A Day of Inspiration for Educators & changemakers delicious food, beautiful location and unforgettable experiences!
A powerful and enriching learning experience for Social Studies, English,
And all educators and community leaders who are working with K-12
Sunday, September 14, 2025 · 9AM – 3PM
Ashland, MA
Sparking Critical Thinking, Breaking Middle East Myths
A transformative retreat equipping teachers to challenge harmful Middle East narratives, build critical thinking, and inspire respectful, fact-based dialogue. Learn from personal stories of change and gain tools to help students question social media content.
Cross-Cultural Tools
Practical strategies to foster empathy, inclusion, and balanced perspectives.
Real-World Narratives
Hear from speakers who overcame conflict and chose coexistence.
Professional Growth
Recharge your teaching with tools to help students question social media bias and engage thoughtfully about Israel and the region.
Amazing Venue
Retreat Speakers
Meet the voices shaping dialogue, bridging divides, and bringing lived experience into the heart of civic education.
Loay Alshareef
A Muslim Who Challenges the Status Quo
Loay, who once held extremist views and now works worldwide to promote coexistence, brings an inspiring message of transformation, reconciliation, and the urgent importance of standing against hate — especially in classrooms and public discourse. watch Alshareef here
Brianna Wu
Strategies for Educators to Foster Critical Thinking About LGBTQ Issues in the Middle East
Brianna, as a transgender woman, will share her insights about LGBTQ rights in the Middle East, and discuss ways to promote tolerance, acceptance, and open dialogue in the region
Aia Polansky
Empowering educators with real skills
Aia is a certified personal trainer and elite self-defense instructor who specializes in motivational speaking and community empowerment. She helps individuals—especially young people and educators—discover their inner strength and confidence through physical practice and mindset work.
Event Overview
"Voices of Coexistence"
Join 150 educators for a day of experiences, learning, delicious food, and great company. Everything you need to recharge for the new school year!
Agenda Preview
| Time | Activity | |
|---|---|---|
| 9:00 AM – 9:45 AM | 🍽️ Registration, Welcome & Continental Breakfast | |
| 9:45 AM – 11:00 AM | 🎤 Keynote: Loay Alshareef + Q&A | |
| 11:00 AM – 11:15 AM | ☕ Break (Refreshments & Transition Outside) | |
| 11:15 AM – 12:00 PM | 🥋 Krav Maga Demonstration with Aia Polansky | |
| 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM | 🎤 Keynote: Brianna Wu | |
1:00 PM – 1:30 |
| |
| 1:30 PM – 2:30 PM | lunch |
A free Teacher Kit, including:
- Free access to K–12 educational resource library
- Printed booklets and postcards
- 2 books
- Printed lesson plans for elementary, middle, and high school
FAQ
Everything you need to know—from logistics to learning credits—to make the most of your retreat experience.
Each event will feature carefully chosen, engaging speakers who promote excellence and a love of learning. You will explore a diverse range of topics and perspectives — including art, archaeology, literature, history, groundbreaking technology, inspiring inventions, advanced medicine, and much more. What we truly value is the quality of these speakers — their expertise, professionalism, and the inspiration they bring to everyone who listens to them.
At a time of rising antisemitism and violence, we are choosing to strengthen light and love. Our goal is to empower teachers with knowledge about Israel, because we believe ignorance breeds hatred. We also encourage critical and creative thinking, bringing fresh, out-of-the-box ideas to spark new inspiration and meaningful conversations.
For questions or assistance, please contact Nirit Friedlander, Massachusetts Chairwoman, at nirit@IsraelUSA.org.
Is the retreat recognized for professional development?”
We are currently working on this and hope to secure approval very soon. We will update as soon as we know.
This retreat is a pilot program, part of an exciting new Teachers’ Center for Excellence that will host similar events several times a year.
The Israeli-American Civic Action Network (ICAN) is a nonprofit organization empowering civic education and advocacy through a pro-democracy, cross-cultural lens. The ICAN Center for Educators supports teachers with resources and experiences that promote coexistence, inclusion, and civic engagement.
Registration closes on Friday, September 6, 2025, or when capacity is reached. Space is limited to 150 educators—early registration is strongly encouraged.
Each participant will receive a curated Educator’s Toolkit featuring:
Lesson ideas and discussion guides on coexistence
Classroom-ready resources and free books
Access to a repository of recommended educational materials by grade level
Scenic Lakeside Setting: Located on 100 acres of preserved woodlands on the shores of the Ashland Reservoir — ideal for reflection, connection, and outdoor sessions like Krav Maga.
Parking: Free, ample on-site parking for all attendees.
Accessibility: ADA-compliant with accessible restrooms, parking, and entrances.
Wi-Fi: Complimentary high-speed Wi-Fi throughout the facility.
Warren Conference Center and Inn
529 Chestnut Street, Ashland, MA 01721
Save Your Spot — Register for Free Now!
Free until August 1st, then a registration fee applies.