Emirati teachers on decline in Sharjah schools

Emiratis account for 4% of total teachers in general education in Sharjah, 2% in secondary schools while non-national teachers dominate the scene, an educational study found.Authored by Amna Mohammed Al Rashid, head of training and development at Sharjah Educational Zone, the study "Psychological Trends of UAE Educator towards Teaching'' noted that the number of national principals and educational staff were on decline over the last four years, falling 16% in 2011/2012 over 2008/2009. The figure remained stable in 2009/2010 to 2011/2012.As for national teachers, the study said, their number sank 36% in 2009/2010, 16% in 2010/2011 and 9% in 2011/2012. ''The trend confirmed the reluctance of Emiratis to join the teaching profession, 'the study noted.The study called on the Ministry of Education to address this challenge by conducting regular assessment of the learning reality, paying proper attention to the learning process itself and overhauling the civil service legislations to attract more nationals into the profession.Amna said she had received a letter of appreciation from H. H. Dr Sheikh Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council member and Ruler of Sharjah, for the field study ''The study is of paramount significance as it addresses a national concern that preoccupies educators : the reluctance of Emiratis to become teachers,'' Sharjah Educational Zone Director Saeed Al Kaabi said.Recommendations put forward by the study author, he added, could contribute to fill the widening gaps year by year.