Teacher Development Needs Across Educational Stages in UAE Schools: Evidence from Classroom, Family, and School Contexts

Teacher development is essential for improving instructional quality and supporting sustainable school improvement. This study examined teacher development needs across educational stages in selected schools in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) by focusing on three key domains: classroom practices, family engagement, and school support. Using a quantitative descriptive-comparative research design, data were collected through a structured survey administered to teachers representing the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS), Primary, and Secondary levels. Descriptive statistics, One-Way Analysis of Variance (ANOVA), and rank-order analysis were employed to determine the levels of teacher development indicators, examine differences across educational stages, and identify priority areas for professional development. The findings revealed high levels of teacher development across all three domains, with classroom practices receiving the highest ratings, followed by family engagement and school support. No statistically significant differences were found in classroom practices, family engagement, or school support across educational stages, indicating that teachers shared similar professional experiences regardless of teaching level. However, item-level analysis identified important developmental priorities, including strengthening student motivation, enhancing family-school partnerships, improving student well-being monitoring, and expanding opportunities for teacher participation in school decision-making. Based on these findings, the Teacher Development Enhancement Framework (TDEF) was developed to provide stage-specific interventions for EYFS, Primary, and Secondary teachers. The framework offers school leaders and policymakers an evidence-based guide for designing targeted professional development initiatives that strengthen instructional practice, organizational support, and collaborative partnerships, ultimately contributing to sustainable teacher growth and improved educational quality in UAE schools.