British Teachers: Where is the Love?

First Published:

Monday 2 January, 2017

Other articles in the survey:
UAE Teacher Turnover: Sky High – Or Just Average?
3 in 4 Teachers ‘Looking for New Job’
Revealed: How To Keep The Best Teachers
Teachers: What They Really Want Is…
Geography No Limit to UAE Teacher Ambition
British Teachers: Where is the Love?
American School Teachers: Over Sold by Over Here

British curriculum schools are risking their reputation by not valuing their teachers, a national survey has revealed.

In total 63% of British Curriculum school teachers think that their school does not value their efforts and 62% of British curriculum school teachers are currently looking for another job.

A significant 42% of the responses in the ‘UAE Teacher Survey’, conducted by WhichSchoolAdvisor.com and the UAE Learning Network, came from teachers within British curriculum schools. The majority of responses also came from schools in Dubai and Abu Dhabi.

The survey drilled down deep into the teachers’ salary expectations, living and lifestyle conditions, career aspirations and their perception about their school management team.

Interestingly, 57% of British curriculum school teachers taught solely in the state sector in the UK before taking their current job in the UAE yet a staggering 72% of teachers are prepared to leave the UAE for a better deal elsewhere. This suggests that Brit-teachers no longer see the UAE as a place where they can save money and further their career.

“I want to stay in UAE but have a better job," we were told, the teacher adding that "with 14 years’ experience and an MA, the scale (pay scale) here stops at 'Step 8' in Dubai. The country prefers cheaper, less experienced teachers.”

British curriculum schools occupy the lion’s share of the private school market in the UAE and they are the most in demand, especially in Dubai. However, the national survey has revealed a less rosy picture when it comes to the teachers charged with delivering the high standards expected of parents.

The significant findings in the survey indicate that British curriculum schools must raise their game to retain their best staff as 60% of respondents said that their school did not meet its promises on workload. When asked why he was looking to move, one teacher simply said “Better pay and workload should be reduced... it could make more of a difference to children”.

Interestingly, 55% of teachers said that their school did not deliver on its promises on professional development (CPD). This has become a critical issue for schools as teachers look to enhance their career whilst gaining and international experience along the way.

High performing schools free up time within the school day so that teachers can collaborate and learn together with clear objectives. One disgruntled teacher stated the three major reasons for looking to leave the UAE “Better pay verses the cost of living. CPD opportunities and better healthcare package.”

The results paint a worrying picture for school leaders and operators but most importantly, parents. Established and new schools must address the challenges head on or risk losing their biggest asset.