In the poll conducted by IPANEL for “Midgam” (Sampling, Consulting & Research) LTD., 500 Hebrew-speaking adults were asked if they trust school teachers. 88% responded that they do. 22% of that number said they have absolute trust in teachers and of the 88% of respondents, 70% added that they would not want their children to become teachers.

Among respondents who earn more than the national average, 100% have moderate or absolute trust in teachers but this figure drops to 75% among average wage earners.

70% of respondents feel teachers’ wages should be increased to the level of engineers and physicians and over 70% admit having at least one teacher that impacted their lives during their school years.

According to Yellin College President Prof. Zmira Mevarech, the poll shows that despite negative reports regarding Israel’s education system, teachers seem to leave an indelible mark on students are they are growing up. The poll is timed to coincide with National Teachers Day, the second being observed in Israel, celebrated in many countries around the world.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)