What Is a Shadow Teacher?
By ShadowTeacher Team · Updated September 24, 2026
A shadow teacher is a trained professional who provides one-to-one support to a child with special educational needs inside a mainstream classroom. Also known as a learning support assistant (LSA), a shadow teacher helps the student follow lessons, build social, behavioural and academic skills, and take part fully alongside their peers.
Unlike a private tutor who works after school, a shadow teacher accompanies the child during the school day, working under the guidance of the classroom teacher and the school's inclusion team.
What does a shadow teacher do?
A shadow teacher's role is tailored to each child, but usually includes:
- Breaking lessons into manageable steps and keeping the child focused and on task
- Supporting communication, social interaction and friendships with classmates
- Managing behaviour and helping the child self-regulate their emotions
- Reinforcing the targets set in the child's individual education plan (IEP)
- Adapting classroom materials and activities to the child's learning level
- Encouraging independence so support can be gradually reduced over time
Shadow teacher vs. learning support assistant vs. tutor
The terms “shadow teacher” and “learning support assistant” are often used interchangeably in the UAE, and both describe in-class, one-to-one support. A classroom teacher leads the whole class, while a shadow teacher supports one child within it. A private tutor, by contrast, delivers academic lessons outside school hours and is not usually present in the classroom.
Read more: learning support assistants (LSA) in the UAEOther names for a shadow teacher
Schools, regulators and therapists use different names for the same one-to-one classroom role. If you see any of these in a school letter or a job title, they mean a shadow teacher:
- Learning support assistant (LSA), the term used by schools, KHDA and ADEK
- Inclusion assistant or individual assistant
- One-to-one aide or one-to-one support
- Paraeducator or paraprofessional, common in American-curriculum schools
- Shadow aide or shadow support
- Classroom support assistant for a named child
When does a child need a shadow teacher?
Schools and specialists often recommend a shadow teacher when a child needs consistent individual support to access the curriculum. This can include children with:
- Autism spectrum disorder (ASD)
- Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
- Learning difficulties such as dyslexia or dyscalculia
- Speech, language and communication needs
- Developmental delay or global developmental delay
- Behavioural, emotional or sensory-processing challenges
What qualifications should a shadow teacher have?
A good shadow teacher combines relevant education (for example in special education, psychology, early childhood or teaching) with hands-on experience supporting children with additional needs. In the UAE, families should also confirm the candidate's identity and background: on ShadowTeacher UAE every teacher submits education certificates, a CV, Emirates ID and police clearance, and each profile is reviewed by an administrator before parents can see it.
How much does a shadow teacher cost in the UAE?
Verified teachers across the UAE on ShadowTeacher currently ask between AED 2,000 and AED 6,500 a month (median bracket AED 4,000 to 5,000).Full breakdown by emirate, hours and qualification: What a shadow teacher costs in the UAE
How to hire a verified shadow teacher in the UAE
ShadowTeacher UAE connects parents with verified, qualified shadow teachers and learning support assistants across Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, Al Ain and the wider UAE. Browse profiles, review credentials, and message teachers directly to find the right match for your child.
Frequently asked questions
Is a shadow teacher the same as a learning support assistant?
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Yes. In the UAE the two terms are used interchangeably to describe a professional who gives one-to-one, in-class support to a child with special educational needs.
Does a shadow teacher work inside the classroom?
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Yes. A shadow teacher accompanies the child during the school day and supports them within the mainstream classroom, working alongside the class teacher.
How is a shadow teacher different from a tutor?
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A tutor teaches academic subjects outside school hours, while a shadow teacher provides day-to-day support inside the classroom, focusing on access, behaviour and social skills as well as learning.
Can a shadow teacher help a child with autism or ADHD?
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Yes. Shadow teachers commonly support children with autism, ADHD, learning difficulties and other additional needs, following the targets in the child's individual education plan.
How do I find a verified shadow teacher in the UAE?
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You can browse verified shadow teachers on ShadowTeacher UAE, review each teacher's credentials, and contact them directly to discuss your child's needs.