Schools seek top-class teachers amid worldwide shortage of suitable staff

More than 400 teaching jobs for the next academic year are being advertised in the UAE.

Staff in demand include subject specialists, music tutors and people focusing on special educational needs. Leadership positions are also available.

While close to 250 jobs are in Dubai, there are more than 100 vacancies in Abu Dhabi and about a dozen in Sharjah.

Most of the jobs have a May deadline for applications and a start date in August.

In the UAE, most schools begin the new academic year on August 29 or 30.

The positions are being advertised on Tes, which was formerly known as the Times Educational Supplement.

North London Collegiate School Dubai is seeking an English teacher, ideally with experience of the International Baccalaureate curriculum.

Dwight School Dubai requires a new head of mathematics with extensive knowledge of the subject and the IB programme. It is also looking for someone to lead its science department. Nord Anglia International School Dubai has advertised a position for a mathematics teacher, while Citizens School in Dubai is looking for a leader of inclusion and well-being.

Cranleigh Abu Dhabi has an opening for a physical education teacher, while Amity International School, also in the capital, is seeking a head of computing. Al Rabeeh Academy is advertising for a head of early years.

RAK Academy in Ras Al Khaimah is looking for an assistant head of English. A bachelor’s degree in English language or literature and qualified teacher status are essential for the role.

Aldar Education is on the lookout for a principal in the Northern Emirates.

In April, head teachers told The National that schools in the UAE were affected by a worldwide shortage of well-qualified teachers.

They spoke about reading 400 to 500 CVs to find a handful of suitable candidates.

The shortage is most severe in mathematics and science.

There are several vacancies for maths teachers and those working in special education needs. Brighton College Abu Dhabi has an opening for a senior school maths teacher.

West Yas Academy has a vacancy for a secondary school mathematics teacher.

Education experts said teachers in the UAE are in a position to negotiate higher pay and a better package, amid the global shortage of skilled educators.

Recruitment experts have noticed schools offering more flexibility with regard to salaries this year. Teachers can earn Dh500 ($136) to Dh1,000 a month more if they negotiate, particularly in subjects such as maths and science.

Teachers in the UAE can expect starting salaries of between Dh9,000 and Dh15,000 a month.

The wage depends on the teacher’s qualifications and where they studied.

Pay scales vary by school depending on fee structure, curriculum and how established the institution is.

In British and US-curriculum schools, a typical salary for graduates with up to two years’ experience can be between Dh9,000 and Dh11,000 a month, plus an allowance for accommodation.