There is a large gender discrepancy in the field of education in the United Arab Emirates, with much fewer male teachers than female ones. This study examined perceptions of the teaching profession among male Emirati high school students, seeking to determine the reasons for their reluctance to enroll in related programs or pursue teaching as a career. This study used a mixed methods approach comprising surveys and focus group interviews. With these tools, it investigated how male students perceived education as a career path, identified demographic factors that influenced their decisions, and explored ways to attract them to the profession. The results show that while students considered teaching to be a suitable career for men, their families generally did not encourage the pursuit of this occupation, even though they saw it as an appropriate career path. Participants indicated also other deterring factors, such as teaching’s lack of social prestige, low pay, and limited career-growth prospects. Ultimately, the participants said that they were not in favor of pursuing teaching as a career path. Based on the study’s findings, it is recommended that policymakers and stakeholders understand the complexity of the phenomenon in question. Initiatives should be implemented to address the stereotypes harming teaching as a profession by raising awareness of it and incentivizing those inclined to choose this path.

Authors:
Mona Aljanahi, United Arab Emirates University, United Arab Emirates
Ahmed Akaabi, United Arab Emirates University, United Arab Emirates
Mohammed Aljanahi, United Arab Emirates University, United Arab Emirates
Hala Elhoweris, United Arab Emirates University, United Arab Emirates
Ali Ibrahim, United Arab Emirates University, United Arab Emirates

About the Presenter(s)
Dr Mona Aljanahi is a University Assistant Professor/Lecturer at United Arab Emirates University in United Arab Emirates

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