ABOUT MEEI | FACULTY, STAFF, STUDENTS | ALUMNI AND COMMUNITY | FRIENDS | PUBLICATIONS | NEWS | LINKS

ABOUT MEEI

Mar Elias Regional Teachers' Center

Mar Elias Regional Teachers' Center is one of a network of regional centers established throughout Israel to provide opportunities for ongoing professional development for teachers both at the field and school levels. Defining and meeting the needs of Arab teachers by "utilizing environmental resources and enhancing the ties between formal learning settings and everyday life in society" is a key objective. Mar Elias is the largest RTC with over 1200 teachers from 30 schools throughout the Galilee. It has been cited by the Israeli Ministry of Education as a model for innovation and practice in the professional development of teachers and in the ongoing implementation of its programs. A range of projects across the curriculum has provided a series of teacher developed resources for use in schools. A multi intelligences approach has been employed in developing activities and resources in the Science and Technology curriculum. Topics developed and implemented in the classroom and integrated in curriculum areas include the following:
Ø Environmental Science:
- Climate study, water management and recycling of waste products
- Animals in traditional Arab culture. In 5 schools Animal Centers or Zoos were created in order to provide the opportunity to develop positive attitudes towards nature and to develop resources and skills related to Arabic traditions.
Ø Health Studies: Human nutrition with a particular focus on traditional Arab health foods
Ø Art: again there was a particular focus on the traditions of art in the Arab community
Ø Mathematics: through workshops teachers developed a unique program implementing an orientation in Arabic language and comprehension. Teachers also developed Maths Centers in each school in order to develop understanding of maths in everyday activities.

In the area of Special Education teachers developed curriculum and practical strategies to meet individual needs and to promote interpersonal and intrapersonal skills. One strategy involved using animals to effect a decrease in hyperactive behaviours.

A major highlight of the year's program was the participation of Directors and Principals of Schools in workshops to develop methods of team leadership. They each also developed an operational plan for their school based on the needs of their students and their local community.

© 2002 by Mar Elias Educational Institutions