Job Discussion Forums

nellie5 · Joined: 07 Mar 2008 Posts: 7

Does anyone know much about these two schools? I know that Al Ain American has been around for a while and have read the old threads, but heard there were some problems with supervisors. Also, I have been contacted by a new school called Manor House (British Curriculum), does any one have information on this one? Thanks!

Zoot · Joined: 15 Jun 2007 Posts: 408

It's a brand spanking new school! Very impressive looking and the word is they're hiring only Masters' qualified teachers.

nellie5 · Joined: 07 Mar 2008 Posts: 7

I went on an interview for Manor House and it seems a little sketchy. They are British Curriculum, but hiring all American teachers with Master's Degrees for 7000 dirhams?!! Plus the owners of the school have two other schools, Arabic and the other American curriculum. I found someone who worked at the American curriculum school and she told me the owners are wanting the principal to find qualified teachers on husband's sponsorship with no added expense (housing, return ticket, even summer pay) for 4000 to 5000 dirhams. Sounds like another crap shot Confused

Al Ain real needs to work on their educational system, it seems most of the schools are poorly run and care little about providing a quality education to its sudents...all about the profit Crying or Very sad

holbrook · Joined: 14 Jun 2003 Posts: 60

Al Ain is a wonderful place to live and work. Definitely the best in the UAE if not the entire ME. However, they don't pay much for k-12 teachers here and they don't often value proper teaching credentials. The American School is one case in point, but most schools here are the same. Basically, the university and other colleges employ thousands of educated expats who receive pretty good pay, benefits, working conditions, etc. Many have spouses who are willing to work for very little because there is very little else to do. Pay is very poor and most schools get by with just hiring spouses to teach regardless of any experience or credentials. In the American School I don't believe that there was more than 1 or 2 teacher that actually had a teaching licence let alone a BA from a western college or an M.A. And they paid accordingly (4,000 to 5,000 per month). This works out to about 25dhs ($6.00) an hour (the same rate that people pay for housemaids). Not bad for McDonalds, but I would want more for a full time teaching job for me or my spouse. If properly qualified you could get part-time work at HCT or other schools in Al Ain for 150-180 and hour and you would only need a BA to get it.

Many schools in Dubai and Abu Dhabi pay actual market rates for professionally trained and licenced teachers.

meow905 · Joined: 27 Nov 2006 Posts: 16

i was interviewed at manor hall.... it is quite impressive...
the is not great, but average for al ain.....
i was told it was american system not british

pharmacyprofessor · Joined: 18 Jul 2006 Posts: 16 Location: US

Hello Meow,

Do you know their fees structure for 9 and 10 grades?
I'm considering a job offer in Al Ain and need to collect all information about their schools and school systems.

Thank you!

nellie5 · Joined: 07 Mar 2008 Posts: 7

This school is horrible! I thought it would be an okay choice to send my daughter yr 5. So far she has been through three teachers in the past 2 months. I pulled her out and I am so thankful because I have only hear horrible things coming from friends that work there. Good teachers are leaving in droves and they have no principal as far as I know. STAY FAR AWAY FROM THIS SCHOOL. Do what I am doing and home school!

pharmacyprofessor · Joined: 18 Jul 2006 Posts: 16 Location: US

Hello nellie,
Can you please give us some more information on living in Al Ain?
I'm now more concerned about the schooling and ofcourse finding a decent villa type housing unit. Can you please shed some light on renting a place?
Any help will be appreciated!

Iamherebecause · Posted: Tue Oct 21, 2008 9:28 am Post subject: Al Ain

For info on Al Ain try http://www.alainliving.com/index.php, the Human Resources bit of the UAEU web-site (just dig around and you shall find some general info about shopping, health, schools) and there's [email protected]

Zoot · Joined: 15 Jun 2007 Posts: 408

There are NO decent schools in Al Ain. The one most expats try to get their children in to is bursting at the seams this year and has all the problems that go with having made the decision to over-populate! Wherever you send your children, you have to make up the difference between what they know and what they should know. In other words, choose something that's middle of the road and make up the difference yourself.

Bklyngrl · Joined: 25 Jan 2008 Posts: 20

I think it's unfair of Zoot to say that there are no good schools in Al Ain. There are no perfect schools anywhere.

We just arrived in August and are sending our children (years 2 and 5) to Al Ain English Speaking School. I'm very happy with the school, and I tend to be very critical since I'm a teacher. The curriculum is solid, a good mix of traditional and creative. The primary principal, Mrs. Rice, is wonderful as is Ms. Lucey, the Deputy Head. They are open to parent comments/concerns and extremely professional and competent. The school has a nice mix of nationalities and offers both Arabic and French.

When I was looking at schools I got a lot of vague answers about what was wrong with AAESS. Most people say that they major problems are in the Secondary school which has (in previous years) had mid-year teacher turnover and discipline problems.

My daughter's teacher did not return from Eid break and I think the administration has handled the situation very well. Ms. Lucey has taken over the class, and a new teacher will be starting shortly.

I would definitely recommend AAESS.

pharmacyprofessor · Joined: 18 Jul 2006 Posts: 16 Location: US

I'm considering a teaching offer and not sure about the school's availability. Are you an american or a british?
I would like to know the total expenses incurred in a school year, i know that they have different tuition fee structure for each grade. However, could you you be somehow able to give me an idea about extra money required beside the tuition fees?

Your input will be appreciated!!

Bklyngrl · Joined: 25 Jan 2008 Posts: 20

I'm American. The only real fees, outside tuition, have been for the uniform which is minimal. AAESS, at least in primary, provide all books, stationary, pens, etc. Class trips are extra also, but I don't think they happen too often.

The website has a list of the new tuition fees. Also, if your child will take a bus to school, that's extra. Check out your school's policy on tuition. I think HCT has a pretty good deal and covers most, but UAEU only pays 15% of the annual salary. I've heard that the uni. often just pays everything, but can't confirm this from experience yet.

Will you start in Jan or Aug?