The UAE’s education system comprises public and private schools. Public schools are funded by the government and are composed entirely of Emirati students. The language of instruction is Arabic but expat teachers are employed for specialist subjects and English. The private school sector is made up of international schools following curricula from the UK, the US, and International Baccalaureate (IB). You will most likely find yourself in a British curriculum school or an IB school. Although these may seem familiar, you should be prepared for differences in classroom management styles, lesson planning, assessment, student behaviour, and parental expectations.
Teaching in a private international school in the UAE versus a public school at home, offers two distinctly different experiences. Each setting has its unique characteristics, benefits, and challenges. Understanding these differences can provide valuable insights for educators considering a transition between these two environments.
Curriculum and Educational Standards:
Private international schools in the UAE often follow internationally recognized curricula such as the British, American, or International Baccalaureate (IB) programs. These schools typically maintain high academic standards and offer a broad range of subjects and extracurricular activities. The focus is on holistic education, critical thinking, and preparing students for global opportunities. Depending on the curriculum, the school will have their own assessment requirements. However, all schools in the UAE will also follow National Agenda Parameters - this includes international assessments like TIMSS, PIRLS, and PISA to measure educational performance.
Student Demographics:
The student body in international schools is highly diverse, with students from various nationalities and cultural backgrounds. This multicultural environment fosters a global perspective but can also present challenges in addressing different learning needs and cultural sensitivities. EduLink Services will support you in understanding some of these when you have accepted a job offer, before you make the move.
Teaching Environment and Resources:
International schools in the UAE are generally well-funded, with access to modern facilities, advanced technology, and a wide range of teaching resources and materials. Class sizes tend to be smaller (generally 24 per class but this can increase or decrease depending on the school). Teachers are expected to prepare and utilise bespoke resources – rather than using ready-made resources and materials. You will also be supported by tech solutions as well as physical resources provided by the school.
Professional Development and Support:
Schools here often emphasise continuous professional development, offering regular training sessions, workshops, and conferences. Teachers have opportunities to enhance their skills and stay updated with global educational trends. Additionally, schools often provide support for new teachers to help them acclimate to the new work environment.
Work-Life Balance:
Teaching in the UAE can be demanding, with longer working hours and high expectations for both academic and extracurricular involvement. However, the financial benefits (tax-free salaries, housing allowances, and other perks) can significantly enhance the overall quality of life.
That being said, the UAE promotes a work-life balance - Fridays are a half day for all schools and the weekend is on Saturday and Sunday. The working hours and teaching load for teachers can vary significantly depending on the type of school and the level of education. The school day usually starts around 7:30 AM and ends between 2:30 PM and 3:30 PM - depending on the school and grade level. Teachers are often expected to arrive before students and may stay after school hours for meetings, preparation, or extracurricular activities.
Teaching loads can vary. The number of teaching periods per week can range from 15 to 30, depending on the school’s schedule and the teacher’s role. It is important to note though that each school will have different period lengths - from 30 minutes to one hour generally speaking. You will have non-contact time throughout the week which you can use for planning, preparation, assessment and feedback.
Cultural and Social Environment:
Working in a multicultural environment offers the chance to engage with different cultures and teaching practices. However, teachers must be adaptable and sensitive to various cultural norms and values. Socially, the UAE offers a vibrant expat community with numerous opportunities for networking and leisure activities.
Conclusion:
Teaching in a private international school in the UAE versus a public school in the UK or Ireland each offers unique opportunities and challenges. The choice between these two environments depends on personal preferences, career goals, and the desired lifestyle. Working internationally provides a dynamic, multicultural setting with excellent resources and financial benefits – as well as plenty of opportunities to grow into middle leadership and senior leadership positions. Whether you choose to continue to work and live abroad, or plan to return home at a later stage, teachers in UAE schools are sought after given the high standards they are expected to perform to.
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