Today's Edition
AMEINAH ALZEYOUDI (ABU DHABI)
Emirati teachers have welcomed the Emiratisation Policy for Private Education by the Abu Dhabi Department of Education and Knowledge (ADEK), which aims to integrate more than 2,000 UAE nationals into teaching over the next five years.
The initiative is being driven through a coordinated partnership between the ADEK, the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE), and NAFIS, which have joined forces to accelerate Emiratisation in Abu Dhabi’s private education sector.
Speaking to Aletihad, Emirati teachers highlighted the opportunities the initiatve offers for professional development, cultural exchange and the promotion of the UAE’s national identity among students from diverse backgrounds.
Working in private education, according to Samia Ali Essa, an Emirati kindergarten teacher with two years of teaching experience, enables Emirati educators to support students' academic and personal growth while gaining priceless professional experience.
According to Essa, private schools give Emirati educators the chance to interact with students from various cultural backgrounds, gain a variety of experiences, experiment with various curricula and teaching strategies, and hone their professional and communication skills.
"Being able to help students develop their personalities and skills, not only academically but also in terms of their values and self-confidence, is what I love most about teaching," she said. "When I witness students accomplish their objectives and advance in their academic careers, I feel proud."
She added that creating an inclusive learning environment can be achieved by adapting teaching strategies to meet each student's individual needs and encouraging interactive activities.
"I think cultural diversity is a fantastic opportunity to learn from one another and promote the values of tolerance, coexistence, and mutual respect," Essa said.
She also highlighted the important role Emirati educators play in fostering a sense of national identity and acquainting pupils with Emirati heritage and culture.
Suhaila Al Breiki, an Emirati Arabic teacher with 12 years of expereince, said would consider moving to a private school if it provided opportunities for professional growth, creativity, career stabiltiy and a supportive work environment.
"I see Emiratisation initiatives in education as important opportunities that strengthen the presence of the Arabic language and national identity in private schools, while enabling national talent to play a greater role in the sector," she said.
The teacher, who works with first-graders, stated that teaching children from diverse cultural and ethnic backgrounds provides an opportunity to introduce the Arabic language and Emirati culture in interesting ways.
"I can connect with children regardless of their language or cultural background while fostering their love of learning from an early age through stories, drawing and creative activities," she said.
