Inside the Staffroom
The do’s and don’ts of
asking for a promotion
By Chassie Selouane
data and how schools are effectively
using data to inform learning. This
is a key part of the unified schools’
inspection framework. To ensure that
you capitalize on your chances for a
promotion or a raise, show how you
will collect and make use of data to
drive instruction appropriately.
DON’T
Don’t be afraid to use the words
‘us’ and ‘we’ when talking about
your school. Concentrate being as
collaborative as possible. Consistently
use we and us when talking about
school goals and actions. Remember,
there is no I in team and that a leader
focuses on the whole team and not
just an individual. Change has to
involve every stakeholder Describe
your ideas on how the school can build
capacity and provide support and
accountability as a team.
A
sking for a raise or promotion
can often be an uncomfortable,
nerve wrecking and awkward
experience. Figuring out
exactly what to say can be extremely
difficult to master. Below are a few
pointers that you can keep in mind
when thinking about asking for a raise
or promotion.
DO
Research job roles and salary
ranges for similar positions in the
area. In the UAE, location of schools
and school rankings with the school
ministry zones can affect the pay grade
of teachers. It is important that you ask
for a reasonable salary and benefits.
If you find that your school is offering
below the normal asking rate bring
evidence of this - but proceed with
caution. While you may be allowed to
negotiate, you don’t want to make a
demand that is out of the reasonable
range.
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Approach the situation with a
positive attitude. A positive attitude
can go a long way and open many
doors. A positive person tends to gain
the confidences of others quickly.
The ability to inspire confidence and
loyalty is a hallmark of an effective and
successful educator.
List your best ideas for change.
Education is constantly evolving
and with the National Agenda for
Education, UAE schools are seeking
to develop skills for the 21st century.
Bring along a list of ideas that you
have that will contribute to the school
improvement journey. Be specific
about what you can lead. Share ideas
that you have to help the school meet
identified goals and help drive change
at your school toward 21st Century
learning and the National Agenda.
Know the school’s strengths, areas
for improvement and student data
trends. The new UAE framework for
inspection relies heavily on student
Class Time
Don’t just talk about what you
are doing in your classroom; show
what you are doing. Celebrate your
accomplishments and bring evidence.
While it is important for you to show
that you are a team player, this is also
your time to shine. Having a portfolio
of your student’s projects is a sure way
to celebrate your work, your classroom
management skills and students’ work.
Don’t forget to carefully plan out
points you would like to discuss
during the interview. You could
possibly say something potentially
harmful to your career if you approach
your employer in the wrong way. Not
planning ahead could lead you to
pointing out your own flaws instead
of your strengths. It can also result
in unintentionally painting your coworkers in a negative light. This
could lead to potentially troublesome
situations if you do get that promotion.
Always plan ahead and make sure that
you get it right!