Hebrew University - School of Education
Head of the Department of Teaching Studies, School of Education, Hebrew University, lecturer in the Department of Education, and involved in teacher training. Former national supervisor for citizenship education at the Ministry of Education and director of the headquarters for civic education and shared living. Past and present citizenship teacher in schools in Jerusalem and Holon. Previously taught at the "Kerem" Institute for Teacher Training and at David Yellin College. Main research and activity areas: civic and political education, dealing with controversial political issues in schools, teaching citizenship in Israel, addressing extreme and racist attitudes in the classroom.
Research Objectives:
- Develop practical models for teaching political education during crisis
- Map teacher practices for political education in the educational field
- Develop and implement a practical toolkit for teachers
- Promote education that nurtures engaged citizens with critical thinking in a democratic society
Research Contribution:
The insights and tools we have developed contribute to the Israeli education system and to education systems in other countries facing similar challenges of polarization and education in the shadow of crises.
Research Report:
Ketko-Ayali, K., Cohen, A., & Michaeli, N. (2024). Political Education in Times of National Crisis - Renewed Conceptualization and Practical Model. Research Report, Chief Scientist Office, Ministry of Education. https://chief-scientist.education.gov.il/knowledge/publications/politicaleducation-finalreport/
International Publications:
Ketko-Ayali, K., Cohen, A., & Michaeli, N. (2025). From SEL to SPEL: Teachers Integrating Political Emotions in Lessons During Time of Crisis. Teaching and Teacher Education. Vol 160.
https://authors.elsevier.com/a/1ktMT,Gtqw7RxJ
Publications in Israel:
Ketko-Ayali, K., Cohen, A., & Michaeli, N. (in press). From SEL to SPEL: Teaching with Political Emotional Awareness During Crisis. Dapim. [Hebrew]
Ketko-Ayali, K., Cohen, A., & Michaeli, N. (in press). Implementing Political Education During National Crisis: The REACT Model. Dvarim. Issue 17B. [Hebrew]
Expanding research on cultivating political-democratic literacy across diverse educational systems:
a. Religious and Arab education systems:
This line of research will examine how political-democratic education, critical thinking, and civic awareness are expressed within educational contexts shaped by distinct cultural, national, and religious characteristicsת particularly among populations not included in the first stage of the study.
b. Higher education:
The research will be extended to faculty members and students in academic institutions, with the aim of understanding how civic competencies, political-emotional awareness, and critical thinking skills develop within teacher-education programs and additional academic training frameworks.
c. Professional development for teachers (REACT and SPEL):
Further studies will focus on the design, implementation, and evaluation of professional development programs grounded in the research models. This includes assessing the effectiveness of integrating these models into teaching practices, pedagogical processes, and the advancement of civic-emotional competencies.