American International School in Abu Dhabi
Reviewer
Anonymous reviewer
Comments
I accepted a position at AISA because I wanted to be part of an international school community where I could grow professionally and make a positive difference for students. While I was fortunate to work alongside many exceptional teachers and supportive colleagues, my overall experience did not meet those expectations. The people working in the classrooms are, without question, the school's greatest asset. I met educators who consistently went above and beyond for their students, often sacrificing their own time and resources to ensure children received the support they needed. Several members of the leadership team also worked hard to support staff, but it often seemed that their ability to make meaningful improvements was limited by decisions made at higher levels. Throughout my time at the school, I became increasingly concerned about the overall culture. Communication lacked transparency, important decisions were rarely explained, and consistency in policies and expectations was often missing. Many teachers felt that professionalism and performance were not always the primary factors in decision-making, which affected trust and staff morale. I also witnessed situations involving colleagues that left many of us questioning whether employee concerns were being handled fairly or consistently. These experiences contributed to an environment where staff often felt reluctant to speak openly about workplace issues. Day-to-day teaching presented its own challenges. Limited resources, inconsistent student discipline, and frequent behavior management reduced the amount of time teachers could dedicate to instruction. Combined with occasional delays in salary payments and concerns surrounding contractual benefits, these issues created unnecessary stress for many employees. Despite everything, I remain grateful for the relationships I built with my colleagues and students. They made even the most difficult days worthwhile and reminded me why I chose this profession. For anyone considering a position at AISA, I encourage you to conduct thorough research before accepting an offer. Speak with current and former teachers, ask detailed questions about leadership, resources, staff support, and school culture, and make sure the school's values align with your own. Every educator's experience will be different, but based on my time there, I believe it is important to make an informed decision before committing to a contract.
Questionnaire Responses
How effectively does the school communicate important information (e.g., policies, updates, events) to teachers?
How well does the school support teachers’ social, emotional, and professional well-being?
How accessible and sufficient are the resources provided to support your teaching (e.g., classroom materials, technology, support staff)?
How effective are the professional development opportunities provided by the school in enhancing your teaching skills and career growth?
How positive, inclusive, and supportive is the school environment for both teachers and students?
How well does the school’s leadership team support teachers in implementing their teaching practices and addressing challenges?
How much autonomy does the school allow teachers in designing and delivering their lessons?
Overall, how satisfied are you with your experience at this school?
What do you appreciate most about the school’s approach to supporting teachers and creating a positive work environment?
The greatest strength of this school is its people. I had the opportunity to work with many dedicated, compassionate teachers and several administrators who genuinely cared about students and wanted to create a positive learning environment. Despite the challenges, my colleagues consistently supported one another, and that sense of teamwork made difficult days much easier.
What areas of improvement do you think the school should focus on to better support its teachers?
The school would benefit from greater transparency, consistent communication, and stronger support for staff. Teachers need reliable access to classroom resources, timely salary payments, fair implementation of policies, and confidence that concerns will be addressed professionally. Leadership should also be empowered to make decisions that prioritize students and staff over organizational interests.
Can you share an example of how the school has positively and/or negatively impacted your teaching or the learning experience of your students?
The dedication of my colleagues had a positive impact on both my professional growth and my students' learning. However, ongoing challenges such as limited resources, inconsistent discipline, and organizational decisions outside the classroom often made it difficult to provide the educational experience that students deserved. A significant amount of instructional time was spent managing behavior instead of teaching, and many issues affecting staff morale ultimately affected students as well.
Details
- Reviewee
- American International School in Abu Dhabi
- School
- American International School in Abu Dhabi
- Country
- AE
- State / Region
- Abu Dhabi
- Reporting Period
- 2018-2025
- Submitted
- July 22, 2026
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