Three Generations of Teachers in Beersheba Exemplify Dedication Amidst Challenges

Ziv Elad began her first year as a full-fledged teacher at Neve Midbar Elementary School in Beersheba, inspired by her mother and grandmother, who also dedicated their lives to education. Elad expressed her desire to be a memorable teacher who inspires her students, echoing the sentiment of her family legacy.

Her grandmother, Batya Tsizin Kasser, who transitioned to special education, her mother, Hila Elad, a teacher for nearly three decades, and Ziv all studied at the Kay College of Education in Beersheba. They chose the teaching profession in different eras and educational realities, driven by a sense of mission and a love for children, rather than salary.

Batya emphasized that teaching is a calling for those who wish to influence the next generation, while Hila shared that her sons often encouraged her to switch to high-tech, but she remained committed to her students and the desire for future generations to have dedicated teachers. Ziv acknowledged the challenges of the profession, including the demanding workload and the changing role of teachers, but stated that being a granddaughter and daughter of teachers is integral to her identity.

The family is aware of the decline in the teaching profession's status and the resulting teacher shortage. Hila specifically pointed to the increasing involvement of parents as a primary reason for the shortage, noting a shift from the teacher being an authoritative figure to one who provides a service to students and parents.

Professor Aryeh Ratner, President of Kay Academic College, highlighted the three generations as proof that education is a family mission and a part of one's identity. He stressed that Israel needs dedicated, professional, and child-loving teachers, making the training of quality educators a national imperative.