Dar al Marefa School (DMS), a bilingual International Baccalaureate (IB) world school, is now with Search Associates, and we are pleased to help them find the best educators—such as you! Founded in 2008, DMS is presently located in a two-story building in a prime location in Dubai, close to an upscale shopping center as well as a smaller mall with cafés and restaurants. Exciting plans are underway to build a new campus, which will expand enrollment significantly. Spacious apartments for teachers are in a secure sub-division, with green areas, various eateries, shops, hair salons, and a gym.
DMS offers an education in Arabic and English within a K–12 IB program, emphasizing the interrelatedness of all knowledge while supporting students’ holistic development. The school’s vision and mission are stated on its website:
“Our students will be lifelong learners who will always be proud of who they are, cherish their own values and beliefs, respect differences and other cultures and are hence ready to join the world with open-mindedness, tolerance and confidence. . . Our graduates are principled and courageous individuals ready to contribute to a more just and peaceful world.”
Extra-curricular activities at DMS involve all age groups in various clubs and activities, spread out across fall, winter, and spring sessions. Depending on the season and level of interest, choices may include tennis, soccer, basketball, gymnastics, karate, arts & crafts, pottery, model making, woodcraft, science, math, robotics, 3D printing, digital photography, and French or Spanish language. One of the school’s strongest and most sought-after programs is its series of Islamic activities, offered at different performance levels and featuring Holy Quran studies, ethics, and values.
DMS is authorized by the IB Organization, the United Arab Emirates (U.A.E.) Ministry of Education, and by the Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA) in Dubai. Currently, 733 K–12 students are enrolled, 75% of whom are from Dubai, with the remaining students from the U.K. The teaching staff of 74 includes 24 from North America and the U.K.
DMS is interested in hiring single teachers and married couples, including couples with a non-teaching spouse. The school seeks those with IB experience. While DMS prefers candidates with three years’ experience, they will consider outstanding, newly-certified teachers as well as those certified in a non-English speaking country. Candidates for grades 6–12 must have an academic degree in the subject they will be teaching. The U.A.E. issues work visas up to the age of 55.
DMS’s benefits package includes a salary which is not subject to tax, and the option of a one-bedroom apartment or a housing allowance. Dar Al Marefa offers a 50% reduction in tuition fees for up to two children. Comprehensive health insurance, including emergency evacuation, life insurance, and long-term disability, are fully covered by the school. The school states that it will cover the cost of medical treatment in a teacher’s home country if the cost of medical treatment is equal to or less than the cost of the same treatment in the U.A.E., provided that teachers supply documentation of all medical care. DMS offers in-house professional development to train teachers who do not have prior IB experience. Teachers can also register for workshops outside the school, subject to approval by the senior administration and the head of department and/or principal.
Dar Al Marefa School’s 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 can easily access the school profile directly through their dashboards.
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.
