UAE Schools to Add New Office Jobs to Help Teachers and Improve Student Learning
The UAE is getting ready to make a big change in schools. The Ministry of Education plans to add special office and support jobs in schools so teachers can spend more time teaching and less time doing extra paperwork.
This step comes after a report showed that many teachers in the UAE are doing too many non-teaching tasks. These extra duties include paperwork, supervision, and other school jobs that take time away from lessons and students. The report said this can make teachers feel tired, stressed, and overworked.
Under the new plan, schools will have workers who focus on administrative and supervisory tasks. This means teachers will not have to carry all of these extra duties alone. It will give them more time to prepare lessons, help students, and focus on learning in the classroom.
Education experts in the UAE welcomed the move and said it is important for teacher health and student success. Leigh Watson from RAK Academy said the job of a teacher has changed a lot in recent years. Teachers are now expected to do much more than just teach. They also manage school systems, supervise students outside class time, and stay in contact with families.
She explained that while each task may seem useful, too many duties at once can become too hard to manage. This can lead to stress, mental tiredness, and emotional exhaustion. It can also lower job happiness and increase the chance of burnout.
Watson also said that when teachers keep working after official school hours, the problem gets worse over time. At first, they may just feel tired and have less personal time. Later, they may feel more emotional pressure and lose joy in their work. She said this often happens to very dedicated teachers, not because they are weak, but because they care so much.
Dr Funke Baffour-Awuah from GEMS Education also warned about the health risks of too much work. She said teachers who try to balance teaching with growing office and supervision duties can suffer from mental overload. This can cause stress, anxiety, and emotional tiredness. It can also lead to sleep problems, headaches, weak immunity, and physical exhaustion.
She added that working long hours can hurt the balance between work and home life. Over time, this may raise the risk of burnout, heart strain, anxiety, and depression. It can also leave teachers with less time for exercise, healthy habits, and social life, which are all important for long-term health.
Both experts said real change must come from the whole school system, not just from small quick fixes. They said schools should reduce unnecessary tasks, protect teachers’ planning time, set clear work hours, and listen to teachers’ concerns. Support services like counselling and peer support can also help.
The UAE’s new plan is seen as a smart and positive step. By cutting down extra work for teachers, schools can create a healthier and more balanced environment. This can help teachers stay focused, active, and ready to give students the best learning experience.
As the UAE continues to improve its education system, this move shows strong support for teachers and a clear goal to help students do better across the country.
