These young fellows made the decision to teach in Israel, giving to remote communities, and getting back in return.
As a young child in Florien, Louisiana, Candice Richardson never imagined that come 2024 she would find herself being part of a nation’s turning point. Raised on a small farm, Candice’s early life was marked by a deep fascination with Judaism, despite her Catholic upbringing in a predominantly non-Jewish area. Her curiosity was sparked by Jewish culture depicted in popular sitcoms like “Seinfeld” and “The Nanny,” and her parents supported her interest. By the age of 12, Candice had declared herself Jewish and immersed herself in the faith as much as her rural surroundings would allow. Now, after she took part in the Masa Israel Teaching Fellows program, and taught English in Netanya, Israel, bringing her unique background and passion to her students. Her story is but one of many in the Masa Israel Journey, established by The Jewish Agency and the Israeli Government, which has brought over 200,000 young adults from around the world to Israel for immersive educational experiences since its founding in 2004.
The Masa Israel Teaching Fellows (MITF) program is a unique 10-month teaching fellowship, spearheaded by Masa in partnership with the Israeli Ministry of Education, which stands out as a beacon of face-to-face cultural exchange and educational empowerment. The program invites hundreds of native English speakers annually from diverse corners of the globe, including the United States, England, Australia, South Africa, and Canada, to immerse themselves in the vibrant tapestry of Israeli life.
These young fellows, holding college degrees, and in some cases, teaching certifications, bring with them not just fluency in English, ensuring a high standard of education for their Israeli students, but also meaningful relationships with their students, school staff, and neighbors. This deep integration allows them to gain an insider’s perspective on Israeli society, while also installing in their young students a positive change that extends far beyond the borders of the classroom.