Full Year Fellowship
Overview
The TALMA Full Year Fellowship is a 10.5-month, paid, full-time teaching and professional development experience for early to mid-career educators from around the world. Each year, fellows live and work in communities across Israel, co-teaching English in high-need schools while gaining the tools, training, and support to integrate into Israeli society and the local school system. Whether you’re exploring a future in Israel or seeking an immersive international teaching opportunity, the Full Year Fellowship offers a meaningful path forward.
TALMA Fellowship benefits include:
– Generous monthly stipend
– Housing
– Health Insurance
– Transportation (including roundtrip flights, for those joining from abroad)
– Hebrew classes
– Guaranteed job placement
– Mentoring & coaching
– Professional development
– Supportive and warm community
As a TALMA Full Year Fellow, your full-time responsibilities will include teaching, professional development, and community engagement. Four days each week will be dedicated to teaching English—primarily in K–12 classrooms, with opportunities to support additional TALMA initiatives as needed. You’ll be expected to plan your own lessons, attend English department meetings, and take an active role as a contributing member of your school community.
On the remaining workday, you’ll participate in Hebrew language classes and attend professional development sessions as a community. Throughout the year, you’ll engage in both professional and social programming designed to strengthen your teaching practice, build cross-cultural relationships, and help you feel at home in Israel
The Track 2 program is a 10-month, full-time teaching opportunity designed for experienced educators with prior experience in Israeli classrooms. Like the traditional Full Year Fellowship, Track 2 teachers spend four days each week teaching English in K–12 settings and are expected to take an active role in their school communities. In addition to classroom teaching, participants may contribute to school- or community-based English initiatives and take part in select professional development opportunities throughout the year. Track 2 teachers may also have the option to complete their Staj (internship) year through this program.
Unlike traditional fellows, Track 2 teachers live independently (not with other fellows) and do not participate in the full slate of social or professional programming. This track is ideal for educators with families or for those who prefer a more independent experience while still benefiting from TALMA’s structure, and support. Track 2 teachers should have previous experience teaching in Israel, OR experience teaching English as a Foreign Language. The program offers a guaranteed teaching placement, monthly salary, and opportunities for continued growth within Israel’s public education system.
Eligibility
To be eligible for the TALMA Full Year Fellowship, you should:
- be an early to mid-career educator
- have at least a Bachelor’s degree;
- have at least one year of classroom teaching experience; and
- be eligible for Israel’s B-1 visa, as defined by the country’s Law of Return
We also recommend that candidates without any Israeli classroom experience complete a TALMA Summer Fellowship or similar program.
If you think you’d be a good candidate for this Fellowship – even if you don’t meet all of the criteria listed above – schedule a chat with us to talk more! TALMA believes in supporting educators’ growth and potential at all stages, and knows that not all great candidates will check all of the boxes.
Application Process
- Submit Your Application
Begin by completing the written application, which includes uploading a 1–2 page resume and providing the names and contact information of two references. Please note: Resumes longer than two pages or incomplete applications will not be reviewed. References will only be contacted after your interview, and we will notify you beforehand. - Initial Interview
If your application is selected, you’ll be invited to a Zoom interview with TALMA’s Deputy Director. - Final Interview
Candidates moving forward will be invited to a second Zoom interview with TALMA’s Full Year Director and a member of our Pedagogy Team. - Final Evaluation
At this stage, you’ll be asked to submit a sample lesson plan and teaching video, and we’ll contact your references. Detailed instructions will be provided if you reach this point.
We’ll keep you updated via email throughout the process. Due to the high volume of applicants, we’re unable to respond to individual requests for status updates. Thank you for your patience and understanding.
Where We Serve
Current (2024-25) TALMA Full Year Fellow communities exist in Ashkelon, Ben Shemen Youth Village, Jerusalem, and Eilat. For the ‘25 – ‘26 school year we anticipate opening new communities in the north of the country and close to the Gaza envelope, to continue to support students who have been directly impacted by the October 7th terror attacks and the ensuing war. Note that locations can vary and are subject to change.
Testimonials
Why TALMA? In the words of our Fellows…
My name is Micaela Seidman, and I’m originally from Buenos Aires, Argentina. Since joining TALMA in Summer 2022, I’ve participated in the Full-Year programs through 2024-2025, all based in Jerusalem. These experiences have not only deepened my understanding of the Israeli education system but also allowed me to work in diverse schools, fostering meaningful relationships with students and colleagues.
In November 2023, I took the transformative step of making aliyah, beginning my journey of fully integrating into Israeli society. TALMA has played a crucial role in this transition, providing me with a supportive platform to navigate the complexities of starting a new life while contributing meaningfully to the education system. Through TALMA, I’ve been able to adapt at my own pace, surrounded by a community of like-minded educators who share a commitment to growth and cultural exchange.
After October 7th, TALMA’s mission became even more significant. It is not just a teaching program- it is a community that promotes resilience, mutual understanding, and hope. As educators, we bring cultural diversity into the classroom, equipping students with essential English skills while fostering a sense of connection and possibility.
Beyond teaching, TALMA has offered me opportunities for personal and professional development, including workshops, courses, and cultural experiences that have strengthened both my career and my ties to Israeli culture.
Now, as the Teacher Leader of the Jerusalem fellows, I have the privilege of supporting others as they navigate the challenges of living and working in Israel. I know firsthand how vital it is to have a community like TALMA during such a life-changing journey.
TALMA has been more than a program to me- it has been a bridge, helping me find my place in Israeli society while making a meaningful impact as an educator. It has transformed my aliyah experience, giving me purpose, support, and a deep connection to the country I now call home.“
My name is Sarah Markowitz, I’m 30 years old from Detroit, MI and I’m honored to share with you my Talma Israel story. I have been a full year fellow with TALMA for two years now and can honestly say it’s been the most transformative, rewarding job of my life. I found Talma after I’d been teaching in Israel for one year, and I loved the idea of being in a fellowship with other like-minded young educators wanting to make a difference in Israel.
October 7, 2023 fell nearly one month into my first year as a Talma fellow. I was thoroughly impressed and grateful by the way the organization supported us and communicated with us through unprecedented times. And when Talma announced it would be opening a project in the south for the children directly affected, I knew it was right for me.
With a background in social work and a wide range of unique work experiences, Talma saw me and my potential and matched me with a school where my talents could really shine. Because of Talma I have the privilege and honor of working with the children of Kfar Aza and other kibbutzim in the Gaza envelope, alongside an incredible partner. From matching me in the right school, to helping me find the perfect co-teacher to do this mission with me, to the very generous accommodations, Talma has truly taken care of me and made me feel appreciated as an educator in every way. This incredible work environment enables me to really be there for the kids and meet new goals at full potential.
My name is Jason Watson, and my wife and I made Aliyah a few years ago from the United States. As a Native American educator and citizen of the Chickasaw Nation, I’ve spent my career committed to equity in education. I began my journey in the Peace Corps in Uzbekistan, where I focused on English education reform, and later worked in the U.S. supporting Native communities through education. Education has been my life’s work, from supporting Native communities at home to fostering language learning abroad. After transitioning out of the Israeli education system, I was drawn to TALMA’s mission and knew it was the right place to continue serving diverse communities through meaningful, student-centered learning.
This year with TALMA has allowed me to contribute in new and impactful ways. I helped expand the program to new school sites, building positive partnerships with teachers and administrators and supporting students as they developed confidence in their English skills. TALMA has given me the opportunity to bring my experience full circle by combining pedagogy, cultural understanding, and leadership to make a difference. It’s been a privilege to grow with this community and represent a program that aligns so closely with my values.
My name is Sofía Zundel. I’m 28 years old and originally from Colombia. I had the opportunity to participate in the TALMA Summer Fellowship in 2024, and it was truly a life-changing experience. I gained deep insight into the educational culture in Israel, which had such a powerful impact on me that I decided to make Aliyah in February 2025. After arriving, I rejoined TALMA for the remainder of the Full Year Fellowship in Jerusalem. Although it was just four months, it was still an incredibly fulfilling experience. The program is full of joy, meaningful learning, and a strong sense of community. Being surrounded by passionate educators from around the world, all living a similar lifestyle here in Israel, creates a unique support system and a deep feeling of belonging. The teaching experience through TALMA has also been immensely rewarding. I’m currently teaching English in two schools, and I genuinely love both. At the same time, I’m learning Hebrew, which adds another rich layer to this journey. TALMA has given me not only professional growth but also personal fulfillment every single day.
Being part of life in Israel through this beautiful program has made me feel truly included—not just as a teacher, but as a Jewish educator finding her place in a new home. TALMA has helped me feel part of something bigger, connected to a community and a purpose, and for that, I am incredibly happy and grateful.
Application
Fill out the Full Year Fellowship Interest Form here.