Former News Editor Trades Desk for Kindergarten Classroom

Maor Heiman, 40, a former news editor for Israeli publications including 'Davar', 'TheMarker', and 'ynet', has embarked on a new career path as a kindergarten teacher in central Tel Aviv. Heiman began his new role on September 1st, finding immediate fulfillment in his interactions with the children and staff.

After 12 years in journalism, Heiman felt a sense of exhaustion with the profession around age 40. He decided to pursue his lifelong passion for working with young children, particularly preschoolers, drawn to their sense of discovery and innocence. He recently completed a retraining program for early childhood education at Kibbutzim Seminar.

Heiman views his new role as a form of escapism from the constant influx of information and chaos inherent in media work. He contrasts this with his previous career, where he felt the need to be aware of everything happening globally. Now, his focus is on the present moment in his kindergarten, stating, "Being here and now, and that's all that matters." He finds this grounding and sufficient, free from the constant pursuit of news.

He acknowledges the challenges of entering a new field mid-career but expresses humility and a willingness to learn, particularly from experienced colleagues like a 19-year veteran educational assistant. Heiman anticipates unexpected situations with children, seeing them as opportunities to teach resilience and adaptability, noting that he himself is learning to navigate life without losing composure when plans change.

Heiman encourages others considering a career in education, despite its acknowledged difficulties, emphasizing the importance of finding meaning and purpose in one's work. He shares an anecdote about comforting a child who missed her mother by having her draw positive thoughts, which included him, highlighting the meaningful connections being formed.