Introduction As an educator, you easily find yourself feeling like you're working in isolation. Working from inside your classroom, unsure of what, how, or why your colleagues are working. Having the opportunity to step back and critically reflect on yourself is essential if you want to continue to grow in the profession. What are the “big ideas” in education? Who has a greater impact on the school, on students and their learning needs or on the state and the policies in which they develop? Do we ever wonder what the purpose of school is? Why is the system set up this way? What role has history played in the development of educational systems? This course encouraged me to reflect on my beliefs about education. Therefore I believe that the natural time for me to begin to deepen my understanding of education is to examine and analyze the purposes of education. In this article, I intend to analyze the purposes of education by comparing the education system in Ontario with that of the system in Israel. To complete this analysis I will begin by trying to define the different purposes of education by establishing a historical context for both educational systems. I will then apply Hofstede's analytical framework to deepen my understanding of the purpose of education in Israel and Ontario. This will be followed by an examination of globalization and the impact it has had on both education systems and whether globalization has changed the purposes of education in both countries. Finally, I will seek to understand how the information has and will influence my growth as an educator. Purpose of Education I have always thought that the fundamental purpose of education is to provide… a means of paper… The Promise of Diversity Ontario's Equity and Inclusive Education Strategy. Toronto, Ontario: Ontario Ministry of Education. http://www.edu.gov.on.ca/eng/policyfunding/equity.pdfPolicy/Program Memorandum No. 119. (2009, June 24). Ministry of Education Retrieved September 5, 2011, from http://www.edu.gov.on.ca/extra/eng/ppm/119.htmlSkerrett, A. (2008). Racializing educational change: Crucible and mosaic influences on educational policy and practice. Journal of Educational Change, 9, 261-280. Vision of hope. (n.d.). Toronto District School Board (TDSB). Retrieved September 13, 2011, from http://www.tdsb.on.ca/_site/ViewItem.asp?siteid=10496&menuid=27835&pageid=23941Yablon, Y. (2009). Privatization of public religious education in Israel: Improving parents' educational goals by promoting segregation?. International Journal of Inclusive Education, 13(5), 539-551.