His Highness Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the late president of the United Arab Emirates, often said, "Education is like a lantern that lights up your way in a dark alley. SZPAB is a continuation of the success and reputation of The Sheikh Zayed Private Academy for Girls, established in 2000 to fulfill His Highness's vision. The opening of the Sheikh Zayed Private Academy for Boys (SZPAB) in 2015 was another step in the fulfillment of his dream, and the school's recent membership to Search Associates helps pave the way.
SZPAB, poised to become the school of first choice for Emirati boys, aspiring leaders of tomorrow, blends the benefits of an international education with a strong sense of cultural heritage. The school is co-educational from K-1 to Grade 3 and boys-only thereafter. The 2016-2017 school year offers classes from K-1 to Grade 8. SZPAB plans to add one grade level each consecutive year through Grade 12.
Already accredited by the Abu Dhabi Education Council, SZPAB is working to obtain full certification from the Council of International Schools (CIS) and the New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC). Between Grades 2 and 10, SZPAB uses MAP testing to monitor the progress of students as they prepare to embark on the American Diploma. In addition to the U.S. Common Core curriculum, a range of special programs are offered: the Leadership Curriculum, the My Identity Program, the Qu'ran Memorization Program, and Computer Explorers Club. Mr. John Conway, in his Message from the Principal, describes the school:
"[An] American curriculum… with a strong Arabic and Islamic approach, with emphasis on local culture and awareness… [The] school's vision aims to secure the future of the UAE by providing strong community role-models who understand their heritage and traditions and are also equipped with the skills and life-long learning dispositions necessary to embrace the challenges of tomorrow and to take on leading roles… Our aim is summed up in the school's motto: Honoring the past. Educating for the future."
At present, 900 K-8 students, 90% of whom are Emirati, attend SZPAB. With 23 nationalities enrolled, the school includes 2% U.K. and North American students. Of the 80 total teaching staff, 36 teachers come from N. America and the U.K. and one from the U.A.E.
SZPAB will consider hiring teaching couples, single teachers, and couples with a non-teaching spouse. It is important to note, however, that cohabitation by unmarried couples is illegal in the U.A.E. Teaching couples may bring up to two dependents, and a single teacher may bring one. The school also emphasizes, "All teachers must hold, as a minimum, a Bachelor's degree in the teaching subject and have 4 years' post qualification experience. Further teaching certification/licensing is strongly preferred. All certificates must be attested for use in the U.A.E. This is a lengthy process costing on average $500." The school will also consider newly-certified teachers with outstanding personal qualities and experienced certified teachers with accreditation from a non-English speaking country. Work visas can be obtained up to the age of 58.
SZPAB's salary and benefits package is among the best. In addition to one-time settling-in and furniture allowances, teachers receive a generous allowance towards housing and an annual round-trip airfare. Full tuition is covered for a teacher's first child and 50% for a second. Additionally, the school awards an end-of-service bonus for each year worked, equal to about 2% of each teacher's salary. Teachers can look forward to fully-covered comprehensive United Arab Emirates and home country health and dental insurance plus worldwide emergency coverage. Personal accident coverage and life insurance are also offered. Finally, SZPAB provides a comprehensive schedule of school-based and externally-provided professional development (PD). The school adds, "Attendance at local PD events is encouraged."
To gain access to Sheikh Zayed Private Academy for Boys' full profile on the Search Associates database, including a list of all open positions, candidates can apply for membership by clicking here. Candidates already registered may easily access the school profile directly through their dashboard.
Please Note: The information presented about this school was valid on the date published. This information may change, and the most up-to-date information can be found on the school profile.
