On Wednesday, the entire Dror Educational Centers network held its annual conference for the network's educators as well as other invited partners and teachers from across the country.
Dror Israel’s growing network of schools leads the Israeli education system in project-based learning – where students work in groups to create solutions to real-life problems facing humanity. In special tracks such as life-improving technology, agro-ecology, oceanography and new media, the students master technologies such as 3D printers, graphic design programs, laser cutters, and robotics.
But these concrete skills aren’t the most important elements of their education. Even more critical are the values, teamwork, leadership, and commitment to community and society emphasized at the schools and exhibited in each and every project.
At the conference, 350 teachers from the various schools and projects presented an exhibit of inspiring stories and projects from their schools, sat in small groups for discussions about the power of the educational encounter to create hope in times of upheaval and despair, attended a lecture from Professor Michal Krumer-Nevo about her poverty-aware approach to social work, and performed an original musical and performance piece telling challenging and emotional stories of the past year at the various schools and programs.
Preschool teacher Roei Tau reported, “The annual conference is a lovely opportunity to see old friends and chat, get inspiration from projects done at other schools, and perhaps most importantly – appreciate one another’s amazing work and feel the strength and impact of our growing movement.”
Good luck to all the teachers, staff and students on the start of the school year on Sept 1!
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