What can you expect from us?
- High expectations in all that we do, especially for the standards of learning and teaching
- To be treated fairly and with respect
- A safe, attractive and friendly working environment
- Purpose built schools with outstanding facilities
- A generous level of resources and materials
- Reasonable workload
- Opportunities for continued professional development through IB regional workshops, the GEMS CPD program and on-going PD within the Academy
- Collegiality
Salaries and Benefits
Basic salaries are competitive and provide teachers with a good standard of living in Dubai. Financially, a married teacher with a non-teaching spouse and children would find it hard. The most important benefit is housing as this reduces outgoings and makes working in Dubai viable therefore you should include it in your calculations.
GEMS World Academy has a graduated salary scale. New teachers are placed on the salary scale according to previous relevant experience, at a specific maximum entry level and can move up the scale annually assuming successful appraisal. Salaries are non-negotiable to maintain parity among teachers.
The current benefits available for overseas teachers include:
- Furnished accommodation (apartment)
- Health insurance for the teacher and dependent
- Annual economy return air tickets for the teacher and dependent to agreed point of origin
- Up to two free places for dependent children in GEMS schools in Dubai
- A relocation allowance
- End of contract gratuity
- PD Allocation
International Teaching
Teaching overseas has many benefits and provides education professionals a wealth of opportunities. Teachers new to working overseas should reflect on whether or not they think have the characteristics to be, or continue to be, a successful international educator. Indeed, what do you think makes a successful in the 21st century international educator?
Preparation for a new life overseas is essential. There are some things to do to support a smooth transition into a new place of work. Many different personality types are successful international teachers. People with willingness to be open to new friendships, share professional expertise, and become part of a learning community are the more successful international teachers. At GWA we suggest you think about the following, before you join us!
- Take practical advice regarding your finances and personal circumstances
- Learn as much as possible about the host country in advance so that have realistic expectations
- Anticipate a challenging adjustment period of at least three – six months before making a decision about the move and whether you like it or not
- Do not expect to be able to replicate your current lifestyle. Many things will be different.
- Look for what is there, not for what isn’t and remember you moved for a change.
- Intercultural awareness, understanding, tolerance and adaptation take time and effort.
- Ambiguity can uncertainty can lead to and frustration but can be overcome with a flexible and open attitude to your new circumstances
- Challenges are opportunities to grow and develop; differences are opportunities to learn more about yourself
- Do not expect of the new culture the same sense of urgency or availability of conveniences
- Are you able to change your perspective to find the positive in new or challenging situations
- Maintain a sense of humor, but most importantly be ready to laugh at yourself.
Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Dubai is an exciting, wealthy and expanding city. It has a large expatriate population and a significant tourist industry catering to mainly Western visitors. Expatriates are welcomed in a safe, modern city. Modern shopping malls are plentiful and provide everything one would expect in any global destination. English is widely spoken and is the language of sign posting, shops etc. At the same time, Dubai is proud of its Arabic heritage and culture and as a Middle Eastern city and staff joining GWA must respect local customs. For example, dress code in public places is modest and conservative. For more information, click the link below:
http://dubai.ae/en.portal
Or download this Code of Conduct document.
Useful websites include:
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