A severe lack of suitable educational frameworks for ultra-Orthodox students who struggle in traditional religious schools prompted Rabbi Meir to take action. He founded Or HaAtid, an ultra-Orthodox high school and technological Hesder Yeshiva in Gan Yavne, grounded in the belief that ultra-Orthodox students need a safe space for personal growth and integration into Israeli society – without compromising their community’s values and religious identity. The guiding principle of Rabbi Meir’s efforts to bring about deep-seated change in ultra-Orthodox society is drawn from Proverbs 22:6: ‘Train a youth in the way that befits him.’

Rami has served as head teacher of Musheirifa Elementary School in Ma’ale Iron since 2018. He chose the path of school leadership out of a deep commitment to educational justice and equal opportunity, driven by the belief that quality education can empower students not only to dream, but to make those dreams a reality.

Twenty-five years ago, Tamar founded Reishit Elementary School in Jerusalem’s Kiryat Menachem neighbourhood, guided by the conviction that education is central to the transformation, rehabilitation and growth of marginalized communities. At the heart of her educational philosophy is the belief that every child deserves a quality education that honours their cultural identity, and that equal opportunity must begin early in life. Tamar recognized the diversity of the neighbourhood as a strength and saw the school’s heterogeneity as a powerful engine for growth. Her strategy for fostering a positive school climate centred on weaving together the community’s different groups into a cohesive and organic social fabric. As part of this vision of the school as a community hub, she built strong ties with parents through shared activities that extend beyond school hours.

Nine years ago, Michal assumed leadership of Alon Yizrael, a public elementary school in Afula. At the time, the school faced serious challenges: high dropout rates, a troubled school climate, a curriculum misaligned with the educational vision, and widespread difficulty among younger students in acquiring basic literacy skills. Michal worked to transform the school climate, implementing rapid and compassionate responses to incidents of violence and bullying. She actively engaged parents and the local community to build mutual trust and inspire a sense of shared responsibility.

Six years ago, Shahar founded Shapira Neighbourhood School, a public elementary school in the heart of a socio-economically disadvantaged neighbourhood in the south of Tel Aviv–Yafo. His educational visionis rooted in place-based pedagogy – grounding students in their local environment and community – with close collaboration from their families. By engaging local institutions in the education of neighbourhood children – health clinics, the community centre, the Mesila aid organisation, social workers, the NGO Pardes and various local businesses – Shahar was able to double the school’s resources and significantly reduce disparities among students.

Ron is head teacher of Aloney Yitzchak Inclusive School in the Menashe Regional Council. Early on in his education career, he recognized that certain structural practices within the system deepened inequalities between students from different backgrounds and with varying academic abilities. Together with a dedicated team, he developed an inclusive education model, designed to close gaps and promote social mobility.

Fifteen years ago, Rabab assumed leadership of ORT Hoshev Ofakim Secondary Comprehensive School in Ramla – then struggling with low matriculation rates, a difficult school climate, crumbling infrastructure, frequent staff turnover and high dropout levels. She set a bold vision: to transform the school into a safe and high-achieving educational space – a place that establishes clear boundaries while offering support, opening new opportunities, and empowering its students.

For the past six years, Tzuriel has served as head teacher of Makif Amit High School in Be’er Sheva, one of the largest schools in Israel, home to some 1,500 students from across the city – high achievers and struggling learners, students with special needs and new immigrants.