The KHDA has set criteria that need to be met by applicants, as it regulates private education in the city.
Whether it's teaching kids their ABCs or guiding older students toward independence, teachers have a big impact on society by shaping the future generation's outlook. In the UAE, there's a wide range of school programs to accommodate the diverse population. The country has private and public schools. For expats aiming for a teaching career in Dubai, private schools are a good choice. These schools are regulated by the Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA). The Ministry of Education oversees education across the country.
If you're interested in becoming a teacher in Dubai, here's what you need to know about qualifications and legal requirements.
What is the process?
Whether it's in public or private schools, teachers must have at least four years of experience to teach in the UAE. Here's the process for private schools in Dubai:
- Apply to the school for a teaching position.
- Upon selection, the school applies for an Initial Appointment.
- Register on the Educator Permit System.
Requirements to be met
To obtain a UAE work permit for teaching, schools in Dubai must apply for an 'Initial Appointment'. The required documents vary depending on the type of teacher:
For Class Teachers:
- A recognized Bachelor's Degree in Education (B.Ed) is required.
- Applicants may also submit a postgraduate certificate/diploma in education or a Master's Degree in Education (M.Ed).
For Subject Teachers:
- A recognized bachelor's degree related to the subject being taught is required.
All documents must be original. If obtained from universities outside the UAE, certificates need to be attested by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation and the country's embassy in the UAE.
After receiving the Initial Appointment in Dubai, teachers must register on the Educator Permit System. Different qualifications are required for this:
Subject Qualification:
- Requirements are the same as those for the Initial Appointment, categorized into class teachers and subject teachers.
Teacher Preparation Qualification (for Subject Teachers):
Certain subject teachers need a recognized teacher preparation qualification, typically at a higher diploma level or above. This qualification should cover topics such as:
- Educational Pedagogy (teaching methods and practices)
- Curriculum development and design
- Learning assessment
- Classroom management
- Educational technology
- Psychology (cognitive, social, and physical development)
- Teaching practice
For teachers aiming to teach English as a subject, they must obtain an additional qualification in teaching English as a second or foreign language. This could include certifications like CELTA, DELTA, or TESOL.
Additional Requirements:
- Teachers involved in vocational programs must hold appropriate qualifications to certify their expertise.
Language Skills:
- Teachers of English subjects must achieve a minimum score of 7 on the IELTS test.
- For teachers instructing in languages other than English, with English as the medium of instruction, a minimum IELTS score of 6 is required.
- Teachers of other languages must provide evidence of language proficiency from competent authorities.
Legal Status:
- Teachers registering for the program should have a valid UAE residence visa along with a school contract or employment agreement.
Fitness Test:
- Teachers must declare their fitness for teaching.
Good Record:
Submission of documents proving a good record both within and outside the UAE, including:
- UAE police clearance certificate
- Letter from the school confirming the teacher's good standing
- If not residing in the UAE for the past five years, a police certificate from each country of residence during that period is required.
Mandatory Development Courses:
Teachers must provide proof of completing professional courses in:
- Child protection and safeguarding
- Dealing with People of Determination
- Diversity
- Moral Education
- Sustainability
- Wellbeing
These courses should be taken from providers recognized by the Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA).
News Source: Khaleej Times
