantics, and pragmatics of written and spoken modern Hebrew, as well as in teaching Hebrew as a second language in Arab society. She holds a doctorate from the department of Hebrew and Semitic languages at Bar-Ilan University. She lives in Tel Aviv.*This biography was last updated at the start of the program

Dr. Ohr Margalit

Head of Department and Program Coordinator, Levinsky College of Education

Ohr Margalit is head of the department of Biblical studies and of the Jewish thought unit at Levinsky College of Education, where he also serves as the "Israeli Hope" and anti-racism officer. He is active in promoting coexistence both on campus and by means of partnerships with other institutions, as well as in non-academic social organizations. He is also the co-coordinator of the Coexistence Forum of the MOFET Institute. Previously, Ohr served as dean of students at the College and as head of the Jewish philosophy department, and was co-founder and co-chair of the Lobby for Suicide Prevention in Academia. Ohr holds a doctorate in Jewish thought from Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, and was a research fellow at Harvard University and at the Shalom Hartman Institute. He lives in Modi’in.*This biography was last updated at the start of the program

Dr. Hiam Nasseraldeen

Lecturer and Pedagogical Instructor, University of Haifa

Hiam Nasseraldeen is a lecturer and pedagogical instructor in the Department of Learning and Instructional Sciences at the University of Haifa. She has been working in teacher education for over a decade. Hiam lectures in the English teaching program and provides guidance to students during their teaching practicums. Her research examines new teachers’ learning and induction, and her work in education combines academic research and professional practice. Hiam has been a teacher for over 20 years, and serves as a counselor for English teachers in the Ministry of Education, Haifa district. She holds a master’s degree in education system development from the University of Haifa, and her doctoral dissertation has recently been approved. Hiam was born and raised in Daliyat al-Karmel, where she lives today.*This biography was last updated at the start of the program

Dr. Lamis Odeh-Saba

Lecturer, Pedagogic Instructor, and Coordinator, Levinsky College of Education

Lamis Odeh-Saba is a lecturer and pedagogic instructor in the special education program of Levinsky College of Education, where she is also the coordinator of students from Arab society. Her research focuses on people with disabilities and their families in Arab society, as well as on multicultural aspects of various educational issues. Lamis has led advocacy groups for people with disabilities living in institutional settings. She completed her bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral studies in special education at the University of Haifa. She lives in Be’er Ya’akov.*This biography was last updated at the start of the program

Dr. Havi Sason

Department Coordinator and Lecturer, Herzog College

Havi Sason is the coordinator of the department of education at Herzog College, where she is a lecturer in education, physics, and science. A former high-school physics teacher who prepared students for matriculation exams, Havi was a member of the Israel Ministry of Education’s physics subject committee. Her research focuses on self-directed education, learning, and the teacher’s role in distance learning. Havi holds a doctorate in science teaching from the faculty of education at Bar-Ilan University. She lives in Nof Ayalon.*This biography was last updated at the start of the program

Dr. Hait Shaham

Head of the Teacher Development Unit, Beit Berl College

Hait Shaham is the head of the teacher development unit at Beit Berl College. Her research and teaching focuses on pedagogy and the didactics of mathematics teaching, as well as on the interface between academia and the field in teacher education. Hait is in charge of practical training at Beit Berl College, and leads special programs such as the Academia-Classroom partnership for teaching reinforcement. In the field of teacher education, she has many years of experience as a pedagogical instructor and a lecturer in mathematics teaching from pre-school through elementary school. Hait also coordinates the MOFET Institute’s program on pedagogical instruction in times of change. Hait holds a master’s degree in mathematics education from the University of Haifa, and a doctorate in education from Eötvös Loránd University (ELTE) in Hungary. She lives in Kfar Monash.*This biography was last updated at the start of the program

Dr. Merav Solomon Even-Chen

Coordinator of Leadership Program, Oranim College of Education

Merav Solomon Even-Chen is the coordinator of the leadership program in the department of social community education at Oranim College of Education, where she is also a lecturer in the faculty of advanced studies. Merav serves as a consultant and adviser to various officials, forums, and educational and community processes throughout Israel. She is a community social worker, and holds a doctorate in social work from Bar-Ilan University. Merav lives in Mitzpe Ilan, a religious community in the Galilee, and is one of its founding members.*This biography was last updated at the start of the program

Dr. Nimrod Tal

Director of the Israeli Institute of History Education, Kibbutzim College of Education

Nimrod Tal is a historian who serves as the coordinator of the academic post-graduate teacher-training program in the faculty of humanities and social sciences of the Kibbutzim College of Education, where he is the director of the Israeli Institute of History Education. He researches, publishes, and teaches in the fields of American history and history education in Israel and around the world. His work focuses on the role of teachers in fostering an awareness of the past that shapes identity and civic action. Nimrod holds a doctorate in American history from the University of Oxford. He lives in Hod Hasharon.*This biography was last updated at the start of the program

About The Program

Mandel Program for Academic Leadership: Cohort 1

February 2019 – July 2021

Dr. Nira Al-Dor

Dancer, Lecturer, and Expert in Eshkol-Wachman Movement Notation

Nira Al-Dor coordinates the practical training from an academic perspective at the Kibbutzim College of Education and is involved in leading processes of pedagogical change in the college. She developed an educational initiative for changing the curriculum of the Arison Campus School of Arts in Tel Aviv into a multidisciplinary curriculum. Nira holds a doctorate from the faculty of education and the arts at Eötvös Loránd University (ELTE) in Budapest, and a teaching diploma in dance from the dance and movement track of the Kibbutzim College of Education. She lives in Tel Aviv.*This biography was last updated at the start of the program

Dr. Aviva Bar Nir

Coordinator of Practical Training and Head of Special Education Track, David Yellin College of Education

Aviva Bar Nir is the coordinator of practical training and the head of the special education track at the David Yellin College of Education in Jerusalem. She is involved in research and practice in the area of inclusion and integration of students with special needs in the education system, and studies the connection between academia and field experience in teacher training. Previously, Aviva was a teacher in a special education high school and in elementary schools that played a pioneering role in modeling inclusion. Within her work in teacher training, Aviva was a pedagogical advisor and lecturer on learning disabilities for many years. Aviva holds a doctorate in philosophy, with a concentration in special education, from the Hebrew University of Jerusalem's school of education. She lives in Har Adar.*This biography was last updated at the start of the program

Dr. Cilla Choresh

Lecturer at the Tel Aviv University School of Education

Cilla Choresh is a high-school physics teacher and coordinator of physics studies. She lectures at Tel Aviv University in the physics teaching diploma program, and specializes in science teaching. Cilla is one of the leaders of in-service training for teachers that focuses on curricula and the development of thinking skills, and in particular on learning styles, meta-cognition, reflection, and argumentation. She holds a doctorate from Bar-Ilan University's school of education, and a master’s degree in education with a concentration in developing thinking skills in technological education, also from Bar-Ilan University.*This biography was last updated at the start of the program

Professor Nitza Davidovitch

Head of the Teacher Training Program at Ariel University

Nitza Davidovitch is the chair of the Forum for the Advancement of Teaching in Israel and Professor of Education at Ariel University, where she is the head of quality assessment and academic instruction, and heads the teacher training program. Her work focuses on teaching and learning in higher education, and she leads teacher training programs that are based on research knowledge that can address future needs. Nitza holds a doctorate in education from Ariel University. She lives in Yakir in the Shomron.*This biography was last updated at the start of the program

Dr. Orit Dror Levi

Head of Department and Program in Early Childhood Education, Oranim Academic College of Education

Orit Dror Levi is the co-coordinator of the early childhood forum at the MOFET Institute, is a member of the Council of Higher Education's committee for guidelines for teacher training, and is a member of the steering committee for the social nonprofit ANU – Education from Birth. She has served as a pedagogy instructor and lecturer in the early childhood education department at Oranim College. Previously, she worked as an occupational therapist and as a homeroom teacher. Orit holds a master’s degree in educational counseling from Tel Aviv University, and a doctorate in education from the University of Haifa. She lives in Yokneam.*This biography was last updated at the start of the program

Dr. Tsafrir Goldberg

Head of the Teaching Diploma and Bachelor's Degree Program, University of Haifa

Tsafrir Goldberg is the head of the bachelor's degree program and the teaching diploma program in the University of Haifa's Department of Learning, Instruction, and Teacher Education. Previously, he was a teacher at the Givat Gonen school. He mentors teachers and works as a pedagogic advisor, providing guidance to students regarding formal didactic instruction, serving as a personal mentor, and facilitating an education “beit midrash,” as part of the Revivim program for Jewish studies teachers at the Hebrew University. Tsafrir holds a doctorate from the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, and his thesis examined the way in which high-school history studies serve as an arena for critical discussion between students from different identity groups. His research focuses mainly on the connection between learning and identity, on inter-group relations, and on teacher education and training in the multicultural context of Israel. Tsafrir lives in Beit Zayit.*This biography was last updated at the start of the program

Dr. Michal Honig

Lecturer and Didactic Advisor in History, Kerem Institute for Teacher Training

Michal Honig is a pedagogical advisor and lecturer in history instruction at the Kerem Institute for Teacher Training, where she is also a member of the board. She is also a high school history teacher. Michal is a leader of the teacher educators' community, which is dedicated to analyzing practice in teacher training. She holds a doctorate in education from the Hebrew University of Jerusalem and lives in Modi’in.*This biography was last updated at the start of the program

Hagit Kuperstein

Head of the Unit for Promoting Professionalism in Teaching, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev

Hagit Kuperstein oversees teacher training, internships, and entry into teaching, professional development, principal training, and simulations. She directed the development of training with computerized products in the IDF’s training department. Among other positions, Hagit has been an instructor, mentor, and program director for the Karev program that integrated the use of computers in teaching. She holds a master’s degree in curriculum and instruction from the department of education of Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, and lives on Kibbutz Revadim.*This biography was last updated at the start of the program

Dr. Yitzhak Lev-Ran

Head of Practicums, Internships, and Professional Development, Herzog College

The former principal of the AMIT Dvir high school for boys in Beit Shemesh, Yitzhak Lev-Ran is a homeroom teacher and Bible teacher. He has mentored groups of school principals at Avney Rosha – the Israel Institute for School Leadership, and has developed a team that designed a high-quality program for meaningful practicums at Herzog College. Yitzhak holds a doctorate in Bible from Bar-Ilan University, and lives in Mazkeret Batya.*This biography was last updated at the start of the program

Dr. Haifaa Majadly

Head of Practicums, Al-Qasemi Academic College of Education

Haifaa Majadly is the head of the department of pedagogy at the Al-Qasemi College of Education. A former pedagogy instructor, she is involved in strengthening multicultural discourse and encouraging fruitful and constructive discussions between the different cultures in Israeli society. Her extensive fieldwork has led her to translate the considerable knowledge she has gained from academic learning and personal experience into varied lectures, workshops, and training programs for students, parents, and teachers on subjects such as promoting Arabic language, encouraging reading, and fostering motivation to excel. Haifaa's doctorate from the University of Haifa focused on language education curricula. She lives in Baqa al-Gharbiyye.*This biography was last updated at the start of the program

Dr. Smadar Mor

Pedagogical Coordinator, Unit for Teacher Education, Tel Aviv University

Smadar Mor is a lecturer, pedagogical coordinator, and assistant head of the unit for teacher education in the school of education of Tel Aviv University. She is also a pedagogy instructor and lecturer in the creative track of the early childhood department of the Kibbutzim College of Education, where she runs workshops in theater. Smadar works to develop new ideas for improving the interfaces between teacher training, education, and the arts, with a focus on theater in particular. She conducts research on children's theater, focusing in particular on young children as audiences. Smadar holds a doctorate in education and theater from the University of Haifa, and lives in Tel Aviv.*This biography was last updated at the start of the program

Dr. Anat Moshe

Lecturer and Pedagogical Counselor, Special Education Track, Faculty of Education, Beit Berl College

Anat Moshe is a senior counselor in the field of learning disabilities for the Ministry of Education, and guides schools in implementing Israel's new reforms in special education. In the past, she has worked as a middle school special education teacher. Anat is interested in the unique interaction between academia and theory and the education system. She holds a doctorate in education from Constantine the Philosopher University in Slovakia, and lives in Pardes Hanna–Karkur.*This biography was last updated at the start of the program

Dr. Daniel Nikritin

Head of Education Department, Hemdat Hadarom Academic College of Education

An ordained rabbi, Daniel Nikritin is a homeroom teacher and literature and Talmud teacher. He has served as a consultant to numerous schools, accompanying them through pedagogical innovation processes, including the development of the GOGYA center for the AMIT school network. Daniel also has pedagogical responsibility for practical internships conducted as part of the "Academia-City" partnership initiative between Hemdat Hadarom College and the city of Netivot. He holds a doctorate in literature from Bar-Ilan University, as well as a master’s degree in educational counseling, and has also studied couples and family therapy. Daniel lives in Modi’in.*This biography was last updated at the start of the program

Dr. Yonit Nisim

Head of the Faculty of Education, Ohalo College in Katzrin

As part of her work as head of the faculty of education at Ohalo College, Yonit Nisim is responsible for a variety of programs and training courses, including: the Regev program for outstanding students, fieldwork, specialization, entrance into the field of education, and professional development. Yonit holds a doctorate in philosophy and history from the University of Haifa. She lives in Koranit.*This biography was last updated at the start of the program

Dr. Batia Reichman

Head of Teacher Education Program and Fieldwork, Kaye Academic College of Education

Batia Reichman is a member of the management team of Kaye College's school for teacher education. She teaches in the school’s master’s programs, and lectures in the track for teaching literature. Batia works to promote collaboration between academia and the education system and the local authorities. She also initiates and leads learning communities for faculty members at Kaye College. Batia holds a doctorate in Hebrew literature from Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, and lives in Beer Sheva.*This biography was last updated at the start of the program

Dr. Tami Reuveni

Head of the Teaching Department, Levinsky College of Education

Tami Reuveni is responsible for student fieldwork, social engagement, preparatory courses for entry into teaching, and special programs such as "Academia-Classroom" and "Leading Teachers." In the past, she served as the head of the elementary school teacher training program at the Levinsky College of Education, and was a researcher at the Authority for Research and Development. She was also an elementary school teacher and principal in Israel's public-school system. Tami holds a doctorate in education from Eötvös Loránd University (ELTE) in Budapest, and lives in Beit Yitzhak–Sha’ar Hefer.*This biography was last updated at the start of the program

Dr. Alexandra Saad

Deputy Director and Pedagogical Training Coordinator, Arabic Academic College for Education in Israel

Alexandra Saad is a lecturer and researcher at the Arabic Academic College for Education and at the University of Haifa. She is involved in clinical instruction and professional development for education professionals; evaluation, adaptation, and implementation of assistive technologies in education; and cultural enrichment and adaptation of educational content and programs for Arab society. Alexandra holds a master’s degree in education, and a doctorate from the department of occupational therapy at the University of Haifa, and completed post-doctoral studies at the University of Bologna in Italy. She lives in Upper Nazareth.*This biography was last updated at the start of the program

Dr. Sylvia Saba-Sadi

Lecturer and Pedagogy Instructor in Early Childhood Education, Gordon College of Education

Sylvia Saba-Sadi is a lecturer and a pedagogy instructor in the early childhood education department at Gordon College of Education in Haifa. Previously, she worked as a national instructor for new and alternative teaching approaches for in-service teachers in early education. She also held several positions in the field of education and was involved in various professional, communal and national pedagogical projects. These included the establishment of kindergartens for the Arab community in Jaffa, the design of in-service training courses for teachers in early education, the development of programs for in-service teacher training and programs for early childhood education. Sylvia holds a master's degree in educational psychology from the University of Manchester in England, and a doctorate from the school of education at Ben-Gurion University of the Negev. Her fields of expertise and interest include play in child rearing practices, child development, early education, teacher training, and Arab women teachers in Israel, their training and professional experience. She lives in Haifa.*This biography was last updated at the start of the program

Dr. Pninat Tal

Head of Department and Program in Early Childhood Training, Levinsky College of Education

Pninat Tal was the head of elementary school education for Teach First Israel's program for excellence in education. Among other roles, she has served as a researcher at the MOFET Institute, where she investigated alternative teacher-training programs, and has published a Hebrew book, From Oversight to Leadership: The Journey of a Professional Community. Pninat holds a doctorate from the department of curriculum and evaluation at Tel Aviv University, and lives in Herzliya.*This biography was last updated at the start of the program

Dr. Noam Topelberg

Head of the Jewish Art Teaching Track in the Teacher Training Department, Bar-Ilan University

Noam Topelberg is a lecturer in the teacher training department of Bar-Ilan University's school of education. He teaches culture and visual literacy, and is a national instructor for high school design studies in the Ministry of Education’s Computing, Technology, and Information Systems Administration. Noam also writes curricula and educational materials, and runs in-service training courses for teachers around the country. He is also the treasurer and chairman of the Nes Ziona Artists’ Committee. Noam holds a doctorate in art history from the department of Jewish art at Bar-Ilan University, and lives in Nes Ziona.*This biography was last updated at the start of the program

Dr. Dina Tsybulsky

Head of the Biology Teaching Track, Faculty of Education in Science and Technology, the Technion

In the past, Dina Tsybulsky has been a high school biology and chemistry teacher, homeroom teacher, and science studies coordinator. She served as a lecturer and instructor of pedagogy of science teaching at the Kibbutzim College of Education and at Achva College. She was also a senior research associate and teaching fellow at Tel Aviv University and a visiting scholar at the University of British Columbia in Canada. Dina holds a doctorate in science education from the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, and completed a post-doctoral fellowship at the MOFET Institute. She lives in Beit Shemesh.*This biography was last updated at the start of the program

Professor Sima Zach

Lecturer, School of Education and Physical Education Teaching, Academic College at Wingate

Sima Zach is the chair of the academic committee at the Academic College at Wingate, and is the head of the College’s laboratory for the study of physical education teaching. She was formerly the head of the College's school for education and physical education teaching. Sima holds a doctorate in physical education, recreation, and dance from Temple University in Philadelphia, where she specialized in sports psychology. A tenured professor at the Academic College at Wingate, Sima lives in Hadera.*This biography was last updated at the start of the program

About The Program