Teachers, Teacher Education, and Professional Development
Teacher Education Specific to Reading
The requirements to become a language teacher are a bachelorʼs degree in the subject area with a good average and good command of English (achieving at least 6 in the International English Language Testing System) along with at least two years of teaching experience. A diploma in education also is preferred.
Requirements for Ongoing Professional Development
Professional development in the UAE is the responsibility of both individual teachers and the Ministry of Education. Once employed, teachers must continue to develop their subject area knowledge, professional skills, and cultural knowledge. Professional development programs for new and experienced teachers are organized by departments within the Ministry under the guidance of the Training and Development Directorate. These programs take into consideration teachers’ cumulative records and are designed to meet the needs of teachers that have been identified during classroom visits and from teacher questionnaires.
Most professional development programs concentrate on developing competency in teaching the Arabic language and pedagogy for teachers who have not graduated from schools of education. The major topics addressed in professional development programs for Grade 4 Arabic language teachers include the following:
- Components of the UAE educational system
- Regulations governing the performance of teachers
- Assessment of student learning
- Modern teaching methods
- Effective classroom instruction
- The learning environment
- Integrating special needs students into the education process
Teacher performance is monitored through classroom visits by members of the support team of the Ministry of Education. Supervisors recommend suitable training programs and workshops for teachers as needed. The Ministry’s Arabic language team also encourages new teachers to participate in exchange visits and programs focused on curriculum and assessment regulations.