Ronit Ron-Yerushalmi, Kavod Charter School Director of Language and Global Studies, is one of those extraordinary people who was born to make a difference. From her passion for language to her infectious personality and dedication to teaching and learning, Ronit is woven into the fabric of our small, tuition-free charter school, touching the lives of everyone she meets and making a world of difference. It’s no small wonder that Kavod parent volunteer, Inbar Scochat, says “Ronit is Kavod.”
Since the age of 9, Ronit dreamed of changing the world for the better through her love for language and culture. Born in a small moshav in Israel, Ronit earned a BA from Tel Aviv University with a double major in Israeli culture and history and Middle Eastern studies. Her formal education continued here in the U.S., earning a M.Ed from the University of Minnesota with a focus on second language and culture education that would lead Ronit to fall in love with teaching:
I loved the very personal relationships that develop in language classes. As we learn Hebrew, we talk a lot about many different things –families, life plans, beliefs, hobbies, and so on – and I really get to know the students. I also loved the way I was able to use language classes to help students learn and appreciate Israeli culture. At the end of my first year of teaching Hebrew, I decided to enroll in a graduate program on teaching foreign language and culture, and made it my vocation.
As Director of Language and Global Studies at Kavod, Ronit has found a partner in fulfilling her mission to change the world for the better with free, high quality access to modern Hebrew in a non-religious setting:
I understand and appreciate those institutions that teach Hebrew for religious purposes, but I have also recognized that there is a broader need for Hebrew education (and, more generally, for foreign-language education). At Kavod, we teach Hebrew language and Israeli culture as part of a curriculum that prepares students to become global citizens who are knowledgeable and appreciative of cultural diversity. I think that this is really important.
Ronit also aligns philosophically with the innovative teaching techniques at Kavod that invite explorers to function in Hebrew rather than simply memorize words and phrases. It’s precisely this joyful, authentic approach alongside Ronit’s unwavering support for our program that has earned Kavodthe Pathway to the Seal of Biliteracy recognition from the State of California.
In addition to teaching and advocating for the inclusion of less commonly taught languages throughout public school systems, Ronit creates opportunities for Kavod explorers to be immersed in Hebrew and the culture of Israel. She worked tirelessly to organize, plan and chaperone the 8th grade Capstone Trip to Israel which gave all students the opportunity to explore new lands and cultures.
Ronit brings joy and unity to our school community. Everyone who meets her immediately recognizes that she loves teaching and gives her heart and soul to the school. For her innovative and pioneering spirit, Ronit has recently been awarded a Charter Stars Award for Outstanding Innovator. In her support of this award, Alexa Greenland, Executive Director of Kavod Charter School said,
The existence of our school is a complete tribute to her and her successes.
When she’s not at school, Ronit loves to spend time with her three daughters, partner Amit, and their dog. She enjoys listening to music from around the world, baking and urban explorations of San Diego and the region. She’s also dabbling in yoga and transcendental meditation as a way to enhance teachers’ well being.
Ronit’s impact on our school is immeasurable. We are so proud of Ronit for her incredible accomplishments, thankful for her contributions to our Kavod community and happy that others can also see the bright light that Ronit is for the future of modern Hebrew. Thank you, Ronit!
ABOUT KAVOD
Kavod is a non-religious, tuition-free public school that teaches the modern Hebrew language to TK-8th grade explorers in San Diego. We value rigor, bilingualism and international education as a means to develop compassionate global citizens. Kavod means “Respect” in Hebrew- and our vision is for every explorer to respect themselves, each other, their community, and other cultures. Enroll with Kavod today!
Hear more from Ronit and how she directly impacts the Kavod community every day!
