M.A in The Leadership, Organizational Development and Policy in Education program

About the Program

The Program of Leadership and Management at the Faculty of Education at Bar-Ilan University is dedicated to fostering the next generation of educational leaders and researchers. Established in the mid-1970s, it initially focused on foundational leadership theories and basic management principles for undergraduate students. In the 1980s, a master's program with a thesis track was added, integrated with school principal training in collaboration with the Ministry of Education.

Over the years, the curriculum has been regularly updated to reflect the latest research and trends, ensuring students receive a cutting-edge education. The program recruits expert researchers with field experience to promote innovative research, train new researchers, and develop educational leaders for various educational frameworks. In the 2000s, the school principal training shifted to a one-year certification program offered at colleges. In the last decade, the program has included the 'Nachshonim Program,' a group of military students with educational and command experience, preparing them for roles in teaching and management.

The program aims to advance educational research and prepare leaders for diverse educational settings, ensuring a robust and dynamic educational leadership landscape. Specifically, this program is designed to equip students with the skills necessary for effective leadership and management in educational settings, blending theoretical insights with practical solutions to address real-world challenges in education.

MA Program

Focuses on leadership theory, research, and organizational change. Emphasizes ethical leadership, diversity, inclusion, and bridging educational gaps, while equipping students to critically analyze policies and conduct research to inform leadership and policy decisions. Also, we aim to equip students with skills to conduct independent research, analyze data, and apply findings to enhance leadership practices and educational policies, driving practical and theoretical progress in the field. 

The curriculum includes courses on leadership theories, organizational behavior, policy analysis, finance, globalization, leadership in multicultural society, entrepreneurship, simulations, and innovation. The program also offers a range of methodological courses, equipping students with the necessary research skills to conduct rigorous academic work and research and apply evidence-based practices in educational settings. It prepares students for academic and research-based careers, as well as high-level administrative roles in education.

The program has also embraced international perspectives, incorporating global best practices and comparative education studies into the curriculum. Courses in English are proposed to prepare students to lead in a globally interconnected educational landscape.

specialization tracks

The program aims to continue its growth by introducing new specialization tracks:

The first focuses on Informal Education: Community and Youth. It prepares students to lead non-formal education initiatives in schools, youth movements, and educational volunteer organizations, emphasizing practical management and organizational development.

The second track, Higher Education, offers a deep understanding of higher education globally and locally, covering university administration, academic challenges, policy-making, leadership dynamics, and organizational change.

The third track, Leadership in Jewish Education, equips students to manage and develop educational systems within Jewish frameworks, integrating philosophy, leadership in diaspora, public diplomacy, civic advocacy, multiculturalism, and cultural heritage expertise.

The admission requirements are established through a rigorous process. This includes evaluating academic records, professional experience, leadership potential, and a commitment to educational innovation.

Program Highlights

• The program aims to develop visionary educational leaders, researchers, and policymakers. The program's mission is to foster leadership skills, promote innovative practices, foster a robust research culture in educational leadership and policy, and contribute to the improvement of educational systems locally and globally.
• The department offers both theoretical and practical training and experiential learning opportunities through workshops and courses in both the BA and MA programs to ensure students are well-equipped for leadership roles in education.
• The workshop aims to integrate theories and research in educational leadership and administration with practical experience in educational policy design to bridge the gap between theory and practice, preparing students to lead and innovate in the field of education. These courses provide hands-on experience, allowing students to apply leadership theories in real-world educational settings. Students also can visit schools, where they interact with principals and faculty members to gain insights into educational institutions' operational and leadership challenges. Additionally, the program includes courses focused on simulation and case study analysis, where students engage in role-playing scenarios and analyze real-life cases to develop problem-solving and decision-making skills on teamwork, ethical dilemmas, and entrepreneurship. By course completion, students will enhance leadership and communication skills through simulations and peer interactions.

Research Focus

Our research activities are dedicated to preparing future educational leaders and scholars alike, blending theoretical insights with practical solutions to address real-world challenges in education.

Our program's research is organized into several key themes.

In the area of Leadership and Organizational Learning, our research includes Leadership Development and Preparation, Mentoring, Organizational Learning and Professional Learning Communities, Educational reforms, Collaborative Learning Strategies, System Thinking Leadership, Innovative Organizational Frameworks, Educational Change, Leadership for Social Mobility and Integration. The research focuses on educational policies and school leadership issues investigate how leadership practices, teacher behaviors, and other individual factors interact with environmental factors to influence the attitudes and behaviors of principals, team members, and school faculty. This research informs effective school improvement strategies, providing leaders with practical tools and scholars with empirical data for further study. Also, our emphasis on Leadership for Social Mobility and Integration prepares graduates to lead inclusive initiatives that support all students, especially those from marginalized backgrounds. (Please see Prof. Schechter and Prof. Benoliel for details)

We also delve into Ethics and Teacher Behavior, exploring Ethical Dilemmas in Education and Teacher Withdrawal Behaviors. (Please see Prof. Shapira for details)

An important additional focus is Crisis Leadership, leadership in times of war, middle leadership and educational changes (Please see Prof. Schechter for details).

Our focus on Equity and Finance encompasses the Economics of Education, Education Finance Policy, Equity, Diversity, and Social Justice, Funding Formulae, Resource Allocation, and Redistribution, and Large Scale International Assessments (PIAAC). (Please see Prof. Ben-David Hadar for details). This exploration of Comparative and International Education, along with engagement in Large Scale International Assessments like PISA and PIAAC, offers a global perspective. This exposure allows students to integrate international best practices into their leadership roles, equipping them to address complex educational challenges and contribute to advancing the field through both leadership and scholarly inquiry.

Additionally, our research on Minority Education and Socio-Cultural Influences investigates Educational Leadership in Minorities and the influence of Socio-Cultural Characteristics on School Leadership and Effectiveness. These studies cultivate culturally responsive leaders capable of creating inclusive school environments. Also, another field emphasizes the unique value of teamwork and teacher collaboration in the school context and the role of school leaders as boundary managers, building and maintaining positive relationships with external stakeholders (See Prof. Benoliel for details).

In the realm of Education Policy and Governance, we focus on areas such as Education Policy/Policy Borrowing, Higher Education Policy, Global Education Governance, Comparative and International Education, Large Scale International Assessments (PISA) Innovation and Entrepreneurship in Education, and Diaspora Education. (Please see Dr Bamberger for details)

The leadership and management of educational systems programs also include research topics related to informal systems such as: adolescent health including sexuality (sexual education, sexual abuse, and inappropriate sexual behavior), addictions (psychoactive substances and behavioral addictions), and risk behaviors during adolescence (See Prof. Efrati for details). In addition, the research topic expands on socialization processes (religious, secular, feminine, and civic) among adolescents (See Prof. Gross for details).

Through mentorship, collaborative research projects, and opportunities to publish in top-tier journals, we foster a scholarly environment that encourages graduates to pursue academic careers and contribute original research to the field of education.

Why is this Program so special?

• The Leadership and Educational Management System aims to enhance diversity by updating its core curriculum with an English-taught policy course and adding entrepreneurship and innovation content.
• The program combines theoretical instruction from leading researchers with practical experience.
• The flexible structure, personalized support, and robust curriculum underscore the program’s commitment to excellence and innovation, providing students with the tools to inspire change in the educational system in Israel and beyond.

The Nachshonim Teaching Program, a flagship initiative of the Leadership and Educational Management System,  Faculty of Education, in collaboration with the Ministry of Education and Defense, and the Foundation for the Guidance of Discharged Soldiers, trains candidates with military or national service experience for teaching and management roles. It addresses teacher shortages and prepares graduates for leadership roles in schools. Participants earn teaching certificates, bachelor's, and master's degrees, receiving comprehensive training in leadership, administration, and teaching. The program strengthens ties between the faculty, schools, and the broader educational community. 

Master's Degree in Leadership and Management of Educational Systems

• Empowering Future Leaders in Education: Gain advanced knowledge, tools, and training to take on leadership and management roles within diverse educational systems and organizations focused on education.
• Learn from World-Class Experts: Our faculty comprises leading lecturers with international reputations in their fields.
• Thesis Track and Doctorate: One of the program's key strengths lies in preparing the researchers of tomorrow in the diverse and dynamic fields of leadership and management. Our esteemed faculty includes internationally recognized researchers, many of whom lead cutting-edge laboratories and research centers. (For more information, please refer to our FEIRU catalogue).
• Personalized Support: Enjoy a student-centered approach, offering attentive guidance and encouragement to achieve excellence.
• Flexible for Working Professionals: The program is designed to accommodate both studies and work, making it ideal for teachers and educators.
• State-of-the-Art Workshops: Experience hands-on learning in our intensive media lab courses at the Faculty of Education at Bar-Ilan University.
• Unique Certificate Track:

The program includes a specialized certification course, “Advanced Directors for Leaders in Educational Systems,” awarded by Bar-Ilan University in collaboration with SRI GLOBAL GROUP.

This program is your pathway to becoming a recognized leader in education while gaining practical tools to impact educational organizations effectively.

Faculty Members

Our faculty members hold important additional positions within and outside the faculty.

Prof. Chen Schechter is Editor-in-Chief of the Journal of Educational Administration, and the Head of The MOFET Institute, a national intercollegiate center for the research and development of curricula and programs in teacher education and teaching.

Prof. Orly Shapira is the head of the Institute of Integration of faculty of Education was established in 1982. The institute is dedicated to reducing gaps and making meaningful contributions to both society and the economy. Our mission is to bridge connections between the community and Bar-Ilan University, fostering collaboration and engagement. We champion an integrative approach that supports students and adults across various educational levels, from K-12 through higher education and continuing education.

Prof. BenDavid-Hadar is the Head of The Equity, Diversity, and Social Justice Lab established in 2009 at the Faculty of Education, Bar Ilan University. Its mission and main objectives are to advance research and promote understanding in the critical areas of educational equity, diversity, and social justice. The lab focuses on examining systemic inequities in education finance (inputs) and educational outcomes (outputs), developing innovative policy solutions to address disparities, and fostering improvement in education alongside promoting social justice.

Prof. Pascale Benoliel is the Head of the faculty international relations unit and commissioner of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at the Faculty of Education. She is also the Head of the Diversity, Culture & Leadership Research Team which focuses on exploring the intricate relationships between religious, cultural, and socio-economic factors and their influence on educational leadership. This research delves into the dynamic interplay of these elements, offering insights into how diversity shapes leadership practices within educational settings.

Dr. Annette Bamberger is the Head of The Research and Innovation in Higher Education Lab, established in 2022 at Bar-Ilan University’s Faculty of Education, and is dedicated to advancing rigorous research in higher education policy, administration, and leadership. By conducting critically oriented, theoretically informed, and empirically robust studies, our lab provides foundational analyses that advance socially just, innovative, and effective leadership within the higher education sector.

Prof. Zehavit Gross is the chairholder of the UNESCO Burg Chair in Education for Human Values, Tolerance and Peace. whose aim is to provide educators with research, insights, and practical guidance on fostering mutual understanding, tolerance, and the integration of new immigrants.

Prof. Zehavit Gross is also the head of The Sal Van Gelder Center for Holocaust Research &Instruction. The goals of the Van Gelder Center: The Van Gelder Center focuses on researching Holocaust education in schools in Israel and around the world, with diverse Jewish and non-Jewish populations.

Prof. Yaniv Efrati is the Head of the Behavioral Addiction Lab at Bar-Ilan University's Faculty of Education.

Prof. Joseph Klein, past head of the dept., explores in his research educational leadership and management, focusing on decision-making, school assessment, autonomy, and personnel selection. Prof. Klein examines how strategic planning and distributed leadership enhance school effectiveness, while assessment ensures accountability. Additionally, Prof. Klein analyzes personnel selection processes to build high-performing educational teams, providing insights into leadership, policy, and governance in education.