New teacher recruits all set for UAE experience

Aine Casey

Dubai - The KHDA confirmed that anything between "15 and 20 new schools" will open in Dubai in the 2016-17 academic year.

Published: Tue 19 Jul 2016, 12:00 AM

Updated: Tue 19 Jul 2016, 12:54 PM

By
Kelly Clarke

New experiences, a tax free salary, growth opportunities, and a multicultural environment. According to the influx of new European teachers into the UAE, these have proven to be the biggest draws in swapping home life for a taste of the Gulf.
Earlier this year, The Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA) confirmed that anything between "15 and 20 new schools" will open in Dubai in the 2016-17 academic year.

Test for teachersAll teachers working in the UAE will soon have to obtain a professional teachers licence from the Ministry of Education.
750 qualified teachers will be trained and prepared for an examination as part of a six-month pilot project starting next year. Only those who pass the examination for federal licences can teach.
The minimum entry-level qualification for a teacher will be a bachelor's degree.

Though they have not yet released the exact number of new teachers moving to the UAE in search of greener pastures this year, many are already preparing to make the transition.
Come August, Garrett O'Dowd and his team are sending over 150 teachers from Ireland to the UAE. The Founder of Teach and Explore - an educational recruitment agency - O'Dowd set up the company whilst working as a teacher in Abu Dhabi.
"I was in the UAE for three years. I still spend a lot of my time there now, liaising with the teachers we recruit," he told Khaleej Times.
Teach and Explore is one of many recruitment agencies overseas specialising in finding jobs for hopeful teachers looking to move to the UAE.
So with the education sector now one of the most booming industries in the UAE, Khaleej Times speaks to its newest teaching recruits to find out just how easy it is - or not - to find employment here.
Name: Julianne Murphy
Nationality: Irish
School: Emirates National Schools, Abu Dhabi
Grade: 7 to 12
Start date: August 14 (two-week induction)
"Since October 2015, I have been researching as much as I can about teaching in the UAE. I was told about a recruitment agency there, so I sent my CV and an application letter on January 15, 2016. By January 31, I got an email invitation for an interview.
The email was clearly presented and included attachments with information on the school I was applying to, sample interview questions, and directions to the interview venue.
On February 20, 2016, I had an interview in Dublin.
It went great and I came out feeling very positive. I was interviewed by the director of my school, with no middle man involved. This gave me a great insight into how things were run by the school.
I choose to leave Ireland and head to the UAE because adventures are the best way to learn. As a PE, dance and geography teacher, I love being active and building up new experiences.
I always had my sights set on the UAE. It's a very popular destination for Irish teachers at the moment and I have been hearing great things about it. The fact that it's a tax free salary also means more opportunities to save.
I will be receiving between ?800-?900 more than my current salary a month as take-home pay. Accommodation, electricity and water will be paid for on top of that. There is also the opportunity for professional growth in your department area.
I don't expect the teaching to be much different to what I am used to. The school I will be working for appears to have a well-established education system; I will just continue to build on my five years teaching experience."
Name: Mary Donnelly
Nationality: English
School: Arcadia Preparatory British School, Dubai
Grade: Grade 4
Start date: August 11 (two-week induction)
"I love to teach and inspire: that's why I'm a teacher. I first heard about the Dubai job on the TES jobs website.
The initial application process involved providing a CV, filling in a form, and writing a cover letter which demonstrated all elements of the job specification. Following this, I had a 20 minute Skype interview with the principal and vice-principal of my new school. They were very positive and asked questions which required knowledge of outstanding practice, an in-depth understanding of the British National Curriculum, and awareness of the school's vision and context. I then had a face-to-face interview in London.
Not long after, I received a proposed contract.

Having worked as a teacher in the UK for three years during a time where the National Curriculum is transforming, I have experienced that expectations are increasing, and schools are under great pressure to perform. Nonetheless, I feel I have quickly gained incredible insight and experience into the principles that define education today. With its diverse population, ambitious culture and continually globalising status, the UAE is representative of that too.
The salary and benefits package are generous in comparison to that in the UK. Benefits include a fully furnished apartment, transport to and from the workplace, a laptop, healthcare, life insurance, and a gratuity amount upon fulfilling the contract."
Name: Aine Casey
Nationality: Irish
School: Emirates National Schools, Abu Dhabi
Grade: Grade 2
Start date: August 14 (two-week induction)
"Two of my close friends have been in Abu Dhabi for a few years, and I holidayed there for Easter. I decided to move there in August as I've just finished a part-time masters degree. I've been teaching for 10 years now, and felt the time is right for a change. Finances were also a reason. I still have student fees to pay off and living in an expensive city like Dublin makes it difficult.
My application process differed slightly since I decided to move quite late - only in April. I had previously met a guy in Abu Dhabi who runs a recruitment agency for teachers, and I told him I wanted to move there. He made the process very smooth, organised a Skype interview, and advised me on the necessary paperwork.
I will be earning only a little more more in Abu Dhabi than back home, but the tax-free aspect is a huge incentive. Being provided accommodation is a fantastic benefit too.
I'm excited about the move and look forward to not only experiencing another country's culture, but also its education system and curriculum."
Name: Graham Carroll
Nationality: Irish
School: Deira International School, Dubai
Grade: Grade 7+
Start date: August 13 (one-week induction)
"I was informed of the opening by a teaching recruitment agency in Ireland. The recruitment process ran smoothly. The interview with the school's director took place at a Dublin hotel. He recommended me as a potential fit for the school, and I was put forward for an interview with the school's French department via Skype. The interview lasted 30 minutes and was conducted in English and French, the subject I teach. I always had my sights set on the UAE, and specifically wanted to teach in Dubai, given the city's international profile.
The package is very competitive too. The salary is considerably more per month than the Irish equivalent. My accommodation and flights are also paid for by the school, which will enable me to save money - a difficult task when renting in Dublin.
I hope to further develop my teaching skills, as I will be teaching curricula that are different from my current ones. I look forward to making new connections, both personally and professionally."
kelly@khaleejtimes.com