Maria Theresa Santos
Primary Teacher with 7 years of experience, including 4 years teaching Year 3 and Year 4 in a British curriculum school in Sharjah. Skilled in differentiated instruction for multilingual classes, assessment for learning, and supporting EAL students. Holds a teaching degree and is experienced with the UAE teacher licensing process.
- Teach classes of 24-26 students from 15+ nationalities following the English National Curriculum
- Raised the share of students meeting reading targets from 68% to 85% in one academic year through guided reading groups
- Designed differentiated plans for EAL and SEND students in coordination with the inclusion team
- Led the Year 4 phase for two terms, coordinating planning and assessments for 3 classes
- Prepared students and portfolios for school inspection, with lessons observed rated good or better
- Taught English and Mathematics to Grades 2-4
- Introduced weekly formative quizzes that improved term test averages
- Organised a school reading month with 300+ participating students
- Maintained regular communication with parents through conferences and reports
- Licensed Professional Teacher (Philippines)
British National Curriculum (EYFS/KS1/KS2) • Differentiated instruction • Assessment for learning • EAL support • Classroom management • Lesson planning • Google Classroom • Microsoft Teams • Parent communication • Safeguarding • Data tracking • Inclusive education
English (Fluent) • Filipino (Native)
Nationality: Filipino • Visa Status: Employment visa (transferable) • Marital Status: Single
The teacher job market in UAE
Most teaching opportunities in the UAE are in private schools in Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Sharjah, plus public schools for some subjects, universities and colleges, and training centres. Private schools follow many curricula: British, American, IB, Indian and the national Ministry curriculum.
That is why the first thing on your CV should be the curriculum and phase you have taught, such as "British curriculum, KS2" or "American curriculum, Grade 9-12 Math". A British school will usually prefer someone with experience in the same curriculum.
Schools also value experience with multinational classes and students who speak English as an additional language (EAL), supporting students with special educational needs, using assessment data for planning, and preparing for school inspections. Classroom technology such as Google Classroom and Microsoft Teams is often listed in ads.
If you teach Arabic, Islamic Education or Social Studies, schools specifically look for that experience. See also the UAE CV guide and the general teacher CV page.
Licensing and certifications
Teaching in the UAE has more formal requirements than many professions, and details vary by emirate and school type:
- Teacher licence: there is a national teacher licensing system, and the local education authorities in Dubai and Abu Dhabi have their own requirements. Schools usually explain the steps after an offer, but verify with the official authority.
- Teaching qualification: an education degree or recognised teaching qualification (such as PGCE, QTS or a licence from your home country) makes a big difference. List exactly what you hold.
- Attestation: your degree and teaching qualification usually need official attestation.
- Police clearance and safeguarding training: many schools ask for both.
Never list a licence or qualification you do not hold; schools verify these officially.
Keywords from teacher job ads in UAE
Use only the terms that truly describe your experience. Have a specific job ad? Match your CV to it →
Experience bullet examples
Edit them with your real numbers and never claim results you did not achieve.
- Taught Year 3 and Year 4 classes of 15+ nationalities following the English National Curriculum
- Raised the share of students meeting reading targets from 68% to 85% within one academic year
- Planned differentiated lessons for EAL and SEND students with the school inclusion team
- Prepared lessons and student work for school inspection, with observed lessons rated good or better
- Used assessment data to group students and plan targeted interventions each half term
- Led a year-group phase, coordinating planning and moderation across 3 classes
- Integrated Arabic and UAE social studies themes into cross-curricular projects
- Communicated progress to parents through termly reports, conferences and Class Dojo
Tips for a teacher CV in UAE
1. Put curriculum and phase in your title
Write something like "Primary Teacher, British Curriculum" under your name. It is the first filter schools apply.
2. Show learning outcomes, not duties
Instead of "taught Math", show how student attainment improved or how you supported a specific group. Simple numbers help.
3. Mention multinational classes
If you taught students of many nationalities or EAL learners, say so explicitly. That describes most UAE schools.
4. Make qualifications easy to find
List your teaching qualification, licence status and safeguarding training under Certifications with years.
5. Tailor a version per curriculum
If you have taught more than one curriculum, keep a version of your CV for each school type and lead with the closest match.
CV norms in UAE
| Photo | ◐ | Common and accepted, especially in hospitality, sales and aviation. Keep it professional. |
|---|---|---|
| Nationality | ✓ | Usually included, as it affects visa and hiring procedures. |
| Usual length | ⓘ | One to two pages. Employers in Dubai and Abu Dhabi prefer short, focused CVs. |
| Language | ⓘ | Mostly English. Arabic is a strong plus in government and customer-facing roles. |
FAQ
Do I need a licence before applying?
Not always; many schools help with the process after an offer. If you already hold a licence or teaching qualification, show it clearly.
Should I add a photo?
Many UAE schools like to see a professional photo. You can use the Photo template.
I have only taught my national curriculum. Can I apply to British schools?
Yes, but focus on transferable skills such as planning, assessment and differentiation, and any British curriculum training.
Should I include marital status?
Optional. Some schools ask because of housing and benefits; our builder has a field if you want to add it.
Where do I start?
Open the <a href="/en/?country=uae&job=teacher#start">CV builder</a> with UAE settings, then run the <a href="/en/cv-checker/">CV checker</a> before you apply.
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