Salary can’t be only reason to quit teaching

As an Emirati, I believe in a school that has faculty from diverse cultural backgrounds ( Calls for pay rises and appraisals for teachers, June 15).

Teaching is a hard job, so money can’t be the only reason why people resign. You have to be passionate about your work. Perhaps committing to working hours, learning about different cultures and investing time in team building might help.

I also don’t believe that it’s only the responsibility of expatriates to learn about our culture. Emirati teachers should also learn about the other cultures. The UAE is a cultural melting pot. This is something we should celebrate. Kawthar Bin Sulayem, Abu Dhabi The statement by Naama Al Sharhan, FNC member from Ras Al Khaimah, that westerners were being hired to boss around Emirati teachers is hurtful.

Many of us work so hard to educate the children of this country. We try to be respectful of the culture, religion and heritage of our colleagues.

We collaborate and work alongside as best as we can and this statement is frankly a slap in the face of our expertise, professionalism, hard work and dedication. Audra Miller, Dubai Last year I had 30 teaching periods a week, because I was handed an extra class on the first day of school (for a grade level I had never taught). And my pay is much lower compared to Emirati teachers. Katie Marie, Abu Dhabi It sounds like the schools are hiring more of the teachers who have good coping skills and reasonable salary expectations, and allowing people with a poor work ethic and unreasonable expectations to resign.

If there happens to be a cultural correlation between which teachers are which, it sounds like there is a strong possibility there is a significant difference in the training process. Lisa Kereliuk, Abu Dhabi