How do UAE pupils perform with experienced teachers?

Teachers do not simply impart knowledge and the teaching profession is not merely about systems, facts and figures. First and foremost, it's about the social connection with a child. We have all spent thousands of hours in classrooms, observing and learning from teachers, yet we underestimate the skills required to engage a group of students with varying interests and learning levels.
As parents, we spend a great deal of time helping our children with homework and answering questions. Yet, teaching is much more than just that. Research shows that it takes 4-5 years for a new teacher to excel in their profession, making experienced educators more valuable than ever. However, those who are considering teaching should be prepared for a steep learning curve in the first few years on the job. Outstanding teachers need to demonstrate a deep knowledge and understanding of their subject and connect with students passionately.
In recent years, education refor-mers in some countries have made attempts to make way for younger teachers to enter the workforce by limiting opportunities for veteran teachers using faulty evaluation methods. What they fail to account for is the importance of experienced educators. In the UAE, most private schools value experienced teachers and offer various employment benefits to encourage retention. Teachers who are educated and skilled in modern tools typically enjoy the most job security. School managements understand the importance of continuity for children and the strong relationships that older teachers are able to develop. A study by the Learning Policy Institute found that as teachers gain experience, students perform better in class. It also found an interesting correlation: the more years of experience a teacher had, the less days students miss school.
Therefore, it would be prudent for education policymakers to stop looking at veteran teachers as big ticket items that need to be cut and instead see them as major drivers of excellence. For it is to the teacher we entrust our most precious resource - our children.
(Farid Gasim is the founder of Edarabia)