Dubai: A staff-retention scheme by GEMS Education to give Dh100 million in free company shares to its teachers is an innovative move amid a flurry of new international schools opening in September and stiffening competition in the education sector, a consultant said on Tuesday.
The shares offering is based upon various criteria, including performance and seniority within the GEMS Education system and was announced on Monday.
James Mullan, co-founder of whichschooladvisor.com and schoolscompared.com — UAE guides to private schools — said it’s too early to surmise how effective the move by GEMS Education will be in retaining staff to protect against raiding from other education firms planting roots in the UAE.
The effectiveness of the shares programme will depend on the details and conditions by which the cream of the GEMS Education teaching community are awarded the millions in newfound monetary bounty.
“The fact is, we have 19 new schools opening in September,” Mullan told Gulf News. “There are 173 private schools in Dubai at the moment.”
Some new schools are offering major discounts of up to 30 per cent on tuition fees for the entire school career of a child and are looking for seasoned, well-established teachers already working for other schools, he said.
“I think it’s interesting that schools are taking a different approach that is more common in the corporate arena,” said Mullan. “In that sense, it’s more innovative.”
One former teacher who left the employ of GEMS Education Group wasn’t convinced that the share option plan will improve education in the organisation.
“If the management is really concerned about the welfare of teachers, what they should do is increase salaries. The average GEMS teacher gets anywhere between Dh3,000-Dh4,000 a month. I know teachers who have slaved for decades working at that pittance. It is really unfair,” the teacher said.
“Wouldn’t it be better if they distributed it equitably among all? Anyway, each school has a minimum of 450 to 500 teachers and with other ancillary staff the number goes up to a 1,000 per school. The share distribution per teacher is bound to be very meagre.”
Another former teacher who quit after nearly two decades of GEMS Education service told Gulf News that the “salary of primary section teachers in GEMS’ schools has never gone beyond Dh3,500, even in the cases of those who have slogged for 10, 12, 15 years. Only if the management could distribute this amount equitably between all teachers they would have been a much happier lot.”
The teacher asked if the shares to be handed out could be converted to cash.
Employees working in the GEMS Education sector were more optimistic that the new shares strategy will bring benefits.
Johny Abraham, Vice-Principal, GEMS Modern Academy, said, “It is a great initiative and the recognition of the people who have been with GEMS. This will definitely motivate those who are a part of the GEMS family. It is quite unlikely for an education institution to open up and reach in this manner. This is definitely a first.”
John Gomes, Dean of Studies, GEMS Modern Academy, said, “Longevity of service has always been rewarded. However this comes out of the blue and is a pleasant surprise.”
Osman Lleshanaku , Digital Literacy Coordinator and Careers Adviser, Cambridge International School, Dubai, said he liked the idea.
“My first reactions to the GEMS ‘Share our Future’ initiative was motivation, appreciation and inspiration. Motivation because by continuing to be part of this global and international community of educators, I feel I can grow professionally while thriving to meet educational standards. I felt a sense of appreciation also, since I am content that the company I work for acknowledges and values teacher contribution by giving a degree of ownership. And, finally, I felt inspiration because it will empower me in being innovative and creative with my learners and beyond the school environment.”
