Wellbeing census for educators in Dubai private schools launched

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Wellbeing census for educators in Dubai private schools launched

Dubai - There are about 18,000 employees working across 206 private schools.

By Sarwat Nasir

Published: Sat 22 Sep 2018, 10:23 AM

Last updated: Sat 22 Sep 2018, 8:31 PM

Teachers, principals and other educators working in Dubai's private schools are being encouraged to take part in a survey meant to determine their current well-being status.

The 'Well-being Census' by the Knowledge Human and Development Authority (KHDA) has been expanded and will be open to adults working across Dubai's 206 private schools.

The census was launched in 2017 and was available to students in grade six to nine. However, this year, it will be open for professionals, and for students from grade six to grade 12, and will run for the next five years.

Announcing the second edition of the well-being census on the sidelines of the International and Private Schools Education Forum (IPSEF) on Saturday, Dr Abdulla Al Karam, director-general of the KHDA, said, "It will be launched this October and will target the estimated 18,000 employees working across Dubai's private schools."

Dr Karam told Khaleej Times: "The point behind it is to know where you are and what can you improve on. I'm very optimistic (about the results) because of the fact that, in general, people tend to be happier in Dubai. Generally, the census of well-being and happiness has a lot to do about the environment you live in."

When asked whether teachers' long working hours and low salaries will heavily impact the results of the census, Dr Karam said: "There are different elements that make you happy, but there are common criteria. Salaries and workload - we've done this in the past for five years at the KHDA...We found that it is important to see how much of an effect it does have on your well-being and happiness. Sometimes, if you're not getting paid enough, you might not be happy or not satisfied. But, sometimes, if you're overpaid, doesn't mean you are over happy."

Dr Karam added that the results of the census will not only measure how happy the staff are, but, a detailed report will be provided to each school in order to ensure well-being of each individual.

In the 2017 Well-being Census for Dubai students in grade six to nine, 84 per cent of students reported as being 'happy'.

Census for teachers

Teachers in Dubai believe the well-being survey will help illuminate areas educators are struggling in, whether that's low salaries, long working hours or a heavy workload.

Ian Wallace, head teacher at the Horizon English School, said: "I think the census would massively help. Information is key and any information that can be provided will give insights on staff well-being, as well as students well-being.

"What will be interesting from the census is whether there is an outcome that suggests there is a heavy workload. If teachers are not performing to their potential, the immediate assumption will be that it's down to their subject knowledge and pedagogy, rather than it could be actually another factor that's affecting that."

Ashley Green, a Year-1 teacher and well-being coordinator at the Jumeirah English Speaking School, said: "I'm sure like any place, there will be a couple of staff that would feel that there could be improvements. The well-being for teachers is so important for the children. I think in some places adult well-being is often put in the lower down on the list.

"All teachers often give their best to the kids. Also, the key factors are that it will be taken anonymously and teachers can be completely honest about their well-being and how it's taken care for. Hopefully, after that, there will be some suggestions from the KHDA and people involved in well-being on how you can improve after looking at the data."

The teachers can participate in the census anonymously.

sarwat@khaleejtimes.com