What Made a Canadian Teacher Stay in Israel for Five Years? Her Students!

What started as a one-year English teaching fellowship in Israel has turned into the adventure of a lifetime. I originally moved to Israel in 2020 for an internship in Jerusalem, but it was canceled due to COVID-19. Instead, I joined a teaching fellowship, thinking it would simply be a temporary change. I had no idea that decision would completely shape my life. Through that experience, I met TALMA fellows at social events who then introduced me to the program. Five years later, I am still here.

I have been teaching English in Eilat with TALMA for five years now. Every year, I tell myself it will be my last, but somehow, that has never been the truth!

TALMA has given me more than I ever expected. It has opened doors both personally and professionally, allowing me to grow in ways I never imagined. I’ve gained knowledge, leadership skills, experience, and meaningful credentials, but more importantly, I’ve built lifelong friendships and a true sense of belonging. I can honestly say I would not be the Canadian-Israeli I am today without TALMA.

But the real reason I have stayed is because of the children, my students!

The connections I’ve built with them have become one of the greatest sources of happiness in my life here in Israel. I walk into school every day and am greeted with endless hugs. My school feels like family, and the staff includes me in everything. It has truly become my second home.

Coming from abroad, I bring a different kind of energy into the classroom. One of my favorite things to do is write and direct meaningful shows for students in grades 1–6 to perform for their parents. Watching them grow in confidence, express themselves in English, and take pride in their work is something that never gets old.

There are many moments that have inspired me to continue with TALMA, but one stands out above the rest.

Three years ago, I worked closely with a Grade 6 student to help her prepare a four minute speech in English for a citywide competition. We spent hours rehearsing together. When I was younger, I loved public speaking and often competed in speech contests, so I saw a lot of myself in her.

I will never forget the moment she stood on stage and began her speech. Every time she successfully pronounced a word she had once struggled with, she looked over at me. It didn’t matter whether she won or made mistakes, what mattered was her confidence, her courage, and her joy. I was so proud that I cried through her entire speech.

After that, it became a running joke… any time a student performed, they would tease me and say, “Hannah, don’t cry this time”!

At the start of the following school year, when she had already moved on to junior high, she came back to visit me on the very first day. She brought me a flower to wish me a good year. It was a small gesture, but one I will never forget.

Another student I taught struggled deeply with self-confidence. I encouraged her to believe in herself and gave her a solo in one of our English musical performances because I truly saw her potential. Two years later, she returned to visit me and shared that she is now one of the top performers in her school’s music program. She told me she would have never had the courage to pursue it if I hadn’t supported and believed in her.

Imagine a student telling you that they are who they are because of your positive influence.

Moments like these remind me why I do what I do. They are proof that teaching is not just about language- it’s about connection, confidence, and impact. I strive to be the kind of teacher I admired growing up, someone students will remember not just for what they taught, but for how they made them feel.

Teaching with TALMA, one of Israel’s most impactful English teaching fellowships,  is incredibly rewarding., and I’ve come to a realization: I’ve stopped saying, “This will be my last year.” Instead, I can confidently say that continuing another year as a TALMA teacher is exactly what my future holds.

Hannah Sadovnick is originally from Toronto, Canada. Hannah made Aliyah in October 2022 and has been living in Israel for 5.5 years. This is her 5th year as a TALMA teacher!