Academic Reserve for Science Teachers (Ages 18-27)
This special track operates within the framework of the IDF Academic Reserve allows young people from the periphery and the center as one to complete their BA in either a science or English and obtain a teaching certificate. Upon the completion of their training, the participants return to the periphery to work as teacher-officers for 6 years (3 years as part of their mandatory army service and 3 years as members of the career army).
To succeed and return to society
The program has two goals; communal and personal.
On a community level, the program operates in order to reinforce and raise the level of education in the periphery by training teachers for subjects in demand such as the sciences and English and by encouraging outstanding young people from the periphery and the center of the country to return to periphery communities for extended periods of time, become educational and social leaders, and serve as an example and model, inspiring local youth.
On a personal level, the young people are given a real opportunity to study for a BA and an MA, to gain a profession that is in demand, to receive a certificate and license to teach and to serve in quality and challenging positions as academic officers, and as professional teachers and educators.
Program partners
The program has been in operation since 2003 in coordination and cooperation with the Ministry of Defense, the Ministry of Finance, the Ministry of Education, the local authorities, the administration of the schools in which Atidim works, the Hebrew University of Jerusalem and Bar Ilan University.
Who is the target population?
This program targets excellent young people, who have a deep social conscience and want to contribute to society, and are interested in quality higher education and
in attaining a profession that is in demand. They must be interested in performing their military service in the context of the IDF Academic Reserve as academic-officer teachers in schools located in the periphery or in IDF colleges.
What does the program include?
Studies take place at the Hebrew University in Jerusalem or at Bar Ilan University. The program of study includes a full BA in the sciences or English, and a teaching certificate. Those accepted study for 3 years (instead of 4) for a teaching certificate and Bachelors degree in one of the following subjects: math, physics, biology, chemistry or English. In parallel, the students study for a teaching certificate in the framework of the School of Education. The studies include theoretical and practical aspects of education.
The program also includes social and educational activities; workshops, fieldtrips, professional enrichment and meetings with top educators.
The focus of the program:
· Training of outstanding reservists who are interested in contributing to the IDF and the education system and improving the nature of Israeli society.
· A meticulous identification and selection process, which places an emphasis on applicant’s personal level and high academic ability.
· Unique academic studies for a BA in science or English and a teaching certificate from the Hebrew University in Jerusalem or Bar Ilan University.
· Studies in a quality, supportive, and formative framework.
A pupil who wishes to be accepted to this program must meet/be committed to the following conditions:
· Full matriculation certificate
· 4 point matriculation in English and math and a minimum of 5 points in an additional subject (preference for scientific subjects)
· Meet the acceptance requirements of leading academic institutions, including passing the psychometric exam with a minimum grade of 550
· A personal interview
· Meet the quality criteria for the Academic Reserve, as per the testing carried out by the IDF Induction Office
· Pass the extensive personality tests that are held during June
· Boys must be exempt from combat service (profile of 64 or lower)
· Final acceptance by an academic institution and the IDF committee
The student receives:
· A grant of 11,330 NIS
· Educational support – tutoring subsidy
· A well outfitted advanced laptop computer during the second semester
· A stipend for living expenses according to personal eligibility (up to 15,000 NIS annually)
· Educational and social support (as an individual and as part of the group) for the entire period of study
· Eligibility to live in the dorms (for a fee)
· Personal and warm attention from the Atidim administration and personal follow-up by the pedigogical educator responsible for the program at Hebrew University in Jerusalem or Bar Ilan University
· Improved service conditions upon being drafted (improved housing, preferred salary during mandatory service, service as an academic officer)
· Possibility of pursuing a master’s degree in the subject studied for BA or another education related subject. Financed by the Atidim program.
The student must commit to:
· To maintain an appropriate level of achievement during the course of their academic and non-academic studies as specified by the program and the University.
· To serve as a full time reserve teacher-officer in uniform for 6 years (3 years as part of mandatory army service and 3 years as a member of the career army) in the peripheral community or IDF college where sent.
Did you know?
· The first cycle of students in the program began in 2003.
· 21 graduates serve today as teachers in Or Akiva, Netivot, Kiryat Gat, Acre, Dimona, Tuba Zangaria, Hatzor Haglilit, Migdal Haemek, Bet Shean, Kiryat Malachi, Mitzpeh Rimon, Arad, Maalot, Ofakim, Bet Shemesh and at the Munitions Corp College.
Return to the top page | 
