Outstanding Faculty

Dr. Ivy Kidron
Lecturer in Mathematics
Machon Tal

Even as a child "teaching" her dolls, Ivy Kidron always knew she wanted to be an educator; she never anticipated, however, that she would one day reach the upper echelons of the Israeli academic world where she is today. As a lecturer of mathematics at Machon Tal and a scientific advisor at the Weizmann Institute, Dr. Kidron attributes much of her teaching success to the strong secular and Jewish studies foundation she received growing up in Paris from her education both inside and outside her home.

Upon her aliya to Israel, she entered the halls odf higher learning, receiving a Masters and a Doctorate in Science teaching from Hebrew University before continuing her post-doctoral studies at the Weizmann Institute. Her ability to balance her academic career with her responsibilities in raising a family is remarkable, and serves as an example to all women that success can be achieved without compromise. As the mother of eight, she credits her husband with her success in maintaining a strong Torah home and a profession, for he provides continuous support and maintains a partner role in parenting.

Dr. Kidron's love for teaching is displayed both in and out of the classroom. "All of my research has been conducted on using the tools that we currently have - from computer software to mathematical concepts - to make mathematics pleasant and enjoyable to learn," she says. Dr. Kidron seeks to instill the importance of the practical appli­cation of technology to her first and second year students at Machon Tal. Beyond the classroom walls she works just as hard, building strong relationships with students, and serving as a role model by offering guidance and support.

Dr. Kidron devotes endless hours to her teaching and preparation. "I love offering lectures, and I need to make sure they are very good as there are a lot of different ways to teach any given topic," she explains. "The girls at Machon Tal are high quality. They are serious and focused and work hard to succeed," she says. The middot tovot (positive character traits) of the women also impresses Dr. Kidron.

"I was excited when I first heard about the opening of Machon Tal, as I knew that there was a great demand for such a school. The girls love Machon Tal, it's obvious to see. They have created a school that is a like a family - close and personal," Kidron says. While stress often permeates academic institutions,

Kidron believes the personal integrity and behavior of Machon Tal students helps maintain the institution's unique tranquil environment, even with the mixed student body coming from different backgrounds, cultures, and countries.

Dr. Kidron hopes her teaching will help the students succeed, and she antici­pates that the education they receive at Machon Tal will give them the tools to choose their careers. She recommends that students balance work, studies, and a family life. When she sees the husbands holding babies waiting for their wives to finish a lecture lining the halls of Machon Tal, she knows they are doing just fine.