My conversation with Eric Asbury in Dubai
My international contact Eric Asbury is in Dubai . During our conversation this week, I
asked Eric the series of questions that we were given as a guide for our blog
assignment this week. Our conversation is below…
Me: “Eric, what issues regarding quality and early childhood
professionals are being discussed where you’re working?”
Eric: “Well, the
biggest issue now is raising pay for the teachers who are already there. Some
of them feel that they do more than what they are paid for. That’s everybody’s
story, right? But, seriously, they are underpaid and then teachers from the US are brought
in and it makes them feel somewhat incompetent, but at the same time we help to
lessen their load as far as teaching the kids all subjects. With my help, the
responsibilities are split. Back to the salary issue, some people are hired
with fewer qualifications and you can tell that they are just doing it for the
money. They show no passion for the profession at all. It’s sad, but true. I
came to Dubai
for the learning experience from a cultural stand point, and the money is good,
lol. But to be honest, the kids get shorted because a lot of us (Americans)
often return home after the experience, and the local teachers switch schools,
sometimes before the school year is over, if they receive a more attractive
salary elsewhere.
Me: Wow… I never knew that the teaching profession there was
so stuck on the money issue. Don’t get me wrong, but we are all working to get
paid, but when you enter the teaching profession in the US , you already
know that it’s not for the money! Next question: what opportunities and
requirements for professional development exist?
Eric: No
professional development opportunities have been available to me since I came
here. I just go with the flow because I am ready to come home!
Me: Awww… the holidays are coming up so that will be a much
needed break, right? Ok…what are some of your professional goals?
Eric: Honestly, I
have accomplished one of my goals by teaching here in Dubai . I have always wanted to teach in
another country in order to get a feel for the culture. I want to bring back
some of the culture and broaden the kids learning. Fortunately, I do have some
things to bring back to the states, which is cool. Another professional goal
that I had when I first started teaching was to make sure that my students
received the individual help that they needed. I observed and offered my
assistance in any way possible, and I continue to do so. I hold tutorials afterschool.
I don’t get paid for that. I come to work early, have breakfast with the
students that participate in morning tutorial and we work on their skills.
Teaching is truly my passion, and I’m glad that I have been able to do it for
the past 15 yrs.
Me: That is awesome Eric!!!
What are some of your professional hopes, dreams and challenges?
Eric: One of my
dreams is to coach high school basketball. Since my degree is in early
childhood, I will have to take a few classes in order to be certified to teach
high school. Challenges? Well I can tell you that reaching every child is a
challenge that I face both here and the US . I have to come to the
realization that I can’t save them all, but… there’s always a but! I guess
that’s it for now. Hopefully I can continue on with my extended services to
help the kids out. Who knows? Maybe one day I can open up my own school for
boys. Our youth is troubled, but the males need so much help and positive
attention that it’s scary.
Me: Thank you Eric! We shall chat again, same time next
week, ok? Take care and safe travels as you return home for the holidays!
I have enjoyed this time with Eric. He and I plan to keep in touch because I would like to know if he decides to continue teaching abroad.
I have enjoyed the information that your contact has given concerning Early Childhood Education in Dubai. One thing for certain is the early childhood professionals world wide aren't being compensated for the great work that we do. You definitely have to look forward to the rewards of working with children and as I have said so many times, if you are in it for the money, you are in the wrong profession.
ReplyDeleteThe idea of teaching abroad is very interesting. I think it would be a very fascinating and enlightening experience! I wish I had taken an opportunity to do so before I started a family. Now, if I were to go abroad the Trammells would be a packaged deal. LOL I think it is interesting that low salary is such a prominent issue. It is one that we deal with here in the U.S. as well. Even though I agree with you that we already know that it is not for the money, I think that many people are still surprised by just how low teacher salary is in comparison to the cost of living. Salary and benefits even at a public school level are changing rapidly, and in most states the changes are not good. I wonder if Dubai has undergone the same sort of changes or if the salary has always been low?
ReplyDeleteGreat discussion! It seems that Eric really loves his job and more importantly he loves the children and cares about them learning. That is admirable after 15 years because so many get burned out after a while. He is truly a good man and I'm glad to have read your conversations. The fact that he stays after school for tutoring and does it for free....just awesome!
ReplyDelete