Teaching Staff Diversity
Teaching Staff Diversity
Merchavim’s Arab Teacher Integration in Jewish Schools (ATI) program is a joint initiative with the Ministry of Education, with the goal of placing 500 Arab-Israeli teachers in Jewish schools to teach English, math, and science (in addition to a separate program placing Arab citizens as Arabic teachers) – integrated teachers are provided with training, ongoing accompaniment and a 'best practices' integration manual. The program addresses the reality of Israeli’s separate school streams, in which Jewish children (and perhaps teaching staff) may never have a substantive encounter with an Arab citizen or learn anything about their culture. The presence of an Arab citizen as an authority and role model in the classroom is the best way to teach Israel’s young citizens about the value of shared citizenship and the ‘other’, as a foundation for improving inter-group relations in Israeli society. Additionally, this initiative increases economic efficiency and welfare, by addressing simultaneously the shortage of Jewish teachers and unemployment among qualified Arab teachers; and ensures that every child in Israel is taught by the most qualified teacher, regardless of the teacher’s identity.
Original Goals and Objectives
The Arab Teacher Integration in Jewish Schools’ overall long-term goal is to ensure the full and successful implementation of the Ministry of Education’s (MOE) plan to integrate an additional 500 Arab teachers in Jewish schools in five years, to promote gainful employment for Arab teachers (especially for Arab women) and increase familiarity and comfort between Jewish and Arab citizens.
Merchavim continues to be successful in working with the Office for Social Equality and The Ministry officials on all levels to secure continued financial and practical support for ATI. Merchavim has effectively integrated and supported new/veteran teachers and provided the tools necessary for success including the newly revised "Integration Manual" for teachers and principals.
The Arab Teacher Integration in Jewish Schools is a joint initiative with the Ministry of Education (MOE). The MOE provides financial support by way of 'teaching hours' to participating schools in addition to financial support directly for Merchavim. Within the MOE Merchavim works closely with the Headquarters for Civic Education and Co-existence.