How to Become a Teacher in Dubai: Requirements | ExpatWoman.com
 

How to Become a Teacher in Dubai: What You Need to Be a Teacher

Your guide to the requirements you will need in order to teach in Dubai

Posted on

21 January 2022

Last updated on 22 March 2023
How to Become a Teacher in Dubai: What You Need to Be a Teacher

The basic requirements for landing a teaching job in the UAE

Is the City of Gold beckoning you to its dunes? Do you dream of tax-free salaries, virtually minimal tax on what you pay, multicultural students, salaries even during the summer/winter holidays, and a fabulous new life abroad?

The lure of teaching in Dubai draws in heaps of new teaching hopefuls into the Emirate every year, but the teaching qualifications needed and the difference in the learning environment may differ from back home.

That very dream is a reality for some teachers in Dubai, provided you're aware of what qualifications do you need to teach in Dubai.

To assist you in your future teaching career in the UAE, scroll down below for your complete check-list and guide.

1. A Bachelor's degree

School teachers in the UAE are required to have at least a completed Bachelor's degree.

It does not have to be in Education, but it can also be a relevant field that is related to your job - for example, a high school Business teacher must have a Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Management, Economics, or other related subjects.

For other subjects such as Mathematics, Biology, etc. most schools in Dubai will require the teacher to possess a Bachelor's degree in that field.

Requirements to be a teacher in Dubai

2. A Master's degree (or higher)

To become a teacher in Dubai, a Master's degree or higher in a relevant field may be needed in some private schools.

Teaching in Dubai with a master's degree or higher in your belt may provide you with better opportunities, pay, benefits, and job flexibility.

3. At least three years of teaching experience

If you want to work as a full-time teacher in any school, university, college, or other learning institution in Dubai, you will need experience. You will need a certain number of teaching hours in order to be eligible for a teaching license, which will vary by country.

This can be done through internships, part-time work, or any teaching activities required to complete your Bachelor's degree (if you studied in the field of Education).

What are the basic requirements to teach in Dubai

4. Good conduct certificate

As per KHDA rules, expats wishing to teach in Dubai will need a good conduct certificate from the previous country they worked in.

This certificate is a mandatory document that is needed to get a valid teacher license and permit in Dubai.

Some schools might also ask for a local police clearance or other safeguarding requirements as part of their hiring process. This is normal, as UAE schools are dedicated to protecting and promoting the welfare of its students.

5. A valid teaching certificate or license

Expat teachers in Dubai require a teacher permit issued by the Knowledge and Health Development Authority (KHDA), which will only be given after the UAE Ministry of Education provides you with a federal UAE teacher license.

An educational institution in Dubai cannot hire you without a valid teaching license, as this is one of the requirements to be eligible for a teaching position.

School teachers in Dubai will also need to have secured a teaching certificate or license beforehand - this is usually secured in the other countries the expat studied/worked in.

A teaching certificate will show the grade or school level you are trained and qualified to teach, such as preschool level, highschool level, etc. Teaching exams vary for school levels.

To acquire a teaching license in your home country or other countries, you will typically need to complete a teacher preparatory programme and a minimum number of supervised teaching experience.

How to teach as a private tutor in Dubai?

If you're interested in learning how to be a private tuition teacher in Dubai, here are a few things you need to know.

Are private tuition classes allowed in the UAE?

Yes, private tuition classes are allowed in the UAE, however these must be conducted in approved tuition centres by the Ministry of Education.

Can I teach as a private tutor in the UAE?

Yes, you can work as a private tuition teacher in the UAE, provided you have a valid work permit as per UAE employment laws.

SEE ALSO: Private Tuition Classes in the UAE - A Guide for Expats

Article 13 of the UAE Employment Law states: "No non-national may be recruited for work in the UAE without the prior approval of the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation and without first obtaining a work permit in accordance with the procedures and regulations laid down by the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation."

SEE ALSO: 5 Reasons to Hire a Private Tutor in the UAE

Despite this, there are many private tuition classes that are being held by tutors without a work permit. To avoid the risk of fines, foreign expats interested in teaching as a private tutor in the UAE are advised to obtain a valid permit beforehand or apply for work at an approved tuition centre.

 
 

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