Teach on the Beach?

Is teaching in the United Arab Emirates all about brunches, beaches, and tax-free salaries? In this episode, we delve into the reality of teaching in the UAE with the Editorial Director of Teach Middle East Magazine, Leisa Grace Wilson.

Join us as we explore the opportunities and challenges of working in one of the fastest-growing international education hubs. We discuss the growing demand for international teachers, why so many UK teachers are moving abroad, and what you need to know before making the leap.

In this episode, learn about: 

2:10 Leisa's journey to the UAE
6:17 Creating a community for educators
8:09 Jet-set life in Dubai?
10:38 Opportunities beyond Dubai
13:39 Not a working holiday
15:55 School inspections and expectations
17:36 Teacher turnover
24:55 Let's talk about money
35:35 Perceptions versus reality
40:45 Thriving as a teacher in the UAE
46:22 Leisa's leadership tips

Learn more about teaching life in the Middle East:

• Teach Middle East Magazine: https://teachmiddleeastmag.com/
• Teach Middle East YouTube @teachmiddleeast

Articles

• Griffiths, S. (2024). ‘Where have all the teachers gone? Classroom brain drain as Britons lured abroad,’ The Times, 8th June
• Craven, N. and Hooper, R. (20224). 'The great classroom brain drain,’ The Daily Mail, 15th June

Resources

• BSO Inspection reports
• COBIS accreditation reports
• Glassdoor for staff reviews

Credits

Hosted by Kai Vacher
Produced by Stuart Pardoe, Zoe Snell, and Marion James
A BSM BSS production