Through generous support from The Marcus Foundation, The iCenter and The George Washington University are excited to announce the creation of a Master’s Degree Program in Israel Education – the first of its kind to be offered at a major research university in the United States. 

This two-year, part-time program brings together a cohort of Jewish educators and organizational leaders from throughout North America for thought-provoking intensive seminars, engaging semester-long courses, year-long individualized mentoring from leading figures, and a week-long learning experience in Israel, all while earning a Master’s degree from GW. The program is a hybrid of online and in-person experiences (in light of COVID-19 appropriate accommodations are being made to run in-person segments virtually).

The program selects changemakers and dedicated professionals within instrumental organizations, typically working in Israel education, experiential Jewish education, and community engagement. Students learn the historical and contemporary politics, culture, geography, sociology, and language of Israel, literally and metaphorically. 

In order to create a highly qualified workforce of Israel educators, the subject and pedagogy of Israel education can no longer be an “add on” set of skills. “There are many outstanding places to learn about Israel and how to teach Israel, says Anne Lanski, CEO of The iCenter. “But what sets this Master’s program apart is the way it intertwines the academic discipline of Israel studies with the practice of experiential Jewish education in a thorough, systematic, engaging and impactful way. This is not a one-shot deal. It’s sustained engagement with deep and rigorous learning that graduates will carry into the field.”

The Master’s program is made possible through generous support from The Marcus Foundation, which builds on seed funding for the one-year Certificate Program from the Jim Joseph Foundation.

Information on the application and admissions process can be found at TheiCenter.org/GW, or by contacting Erika Vogel at erika@theicenter.org.