One Hand Can’t Clap: The Role of School Leaders in Enacting Culturally Responsive Teaching in Dubai Schools

• In Event: AERA Roundtable Session Saturday 8:00 am Four Seasons Ballroom 2-3
  In Roundtable Session: Insights From International Perspectives on School Leadership and Management (Table 13)

Abstract

Culturally responsive teaching is not enough as a stand-alone method in the face of a diversified educational landscape in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), and Dubai in particular. Thus, there is a need to add culturally responsive leadership that can support diversity and build a strong collaborative environment. This paper explores culturally responsive teaching and leadership practices through the voices of (n=10) teachers and (n=4) leaders from four different schools in the Emirate of Dubai using a semi-structured interview. Results indicate the absence of resources and the struggle to collaborate within the school premises and the wider community. This study offers insights into the challenges of enacting culturally responsive leadership and teaching in UAE educational contexts.

Author

• Sana Al Maktoum, Zayed University