MaTaRoT Short Courses with Hebrew at the Center, 2026-2027

Short Courses with Hebrew at the Center

Building a Learning Community: Culture of Respect and and Engagement in the Hebrew Classroom
Instructor: Dr. Esty Gross
Dates & Times: Tuesdays, October 27  – December 1, 2026, 8pm-9:30pm EST
Cost: $360/HATC School Member; $400/Non-HATC School Member
Location: Zoom
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The reality of a heterogeneous Hebrew classroom can be challenging in terms of planning lessons and teaching a class with students from a range of proficiency levels, learning styles and interests. Teaching can be even more challenging if you have ongoing behavior issues with your learners. For teachers to teach and for students to learn, teachers need to establish routines and mutual respect in their classroom that are grounded in equitable educational philosophy. In this course we will review and analyze examples of classroom policies, procedures and norms for student engagement and draft a plan to support equitable student engagement that meets your students, your style and your school’s policies and culture.

Please note: Receiving a certificate of participation at the end of the course is contingent upon attending at least 80% of the sessions. Please ensure in advance that the scheduled meeting dates and times are convenient for you.

Inclusive Hebrew Education: Language, Israeli Culture, and Identity
Instructor: Dr. Carmit Burstyn
Dates & Times: Tuesdays, January 12 –  February 27, 2027, 8pm-9:30pm EST
Cost: $360/HATC School Member; $400/Non-HATC School Member
Location: Zoom
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Using authentic materials in Hebrew instruction offers meaningful opportunities for students to engage with Israeli culture, society, and contemporary issues while developing their language proficiency. In this course, Hebrew teachers will explore guiding principles for selecting authentic texts that reflect diverse perspectives within Israeli society and support discussions about identity, diversity, equity, and inclusion. Through examples of classroom lessons using a range of texts—from classical literature to contemporary media such as tweets and posts—participants will learn instructional strategies for making authentic materials accessible to students of different proficiency levels and age groups. The course will also introduce discussion protocols that promote thoughtful dialogue and help students use Hebrew to reflect on personal and collective identity.

Please note: Receiving a certificate of participation at the end of the course is contingent upon attending at least 80% of the sessions. Please ensure in advance that the scheduled meeting dates and times are convenient for you.

Between Acquisition and Learning: Understanding How Hebrew Is Learned and Taught
Instructor: TBD
Dates & Times: Tuesdays, March 2 – April 13, 2027, 8pm-9:30p EST
Cost: $360/HATC School Member; $400/Non-HATC School Member
Location: Zoom
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Understanding how we learn languages is essential for effective language teaching. In this course, Hebrew teachers will learn how language is acquired, both naturally and through means of pedagogy. Participants will explore biological factors that influence language acquisition as well as major theories about how languages are learned. We will examine how different linguistic and psychological perspectives on language acquisition lead to varying approaches to language teaching. Together, we will consider which approaches best support effective language, and identify teaching practices that are based on language acquisition.

Please note: Receiving a certificate of participation at the end of the course is contingent upon attending at least 80% of the sessions. Please ensure in advance that the scheduled meeting dates and times are convenient for you.