Nice to meet you!

My name is Michal Leshem, and I am so glad you are here! Before you dig in, I would like to tell you a little bit about myself:

I am a proud mom of four amazing boys (ages 9, 8, 6, and 2) and a wife to Yair. We currently live in New Jersey, after relocating from Israel three years ago. I am an educator with an extensive background in science and cyber technology. I am also the co-author of “The Exploring Twins” Book Series, a series designed for children in grades K-4 to read about, experience, and grow to love science. Driven by  my passion for education and motivated by my personal journey and varied proficiencies, I have been incorporating non-orthodox, student-centered teaching methods into my practice for the past 18 years. Over the years, I have managed educational programs targeting a wide range of ages and expertise – from elementary school all the way to college and postgraduate students. In 2013, I decided to dedicate my life to supporting and promoting education and diversity in the public and private school systems.

From 1998-2013 I mastered in Computer Science, Cyber-Technology and Intelligence, working in the elite intelligence unit, 8200, of the Israel Defense Forces. I managed large-scale and complex programs and personnel and I was awarded the highly prestigious Israel Defense Prize from the late president Shimon Perez. In 2006, I graduated college with a B.Sc. in Biomedical Engineering. Throughout my military service, I was passionately involved in teaching and mentoring young soldier-researchers. After my military service, I earned a “Master of Education” degree (Ed.M) and my Teaching and Physics Teaching certifications.

When I began teaching, I applied student-centered learning approaches  in two multi-age classes (4-6 and 5-7) of Physics and Science students with heterogenic cognitive skill-sets. During these years (2014-2016), I was also part of the founding team of the Israeli National Cyber Education Center (CEC). I performed various roles that combined cyber technology and education, including being a content manager and a general manager of educational cyber programs. Thereafter, I was swiftly promoted to become a part of the National CEC’s executive team. Starting in 2015, I was engaged in collaborating with the Federal Ministry of Education, Federal Ministry of Defense, industrial partners, and various stakeholders, to promote the Center’s educational goals. I have now taken the lead as the General Manager of a cyber education program for grades 10-12, overseeing more than 70 educational institutes across Israel.  Today, I am the Chief Growth Officer of the Center. As a member of the executive team and as part of my responsibilities in this role, I define the Center’s growth directions and manage a unique and innovative cyber learning program for computer science graduates.

Three years ago, we left our home in Israel, our friends, and our family, and moved to the USA because of my husband’s job. This move was challenging for me, but also opened many new and fascinating opportunities, especially in my education career.

During these last three years, in addition to my work with the Israeli National CEC, I felt it was important for me to get to know different schools in the USA. I wanted to become familiar with diverse educational methods and systems. To date, I have visited more than twenty different schools in the tri-state area, including some Sudbury, Montessori, and Anthroposophy schools. I have learned about project-guided studying, the democratic approach and other interesting topics by speaking with the staff, the principals and the students.

Last summer, I learned for the first time about the “Acton Academy” network. I read Laura Sandefer’s book, “Courage to Grow“, and loved everything I read about Acton’s approach to learning and education.  Shortly thereafter, I found out that an Acton Academy school recently opened in Verona, only a 50 minute drive from my house. I reached out to the founder of the Verona campus, we talked, and few weeks later I started working there as a part-time Guide. I spend two days per week in the studio alongside the main guide who the Eagles affectionately nicknamed Alden. Alden is a fictional character in one of their favorite books and the name literally means “wise, old friend”. What could be a better description of what a guide at Acton should be. I feel that the Acton approach is in sync with my personal beliefs and teaching methodology.

In this blog I want to share with you my thoughts and experiences from my hero’s journey at Acton .