Today we’d like to introduce you to Anne Lanski.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
The iCenter was founded in 2008 to be the national hub and catalyst for building, shaping, and supporting the field of Israel Education. Since that time, we have worked—and continue to do so—to support educators across all settings and to provide the tools and strategies to bring Israel into their learners’ lives. These settings are as diverse as camps, schools, synagogues, trips to Israel, and more. We have worked diligently to develop our network of excellent educators, thought leaders, and stakeholders nearly anywhere that opportunities for learning exist.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
We have been fortunate to receive the generous support from donors to make our work possible. That said, building an educational field has a range of challenges. We had to develop a common language so that educators from different communities and settings could engage with and learn from each other. It took many years and iterations to develop standards for the field, common benchmarks to achieve, and, critically, to create convenings and gatherings to bring leaders in the field together. All of these efforts are refined only through trial and error, and by demonstrating to people the value that these efforts have on their professions, and ultimately on their learners.
So, as you know, we’re impressed with The iCenter for Israel Education – tell our readers more, for example what you’re most proud of as a company and what sets you apart from others.
We help ensure that Israel education reflects the best educational practices. We are known for, and are especially proud of, supporting a learner-centered approach to Israel education. Regardless of one’s prior knowledge about Israel and/or Judaism, we help educators connect their learners to Israel in a variety of ways—perhaps through their interest in the arts, or history, or the outdoors, or science, and so much more—so that the learner develops an authentic, personal relationship to the land, the people, and the state of Israel. We have built a field of Israel education and helped to develop thousands of educators who have this educational approach ingrained in their “educator DNA.”
So, what’s next? Any big plans?
We are looking forward to the continued growth and development of the field. As more educators who have trained and learned with the iCenter continue to work in the field, we are excited to see their impact both in terms of quantity of learners they reach and the quality and influence of that engagement. We know the growth of the field will depend in our part on the iCenter’s own evolution–building new partnerships and expanding existing ones; growing our network of educators and leaders; developing new educational strategies; and creating new resources to benefit the entire field.
Contact Info:
- Address: 95 Revere Dr. Suite D, Northbrook IL 60062
- Website: https://www.theicenter.org/
- Phone: 847.418.8336
- Email: info@theicenter.org
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the_icenter/?hl=en
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theicenter
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/TheiCenter
Image Credit:
The iCenter for Israel Education
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