Herzog Global’s international Educators’ Day confronted the worldwide teacher crisis head-on, unveiling groundbreaking strategies to restore respect, attract top talent, and keep the heart of Jewish education beating strong.
In a world where knowledge is just a click away but true wisdom is fading, Herzog College’s international branch, Herzog Global, in partnership with UnitEd, hosted an electrifying Educators’ Day—directly addressing one of education’s most pressing threats: the global shortage of teachers and the erosion of their standing in society.
The July 28 seminar was not just another conference. It was a call to arms for Jewish educators in Israel, the United States, and beyond. Speakers dismantled myths, exposed challenges, and proposed practical, game-changing solutions to make teaching once again a profession of honor and aspiration.
“Knowing your struggle is shared by others is half the solution,” an ancient Jewish teaching reminds us—and this day proved it.
The Harsh Reality
Educators worldwide face shrinking respect, crushed under societal trends that measure worth by income rather than impact. The result? The “best and brightest” often choose lucrative careers over the classroom. Those who do answer the calling often face burnout—given the toughest classes, minimal support, and relentless scrutiny.
From First Responders to Champions
Dr. Dena Zimmerman reminded participants that a teacher is a “first responder” in the truest sense—responsible for a student’s safety and emotional well-being, not just academic growth. “Your job is not to be a psychologist or doctor, but you must recognize needs and act quickly,” she urged. From guiding grieving students to managing test anxiety, today’s teachers must balance compassion with structure.
Her advice was clear: Build genuine relationships, understand before seeking to be understood, and never give up on a child. She reinforced her message with Rita Pearson’s famous call: “Every child deserves a champion.”
Reinventing Authority
Dr. Tzachi Lev Ran introduced a groundbreaking model for restoring teacher authority—no longer rooted in fear or hierarchy, but in presence, clear boundaries, and unwavering consistency. His practical advice? Keep moving around the classroom, address behavior firmly but privately, and always know your students’ online worlds—including having their phone passwords.
Lessons from the Tanach
Rabbi Dr. Ari Silbermann connected modern challenges to Biblical principles, showing that while “education” as a term doesn’t appear in Tanach, the command to teach our children and preserve our heritage is timeless. Jewish tradition, he argued, is a blueprint for passing down both wisdom and values.
Breaking the Silence on Teacher Perception
A dynamic panel—featuring Rabbi Scott Berman, Rachel Levitt Dratch, and Prof. Adam Ferziger—tackled one uncomfortable truth: parents often discourage their children from becoming teachers, undermining the profession’s value. “How many of you tell your kids to go into education?” Ferziger challenged the crowd.
Rabbi Yitzchak Blau reflected on the generational shift from European-born Talmudic giants to American-born rabbis, noting that in today’s money-driven culture, even Torah scholars are sometimes measured against financial success.
Hope on the Horizon
Despite the grim reality, there is reason for optimism. Amihai Bannett, CEO of Herzog Global, revealed growing student interest and an expanding portfolio of programs—including a new Master’s in Tanach available in multiple languages, and international educator conferences from Israel to Strasbourg.
Educators like Natan Zaboulani and Rabbi Bryan Kinzbrunner testified to Herzog’s impact, crediting the summit with equipping them to inspire, empower, and transform their classrooms.
As the day ended, one truth stood out: The survival of quality education—Jewish or otherwise—depends not only on attracting great teachers but on rebuilding the dignity of the profession itself.
