New Program Offers IDF Soldiers Path to Teaching Career During Service

In a groundbreaking initiative, the Israeli Education Ministry, in collaboration with the IDF's Education and Youth Corps, has launched a unique program allowing soldiers to pursue academic studies toward a bachelor’s degree in education and a teaching certificate while serving in the IDF.

This initiative is part of the Education Ministry’s strategic plan to attract top talent to the teaching profession, ensuring that future educators are well-prepared with both academic qualifications and practical experience. Through the collaboration with the IDF's Magen unit, participants can complete two years of academic coursework while still fulfilling their military service obligations.

The program allows soldiers to work toward earning a bachelor’s degree in education, along with a teaching certification, during their military service. Those who meet the program’s requirements will be able to complete their degree within one year of discharge, entering the civilian workforce with a recognized degree, professional certification, and two years of practical experience.

According to Education Minister Yoav Kisch, the program highlights the importance of strengthening the teaching profession in Israeli society. "This is an important and unique initiative that strengthens the teaching profession and its critical role in Israeli society," Kisch stated. "The practical experience gained by soldier-teachers will significantly benefit our education system, while they themselves will receive a strong professional foundation and career prospects."

Brig.-Gen. Samuel Bumandil, the chief officer of the IDF Education and Youth Corps, emphasized how crucial this initiative is for Israel's future generation. He stressed that leveraging the military experience of soldier-teachers to benefit the education sector is an essential step in the nation’s long-term development.

"In these challenging times, strengthening the education system is essential for shaping Israel’s future generation. We cannot afford to withhold resources or efforts to ensure this mission’s success," Bumandil said.