A Model Developed for Multicultural Teacher Education: Israel

No widespread emphasis in Israel has yet been put on educating student teachers for multiculturalism. The application of a multicultural approach in teacher education programs may reduce Arab-Jewish conflicts and encourage the development of more positive mutual human relations. This paper presents a model for teacher education based upon a multicultural approach. The model incorporates existing theoretical models with practical aspects of education for multiculturalism, as they are manifested in Israeli teacher education institutions in which the student body is composed of Jews and Arabs. The model was developed on the basis of a study of multiculturalism in teacher education in Israel. Israel is treated here as a case study, and the model, though based in the Israeli reality, is relevant for other multicultural societies. Application of the model in teacher education should be carried out in steps and over a considerable period of time. It is posited that gradual application would make it possible for lecturers and student teachers alike to re-examine their identities, and at the end of the process, for teachers to become change agents in their schools