Abu Dhabi implements new recruitment policy for schools

Gulf Today, Staff Reporter

The Abu Dhabi Department of Education and Knowledge (ADEK) has stated that the recently implemented policy on staffing in Abu Dhabi schools stipulates that educational institutions must ensure the continuous availability of six essential full-time positions.

The mandatory positions include the following: Principal, Deputy Principal, Head of Inclusion, Health and Safety Officer, Social Worker, and Nurse.

It should be noted that other mandatory positions may be required in accordance with other ADEK policies, such as university and vocational guidance counsellors for schools with higher grades.

However, these positions are not included in the scope of mandatory positions for licensing purposes.

The recently implemented policy mandates that newly established educational institutions with an enrollment of less than 500 students are exempt from the requirement of appointing a deputy principal during the initial five-year period. However, a senior academic leader must be designated on an interim basis, and schools are obliged to ensure the consistent availability of qualified instructors for all academic disciplines and courses.

In the event of a vacancy, the position must be temporarily filled by a reserve teacher.

ADEK explained that personnel who were recruited prior to the issuance of the this policy for admission criteria for employees in schools and who do not meet the new requirements may continue to be employed in schools under the following conditions (unless otherwise specified for specific positions).

The occupying leadership positions in Abu Dhabi schools with no teaching experience are required to obtain a valid license in educational leadership by the commencement of the 2026/2027 academic year.

Specifically, the first semester. Those employed in an Abu Dhabi school in a teaching position without the requisite teaching qualification must either renew their appointment letters or be admitted to a new school under the following conditions. A Level 6 qualification as per the UAE National Qualifications System (Diploma, unless otherwise stated), or a valid teaching license must be obtained by the beginning of the 2026/2027 academic year (Semester 1).

Renewal or admission to a new school will be authorized once the completed qualification or academic record showing continuity of study and progress in the registration of initial teaching qualifications is submitted.

With regard to the recruitment of new personnel, all appointments of personnel who are not transfers between schools under the same operators are subject to the requirements of the ADEK’s new policy for school admissions criteria.

The recently introduced policy stipulates that educational institutions are permitted to appoint existing personnel who do not fulfil the eligibility criteria for core positions on a provisional basis to address temporary staffing shortages for a period of up to six months, unless specified otherwise in other policies.

This may include interim vice-principal roles in newly established schools with less than 500 students or interim principal positions.

The recently introduced policy delineates five conditions that must be met for the appointment of temporary personnel.

Temporary appointments are permitted for all positions except those in teaching (a temporary finance manager is allowed, but not a temporary classroom teacher), for candidates who are members of the current cadre and meet the qualifications, but who lack the requisite experience for a particular position, for those in positions designated as "acting" for the duration of their temporary employment (acting department head), and for those who have provided written consent to assume a temporary position that differs substantially from their current position. In such cases, temporary experience will be counted towards work experience in the role that was performed.

It was established that educational institutions are permitted to place personnel who do not satisfy the criteria for essential roles in a training capacity, provided that six conditions are met.

This allows them to gain experience while they complete the relevant qualifications. In order to be eligible for the position of "employee under training," an individual must possess the requisite qualifications and be supervised by a fully qualified employee.

It is important to note that these individuals are not permitted to be appointed to the actual job; however, they may be promoted to that position after meeting the eligibility criteria, provided that they demonstrate their merit. The maximum duration of the training period is two years for each individual in each position, up to the point at which they are deemed to have acquired the requisite qualifications.

The training experience will be counted towards the work experience in the role that was performed during the training period.

The recently introduced policy states that, in accordance with Article 5 of Federal Decree-Law No. 33 of 2021, which regulates labour relations, educational establishments are permitted to employ minors.

This is subject to the conditions set out in the aforementioned legislation, including those relating to age, parental consent, working hours and other stipulations. Minors employed in schools must be under the supervision of an adult at all times.

Minors who are students at the school where they work may only be employed after school hours or during periods when they are not scheduled to attend classes or other activities.

Minors who are not students at the school where they work must be afforded the same rights as specified in the ADEK's policy for the protection of students in schools.

Employment agreements for full-time teaching staff in schools must be based on a minimum period of two years, including annual vacations and holidays. Furthermore, the termination of the services of the administration and teachers during the semester is not permitted without prior approval from the ADEK. This stipulation applies to both voluntary termination (resignation) and forced termination.