Teachers need more support

Our education system needs to make structural changes to retain teachers in their jobs

An Emirati teacher interacts with grade 3 students in Abu Dhabi. Ravindranath K / The National

Teachers are leaders and role models. Their job goes beyond just teaching the curriculum. They assume a wide range of roles to support their schools and their pupils' long-term success. As The National reported Friday, researchers at Khalifa University highlighted the influence of teachers on pupils' future choices, particularly in persuading a child to pursue studies in science, technology, engineering and maths (Stem) subjects, which are critical for the development of the economy and the realisation of the plan to build a knowledge-based economy.

But can teachers perform their crucial roles to the best of their abilities if they are not happy with their work environment?

Researchers surveyed 200 teachers – 102 from public schools and 98 from private schools – from across the country and found that 67 per cent criticised the schools for not providing them with “adequate teaching materials” and 93 per cent “overwhelmingly expressed their discontent” over salaries. Many also criticised the curriculum for not meeting the needs of students. Unsurprisingly, when asked if they would be willing to leave the profession if they were offered a better paid job, 90 per cent said yes.

There is clearly an issue here and it's affecting the future of this country. It was also raised in a Federal National Council's session last week. One member, Salem Al Shehhi, quoted media reports that suggested that 319 Emirati teachers had quit their jobs in public schools last year alone, saying that those teachers leave the profession because of overwork, low salaries and lack of motivation and evaluation.

It would seem that some structural changes are needed to retain teachers in our schools. Teachers must be offered the training they need as well as the opportunity to develop their career path. For example, they should be encouraged to expand their roles and become instructional or curriculum specialists, or act as resource providers or mentors, and be given pay increases accordingly. Our appreciation to their noble work has to become more concrete. It’s time that we make this a national priority.