Emirati educators will be offered better pay
MOVE AIMS TO ATTRACT MORE UAE NATIONALS TO APPLY FOR JOBS IN THIS FIELD OF STUDY AND PROVIDE ROLE MODELS IN SCHOOLS
In a bid to increase the number of Emiratis who choose education- related careers, a salary structure offering up to 35 per cent greater pay and benefits for Emirati teachers, leaders and administrative staff will soon be offered across public schools in the emirate of Abu Dhabi.
The move was announced by senior Abu Dhabi Education Council ( Adec) officials in the capital yesterday, who said that the new pay structure aims to counteract a significant decline in the number of Emirati university students who pursue education as a field of study.
“The fewer the number of Emiratis who take up education- related careers, the fewer Emirati graduates we have for roles in public schools. Such a decline could not only lead to a lack of Emirati role models for pupils, but could also result in pupils losing their national identity and values,” Dr Mugheer Al Khaili, director general at the Adec, said.
“To prevent such a scenario, and to make teaching and other careers in the education sec- tor more attractive to Emiratis, we will offer a 25 to 35 per cent increase in salaries and benefits on average for Emirati employees in public schools. The changed pay structure is expected to become effective from January onwards,” Dr Al Khaili told
A number of new administrative positions to be filled by Emiratis have also been introduced, he added.
Abu Dhabi has more than 260 public schools, and officials revealed that they employ about 13,800 teachers between them. At present, nearly 47 per cent of these teachers are Emirati. But education officials are concerned because only 210 Emirati university students enrolled for education programmes in the 2010- 2011 academic year, compared to 737 in 2007- 2008.
Matter of concern
The limited number of male Emirati teachers, of whom there are only 400, is a matter of great concern.
“Even when we contact Emiratis for jobs in public schools, very few of them show interest because other industries offer better remuneration. While the new pay structure is designed to make these school jobs more attractive, it will also equalise any pay differentials between male and female staff,” Dr Al Khaili said.
The new positions for Emiratis at schools include viceprincipals for academic affairs, school business coordinators, administrative assistants, facilities management coordinators, and career counsellors for Cycle 3 ( Grades 10- 12) schools.
Dr Salama Al Amimi, executive director of organisational development and excellence at the Adec, said, “We want Emirati graduates to know that they can expect career growth in the education sector.”