The Black Teacher Experience: Footprints in the Arabian Landscape

When I first landed in Doha, Qatar I was very scared and nervous because of all that I have been told about the Middle East and gulf through the lens of American news and media. I thought that I would b expected to strip away the freeness and creativity that America has fostered within me and take on an extremely strict approach as to how I dealt with people and parents. I even moved the way I thought it was expected of me. For instance, although I was raised Islamic and my entire family is Muslim, it was never forced upon me that I wear a Hijab daily but For the first 4-5 months in Doha, I wore a hijab at my school in order to assimilate and not be judged by the parents. Later on I discovered none of that mattered. If they like you than they like you and if they wanted to judge you based on anything they were going to do that anyway. 

I received a job at an International American school that was in its infancy. By the time I arrived, it was only in its second year of development which is rare for anyone to say about a school. I was beginning at the schools foundation which meant that there was room for growth everywhere. Another interesting fact about my school was that it was not diverse. It was all boys and housed 95% of Qatari students from more wealthier backgrounds. I quickly discovered that wealthy or not, these students were no different than American children from inner city backgrounds in terms of behavior. In fact, they sometimes behaved worse because they were used to getting everything that they wanted. Their drivers would try to get them out of school early or they would sometimes sneak and order talabat at random times of the day (until the school put an end to that.) Which is why my school was providing a type of military structure that would provide character development and leadership to help foster their futures globally (in case they actually wanted to leave Doha and explore the world beyond.)

As a black woman there was one or two times that I felt like a parent possibly did not want me teaching their child based on my skin color but I have tried not to believe such assumptions because those thoughts are not only baseless and have no real proof, they hold me back from my true potential as an educator. I think it’s normal for black people to feel that many of our grievances are due to racism because of what we deal with in America and in other parts of the world but in the gulf everyone has one reason or another to feel a way and it’s not just black people that are the minority. From the Africans, to the Filipinos, to the Indians, to other Arabs of other countries…. we all have a story. 

I had to challenge myself beyond those negative  thoughts and feelings and learn how to think and talk like an Arab person. Arab parents are proud parents and love their children, especially their sons, very much. You have to do a balancing dance of both praise while discussing tough matters within the classroom and build on your relationships with them. Relationships are key when working anywhere. At the same time you have to set boundaries and expectations for both the students and the parents early. It is recommended that you create a PowerPoint at the beginning of the school year to show to your parents at the parent night which includes the schedule, uniform policy, allergy policy, methods of communication, dismissal times, homework policy, etc. If they do not attend, draft an email introducing yourself to them and attach the presentation for later review. Everyone needs to be on the same page all of the time. And as for the children, set the tone early on. Create class rules together and make sure they understand that they will be expected to follow them. Have a behavioral chart to manage classroom behavior. Arab parents do not like for you to contact them daily telling them their kids are misbehaving because then it feels like not only can you not manage your own students as a teacher but also like the student is being targeted. 

Outside of all of that I have met some of the most loveliest families and Arab parents in Doha. Many of the mothers have the BEST style and grace and give the most amazing gifts. I have received so many generous items such as perfumes, bouquets of flowers, and they really respect teachers in Doha far more than in America. And the students are so sweet at times and funny and share their culture with me teaching me so much about Islamic faith and life in general. If you want to teach here you will grow. But you have to stay open and not come with biases. I’ve seen teachers come and go in 3 months without appreciating this beautiful country while some have been here almost a decade. Here is what you make it!