FEATURE
A FUTURE FOR EDUCATORS:
HOW TO RETAIN TALENT
As universities across the GCC move ahead with the times, one of the main challenges they face is equipping the teachers to meet the challenges of the new curriculum. heart of the Dubai International Academic City, claims to constantly reinvent itself, implementing a continuous cycle of professional development for the teaching staff, to keep up with the changing times.
12 A research conducted by the Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA) revealed that almost half of school staff in Dubai admit they are only ‘just getting by’ while one in five pupils do not feel satisfied. The survey took into account views of over 13,522 staff members, from principals and teachers to assistants and support staff, across 181 schools. The survey further found that 43 per cent of adults in schools were just getting by or just functionin›, with five per cent conceding they were struggling. There was an age divide, with older members of staff, in the 55 and over group, happier than those aged 24 to 54. The challenges faced by the teachers include lack of adequate opportunities to learn, grow and develop professionally. Similar issues were also found at higher education level, where educators grapple with career progress and other challenges. Schools and universities are coming up with their own methods to cope with these issues. Murdoch University Dubai, located at the
A large cohort of the university’s teaching staff are completing the Learning and Teaching Certificate, which leads to fellowship status with Advance HE in the UK. The university is also offering full-tuition scholarships for PhD studies (for full-time teaching staff). The varsity also has a continuous cycle of professional development for teaching staff. The Murdoch Dubai Learning and Teaching Committee, composed of teaching staff from Dubai, provides support and workshops available to all teaching staff. Saudi Arabia too is pushing for improving the quality of teaching and learning, increasing funding for education and innovating its use. In July 2019, the Kingdom introduced a teacher certification license along with a new salary structure which is obtainable if an individual passes certain criterion as well as the exam for the license. This system aims to raise the standards of the country’s educational system and uplift teachers who are at the core of the education system. The shortage of teachers in the region is among the highest in the world. Studies say international schools in the UAE will need over 14,000 teachers over the next three years while Saudi needs 183,600 teachers by 2030. Lack of qualified educators will pose further problems.
