Addressing demand for Emirati teachers

Attracting Emiratis to teach in UAE schools is a difficult task that requires thinking outside the box

having Emirati teachers – particularly men – will give young people role models from an early age. Ravindranath K / The National

The critical need to have more Emirati teachers in UAE schools has been discussed widely in recent years, as nationals continue to shun the profession in favour of more appealing career choices, mostly in the public sector. As The National reported yesterday, a report released by the FNC's education, youth and culture committee showed that government schools lost 164 Emirati teachers in the first half of this year alone. The problem seems to be more prevalent among male teachers, whose number in UAE schools is significantly lower than female teachers.

The FNC report suggested improving the work environment and financial incentives for teachers and not to link retirement with any specific age, offering teachers the option to retire after 15 years of service instead of 20. But while these seem to be good incentives, teaching is a profession that requires passion and dedication. Lowering the retirement age for teachers may not be the ideal solution to attract the right quality of teachers: those who believe in education and are dedicated to the profession. The development of the UAE education system will indeed require these type of educators to develop and offer a world-class education.

And yet, the importance of having Emirati teachers goes beyond simply staffing schools. Having nationals teach Emiratis is critical to preserving the culture of the country – and could inspire young people to consider taking teaching as a profession. Moreover, having Emirati teachers – particularly men – will give young people role models from an early age. The issue is highly complex.

A partial reform, then, could be to set up a programme to encourage mature Emiratis possibly coming to the end of their careers in other professions to retrain in education and teach in UAE schools. Drawing teachers from this group could bring more nationals into the profession, as well as offering the recruits an opportunity for rewarding work. This group, too, will likely have more experience in talking to and dealing with young children. It will not be a perfect solution, but a step, at least, in the right direction.