Nefesh BNefesh

A special thank you to educators Rav David Katz and Rav Reuven Rosenstark, for participating in these interviews.

The following interviews offer insight into job opportunities for teachers of Judaic studies, in the Israeli school system.

Interview with Rav David Katz, 7th Grade Teacher

What is your current position?
I am a homeroom teacher for Limudei Kodesh (Judaic subjects) at Yeshivat Nachshon Beit Shemesh. I am a classroom teacher with some administrative responsibilities. As the years go by, I have become more involved in different aspects of the school, such as pedagogical programs.

How did you find your job?
Friends told me about an opening at the school.

What experience do you need to get into your field?
Teaching experience in a classroom setting is key. Because the schools in Israel are public schools, you must be certified as a teacher by the government in order to receive the appropriate benefits.

What degree should someone making Aliyah come with, in order to break into your field?
It depends on what you want to be teaching. You definitely need teaching experience in a classroom setting. I would recommend getting the highest degree possible in education. In addition, once you move to Israel, you need to obtain a Teudat Hora’ah (teaching certification) and Rishayon Hora’ah (teaching license) in order to teach.

Does it make any difference whether you studied in Israel or abroad?
It helps to have studied in Israel, but it is not necessary. If you study overseas, you need to be prepared to handle cultural differences in the Israeli classroom. The system is different in Israel: A teacher in Israel has more responsibility as far as classroom management; teachers are expected to handle behavioral issues in the classroom, rather than sending the child to the principal’s office.

What are the benefits of working as a teacher?
You are able to extend and define your hours, and you are entitled to a paid Shabbaton (sabbatical) every seven years.

On a personal level, as a teacher, you have the opportunity to give a lot back to the country. Working in a nice school with a good faculty is a truly rewarding experience.

What is the salary range?
The salary ranges from 4,000 to 7,000 NIS per month. You get paid on a pay scale that ranges, depending on your degree. If you work very hard and for long hours, it is possible to earn more. Remember, you are only working about 9 months a year and getting paid for 12.

What recommendations can you offer Olim who are interested in working in this field?
It is important to study the pay scales as well as to have a clear understanding of the Misrad Hachinuch system. I would recommend that you talk to as many Israeli teachers as possible, to learn more information -- specifically about how to maximize your salary within the system.

How do you feel about working and living here in Israel?
Initially, it was a challenging transition because of cultural differences. Understanding the system enables me to be at my best.

Other advice?
Most teachers need to work other, additional jobs in order to compensate for the salary. Teachers do various things on the side, such as teach on the Internet, tutor, or work at American summer camps.

Interview with Rav Reuven Rosenstark, 11th and 12th Grade Teacher & School Rav
 
What is your current position?
I currently have two positions at two different schools. At Yeshivat Orot Yehuda, I am a Mechanech for eleventh and twelfth grade classes. A Mechanech is similar to a homeroom teacher, working with the administration as well as with all of the subject teachers.

I am also the Rav of Orot Etzion Banot, an elementary school. The Rav of a school is similar to a Mashgiach Ruchani (Advisor for Spiritual Growth). I am in charge of Torah-related aspects of education and special programming.

How did you find your job?
I started out working in a girls’ high school, where I stayed for three years. I gained experience teaching specific subjects, and then I worked my way up to become a Mechanech of a class.
 
What degree should someone making Aliyah come with, in order to break into your field?
If you have a Master’s degree, it increases your salary.

After completing my American training, I also studied for a teaching degree here in Israel. Having an Israeli degree is not absolutely necessary, but it does put you in a higher salary bracket. It also allows you to earn “credits” that boost your salary over the years, by taking classes and courses while you are teaching.
 
Does it make any difference whether you studied in Israel or abroad?
No, you can work here with a Master’s degree from Israel or from abroad -- you just need to get your degree recognized in Israel. However, you do need to have a good command of the language and feel comfortable in an Israeli setting.

What are the benefits of working as a teacher?
Working in the Israeli school system helps you integrate into Israeli society. It also helps you learn the school system from within. In that way, you become aware of the different options available to your own children in the Israeli schools, which run differently from American day schools, and you can help your own children while they adjust to the Israeli school system. Working in the school system also forces you to speak and improve your Ivrit.

What is the salary range?
As I mentioned earlier, the salary ranges depending on the number of hours you teach and the "credits" you earn by furthering your education. However, an average salary is around 4,000 shekels a month.  This applies to a teacher with a teaching degree and some prior experience, who teaches what the Misrad Hachinuch defines as a full time position (24 hours a week in high school, and 30 hours in elementary school). This is not a lot of money, and teachers usually teach more than one job or work in more than one school.

What are the upcoming areas of specialty you would recommend?
 Experience in special education.

Is there a professional organization in your field?
It is important to be a member of Irgun Hamorim or Hishtadrut Hamorim. These are unions that make sure your rights are protected and help you put money away so that you can take a sabbatical every 7 years.

What recommendations can you offer Olim who are looking to work in this field?
Have a good knowledge of Hebrew. In addition, it is important to have experience and confidence in a classroom setting.