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Teacher quality demands higher pay

Dubai - But what attracts teachers?

The quality of a school never exceeds the quality of its teachers, and the ability to recruit high quality staff is essential for all schools.
Nalini Cook, Head of Research for the Middle East at The International School Consultancy, told Khaleej Times that recruitment of quality, qualified teachers is without doubt the "largest challenge all international schools in the UAE are facing right now".
"Enrolment in many schools has been impacted by the slump in the oil and gas market. However, there's still a huge demand for quality teachers at the schools. To get the best teachers, schools have to offer good salaries and benefits," she said.
To be successful in their recruitment campaigns, the UAE schools need to offer packages which include not only good monetary options but professional development and career advancement opportunities too.
But what attracts teachers?
Recruitment Manager for Teachers International Consultancy, Gemma McSweeney, said there is a whole host of factors which determine whether a teacher chooses to work overseas or not.
"Many British teachers looking for international teaching jobs are not governed by salaries alone. This is particularly noticeable for such countries as the UAE, Qatar and Bahrain."
She said a huge number of teachers are attracted to these countries because of the tax free benefits, good accommodation packages and lifestyle, as well as the reasonable salary packages.
"For other teachers, particularly teachers moving overseas to work for the first time, the Westernised nature of such places as the UAE and Qatar make them very popular choices."
kelly@khaleejtimes.com