The growing importance of research at academic colleges of education in Israel

Since 1979 colleges of education in Israel have been re‐conceptualized as academic institutions. The reform includes professional advancement of teacher educators through the creation of four academic ranks. One of the criteria for moving up the hierarchy from one position to the next is engagement in research activity. What benefits can be derived from the growing involvement in research and how can it impact on the individual and the institution? Responses to a questionnaire administered in one college of education indicate that there is agreement among teacher educators that research work can contribute to their need for professional growth and self‐actualization and can contribute to their teaching. However, they agree that research work does not contribute to the development of leadership skills and, although teacher educators are partially ranked for promotion through their research activity, there does not seem to be any increased involvement in the decision‐making processes at the college.