Over 200 Dubai teachers to attend licensing project

Dubai - More than 200 teachers to undergo professional development training and assessment to meet requirements of new standards

About 200 teachers are expected to participate in the Teacher and Educational Leadership Standards (TELS) and Licensing pilot project, which is being rolled out across 15 schools in Dubai.

Read: Now, a new licensing programme for Abu Dhabi teachers

"The teacher licensing project is designed to achieve goals set out in UAE National Agenda. This will lead to a higher quality of teaching which is based on professional standards and guarantees minimum knowledge and skills associated with teaching," said Dr Thani Ahmed Al Mehairi, Director General of National Qualifications Authority (NQA) and chair of Supreme National Steering Committee.

The UAE Teacher and Educational Leadership Standards have been developed by educational regulators in the country to make sure that teachers at different career stages can demonstrate the competence needed to provide quality teaching and learning for students across the country.

Also read: Teacher quality demands higher pay

As part of the teacher-licensing project, the competence of teachers will be judged against a number of performance criteria and indicators, and teachers will have to demonstrate knowledge, understanding and skills - as well as their application - as part of the requirements of acquiring a teaching license.

"The project will adopt a specific career path for education licensing which includes the undertaking of modules to meet licensing requirements," Dr Thani added. "The renewal will be based on performance assessment and professional development requirements which will lead to the development of a clear professional path for teachers."

The standards set forth in the program align with the UAE Vision to adopt international best practices for teaching and creating a first-rate education system in the country. Teachers will undergo professional development and assessments, which is designed to standardize their skills and practices across schools.

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"Teacher licensing is a pioneering project that will allow us to see an improvement in the quality of teaching and help achieve the objectives outlined in the UAE National Agenda," said Dr. Abdulla Al Karam, Chairman of the Board of Directors and Director General of the Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA). "This is a good opportunity for the UAE to produce a teacher licensing system which can work as a global tool. By working with diverse curriculums, this project will present itself as a valuable opportunity for teachers to improve their skills in line with international standards." ?

"The teacher licensing project will have a positive impact on the overall quality of education and it will also extend greater career opportunities to teachers by improving their mobility," he added.

Dr Naji Al Mahdi, Chief of Qualifications and Awards in Dubai, explained that the implementation of the licensing project will take place over three distinct phases. In the first stage, teachers will apply for a provisional license, followed by self-assessment and training. In the third and final stage, teachers will take a TELSUAE test to receive UAE a competent teacher status license. He also noted that the standards for teacher licensing were developed in coordination with various government entities and based on best practices from around the globe.

Parents look to schools to promote values among kids

In Dubai, the pilot phase is being rolled out in 15 private schools by KHDA and professional development, training and assessment will be conducted by the British University in Dubai (BUiD). As part of the pilot phase, principals from participating schools were given information at the requirements at a briefing session, and teachers applying also were briefed during an awareness session.

"I believe TELSUAE is a very significant step in standardising the quality of teaching and learning in the UAE schools to enhance the overall standard of the education system in the UAE," said Professor Abdullah Alshamsi, Vice-Chancellor of BUid.

Schools react

The project was lauded by members of participating schools.

The Principal of the Al Mawakeb School in Al Garhoud, for example, noted that the

"TELSUAE project is an opportunity for teachers to gain a different perspective on education and professional growth as we move forward in the UAE towards achieving the competent teacher status."

Ruth Burke, the Principal of GEMS Wellington International School, remarked that:

"We have seen great improvements in the quality and consistency of Dubai schools, which is reflected in the school inspection ratings."

"This focused approach on quality has benefited every student in the city. At a city wide level, the commitment to drive student outcomes will be key in achieving school based targets and national targets . Bringing a standardised approach to teaching will benefit all stakeholders and help us do the best for our students while achieving national agenda targets."

The Director of Deira International School, Jeff Smith, said:

"Professional recognition of teachers is important and it will definitely improve the social status of teachers by adding to their professionalism. There is a lot to gain from this initiative."

Elizabeth Swartz, a Grade 5 teacher at Dubai American Academy said:

"Being an effective teacher is much more than being an expert in subject matter. Student-centered teaching, establishing and maintaining professional relationships with students, promoting positive learning environments, understanding personal and professional ethics within the UAE are skills that prospective teachers will learn through this programme."

reporters@khaleejtimes.com

Parents look to schools to promote values among kids

How does teacher licensing work in Dubai?

Stage 1 - Application for teacher license

Teachers submit an application for a teacher license. Those teachers who meet the initial requirements receive a provisional license. An induction program for teachers will provide further information on TELS evidence guide, methods of assessment, permissible evidence, self-assessment, mini-portfolio, training needs analysis and professional development training.

Stage 2 - Self-assessment and Professional development

Teachers complete a self-assessment and identify training needs. Professional development training modules will be conducted and a mock exam will identify gaps in knowledge and understanding of individual teachers, following which, further professional training to continue.

Stage 3 - TELSUAE Exam and approval of Competent Teacher Status License

Successful completion of TELSUAE exam will provide 'UAE Competent Teacher Status License'. This License will allow teachers to teach in all schools in the UAE.

List of schools participating in the pilot phase of TELSUAE

• Education
• UAE