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Teaching in UAE's International Schools

by Expatguru - 01/29/2012

"This article gives information about teaching careers in UAE's International Schools."

"International Schools" in the United Arab Emirates differ from local schools in the sense that the subjects taught here typically follow exactly the same curriculum as what is taught back home. In case of western schools, the academic year usually begins in the 3rd week of August. Recruitment for teachers begins as early as February each year for these schools. There is a great demand for qualified and experienced teaching staff for various subjects. The best part is that there is no discrimination based on your nationality and if you have the right qualifications and experience, you could teach in a school which is not necessarily of your own country.

There are certain specific requirements for schools following certain syllabi. For example, if you want to teach in a British school, you must be holding a QTS certificate. Holding a PGCE (Post Graduate Certificate in Education) qualification is an added advantage. You can also do a PGCE course online and it takes usually one year to complete this course. QTS stands for Qualified Teacher Status, which is a pre-requisite for becoming a teacher in all state-maintained schools in the UK. Most British schools in the UAE seek this basic requirement, at least for higher grades.

Typically, the basic salary for primary school teachers in Western schools is in the range of AED15000 per month. Furnished accommodation, free tuition fees for 2 dependent kids, health insurance, transportation and annual air tickets are some of the other perks which expatriate teachers are usually offered.

Other schools following their own countries’ syllabi usually also follow the same criteria set by their respective education authorities in their home countries. For example, Indian school teachers are required to have a B.Ed (Bachelor’s degree in education) certification apart from their regular graduation, as required by the Central Board of Secondary Education. Similarly, DepEd’s (Department of Education) regulations apply for Philippine Schools. American schools are more flexible. Most international American schools have accreditation back home from institutions such as Middle States Association of Schools and Colleges. Though American schools generally do not strictly insist on specific qualifications, a degree in the relevant field and at least 4 years experience in an international school is usually considered as a minimum standard.
There is a reason why international schools follow the same syllabus set by the in the home countries. Since expat contracts do not necessarily coincide with the end of the academic year, this arrangement ensures continuity of education and smooth transition for children of expats, when they return home. The floating population of expatriates also gives rise to another peculiar problem – perennial shortage of qualified and experienced teachers.

If you have the right qualifications and experience, choosing teaching as a career in the UAE would be a highly rewarding experience.

Expatguru

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