Heads of schools in the UAE have voiced their concerns regarding a British teacher who accepted bribes from students in exchange for altering their exam results. The teacher was sentenced to three years in prison, fined Dh5,000, and deported. This case has ignited discussions about the significance of ethical behavior and transparency within educational institutions.
Zubair Ahmad, COO of Springdales School in Dubai, emphasized the need for schools to prioritize integrity and value systems alongside academic excellence. "It is deeply distressing to hear such news. Teaching is a noble profession, and it is heartbreaking when a teacher engages in unethical behavior," Ahmad stated. "Schools must implement comprehensive training on ethical conduct. While focusing on education, we cannot overlook our values system."
Ahmad further noted that strict measures are in place to address such issues at Springdales School. "We have made it mandatory for teachers to sign an ethical code of conduct as part of their induction. Regular evaluations and thorough background checks of teachers are also essential to prevent incidents of misconduct," he explained. He highlighted that they have a comprehensive employee safeguarding declaration policy in place, designed for employees working with children and clearly outlining expectations for all staff.
Ahmad also mentioned that support systems such as mentorship programs, counseling, and conflict resolution teams are crucial in helping teachers navigate challenges and uphold the highest standards of professionalism. Similarly, Abhilasha Singh, Principal of Shining Star International School in Abu Dhabi, underscored the importance of work ethics in preventing such incidents. "Work ethics are extremely important," Singh said. "We guide teachers to avoid accepting gifts from parents as it creates obligations. Our school has a good conduct policy that includes an ethical work element, guiding teachers to live by a moral code."
Individuals who request, accept, or promise bribes in the private sector would be subject to a fine equivalent to the benefit accepted (provided the fine is not less than Dh5,000), confiscation of the actual benefit accepted, and imprisonment not exceeding five years. French expat Marie Dubois, whose daughter attends a school in Dubai, emphasized the importance of ethics in educational institutions. "Ethics are fundamental to any educational institution, and it is essential that clear policies are in place to prevent such incidents. We believe that schools here already implement strict measures around this. They could probably include auditing of grading procedures, to ensure that no opportunities for bribery exist within the system," she said. "Also, reinforcing a culture of accountability, with regular training for staff on integrity, can help safeguard against any future misconduct. An anonymous reporting mechanism can also prove to be helpful," she added.
