Yad Hanadiv established the Rothschild Prize in Education in Memory of Max Rowe to recognize educators in the Israeli school system who promote excellence, initiative and innovation, and advance their pupils in exceptional and commendable ways. Since 2015, the Prize has been awarded to Teacher Leaders – respected and experienced teachers who initiate and facilitate learning processes among colleagues. The selection committee for the Prize includes representatives of the Ministry of Education, academics specializing in education and public figures.
Max Rowe was head of PICA, and until 1982 Chief Executive of Yad Hanadiv. Under his guidance, the Foundation established Educational Television, the Centre for Educational Technology (CET) and the Open University. All three initiatives grew out of his belief that high-quality education should be available to everyone, and that the particular aptitudes of each individual should be fostered.
The Rothschild Prize for Education for 2025-2026 academic year will be awarded to head teachers who have led significant school-wide change that promotes equal opportunity, reduces disparities, and addresses student diversity both within and beyond the school. The prize will recognize efforts that reflect a coherent and actionable pedagogical vision, in-depth professional development of the educational staff, the cultivation of an inclusive school climate that fosters a sense of belonging, and data-driven management, including the differential allocation of resources to benefit students from diverse backgrounds.
The nomination process for the prize will open soon.