About Us

The David Yellin Academic College of Education is located in Jerusalem’s pastoral Beit Hakerem neighborhood.

Over 110 Years of Impact
Founded in 1913 as The Hebrew Teachers’ Seminary, it pioneered teacher education in Hebrew and shaped the path for modern Israeli education.
For over 110 years, the college has trained thousands of teachers, intellectuals, writers, poets, and education leaders across Israel.

A Diverse Community

With more than 5,000 students, the David Yellin College is a true meeting point of Israeli society: religious and secular Jews, Muslim and Christian Arabs, and new immigrants — all united by the shared goal of becoming tomorrow’s educators.

Faculty & Staff

The college operates as a non-profit institution, guided by a board of trustees and an active administrative committee. Its academic community includes about 600 lecturers and over 100 dedicated staff members.

Programs & Pathways

From Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees to teaching certification, professional development, special programs, and pre-academic prep courses — the college offers a rich variety of study opportunities tailored to meet diverse needs.

Green Campus Commitment

Since 2007, the college has been recognized as an official “green campus” by Israel’s Ministry of the Environment. Through the Center for Education for Sustainability, students and staff engage with environmental values, knowledge, and practices that promote a culture of sustainability — for today and for future generations.

Vision

The College is a forerunner for over a 110 years and also leads its way into becoming a future innovator.

As befits an institution that prepares the teachers of the future, the college is committed to the following core values, which it has emblazoned on its banner:

Educating for tolerance and against violence;
Aspiring to excellence;
Educating for sustainability;
Educating for multiculturalism in Israeli society;
Social involvement;
Leading teachers’ professional development;
Including people with various needs in society.

By applying these values, we can take steps toward shaping the face of society in Israel in the coming years.

Goals

Promote, develop and implement up-to-date and innovative teaching methods, learning and research.
Enhance pluralism and tolerance in a multicultural society on the way of integrating into a global village, while maintaining cultural and ideological uniqueness.
Impart pedagogic know-how and methods as well as develop critical thinking, intellectual curiosity and creativity among students in each of the sudied fields of knowledge.
Train board minded teachers and educators that are proficient in the areas of knowledge they specialize in and cultural and general core values as well as Israeli culture with an attentive ear to each of their students.
Produce graduates that are responsible citizens that are socially involved and instrumental in enhancing society and community.
Train teachers and teaching auxiliary professionals that would be able to be integrated into the formal and informal education system and provide an answer to each age group and capability spectrum, ranging from the most talented to those with learning disabilities.

For over 110 years, the David Yellin Academic College of Education has been a cornerstone of Israeli education — shaping teachers, leaders, and community life from its historic home in Jerusalem’s Beit HaKerem neighborhood.

Official Name & Early Identity

Originally named “The Hebrew Teachers’ Seminary established by David Yellin”, though widely known as the “Beit HaKerem Seminary.”
Established in 1913, it grew out of the “Ezra Seminary for Teacher Training,” founded by German Jews.
At first, studies were bilingual: general studies in German, Jewish studies in Hebrew.

The “War of the Languages”

Just before the seminary’s founding, a heated national debate erupted over the language of instruction in schools.
In protest, 18 teachers, led by David Yellin, resigned from “Ezra” institutions in Jerusalem.
Their actions led to the creation of the Hebrew Teachers’ Institute, where all teaching was conducted in Hebrew — a historic milestone in Hebrew education.

Building the Permanent Campus

In its early years, the Institute moved between temporary buildings in Jerusalem.
In 1925, David Yellin traveled to America to raise funds for a permanent structure.
Upon his return, the Beit HaKerem neighborhood committee donated 14 dunams of land for the new seminary and a local school.
By 1929, the Hebrew Teachers’ Institute relocated to its new landmark campus in Beit HaKerem.

A College in Service of Community & Defense

From the start, students were active in local community life and defense efforts during times of peace, riots, and wars.
1929 riots: Residents from nearby neighborhoods took refuge in the unfinished building, which also served as a makeshift cowshed.
1935: The Hagana installed a weapons cache and used the basement as a training center.
1936–1938: A guards’ station operated within the seminary.
1948 War of Independence: The building hosted Palmach and Field Corps squads preparing for Gush Etzion — including the fateful convoy of the 35 fighters.
1967 Six Day War: Paratroopers assembled in and around the college before the battle for Ammunition Hill; the Israeli flag raised over the Western Wall came from nearby.

Honoring Sacrifice

A plaque at the main entrance commemorates Beit HaKerem residents, students, and graduates who fell in Israel’s wars.

Growth & Expansion

The historic façade has been preserved, while the campus expanded:

Two additional stories with classrooms, offices, and a large library.
Mayerhof Auditorium and Conference Hall (600 seats) opened in 1997.
A six-floor new wing (two below ground) was completed in 2003.

Academic Evolution

Early curriculum: five years of study after elementary school, with one year dedicated to pedagogical training for elementary education.
Since then, the college has graduated over 20,000 students.
Today, it offers Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees, teacher certification, pre-academic prep courses, diploma studies, and special programs to meet the needs of Israel’s diverse society.

Governance & Leadership

Chairman of the Board of Trustees

Mr. Zvi Raviv

Board of Directors

Mr. Aharon Marmarosh - Acting Chairman

Mr. Yosef Apter, MBA

Mr. Zeev Gutman

Mr. Benny Dror

Mr. Ariel Heimann, PhD

Mr. Mordichai Friedman, PhD

Mr. Eliezer Kalai

Mr. Zvi Raviv - Chairman of the Board of Trustees

Mr. Nachum Shavitzky

Ms. Tehila Shemesh

Audit Committee

Mr. Shlomo Schwartzberger – Chairman

Mr. Lior Kitner, CPA (Israel)

Mr. Lesy Jonathan, CPA איות

Executive Management

President of the College – Prof. Yoseph Frost

Vice President - Prof. Boaz Tsabar

Vice President of Administration and Finance – Ari Shalit, CPA