Post by : Meena Ariff

Singapore has announced a major decision to hire 1,000 new teachers every year for the next few years. This is a big increase compared to the past, when the country used to hire around 700 teachers each year. This step has been taken to strengthen the teaching workforce and make sure that all students in Singapore get the best education possible.

Why is Singapore Hiring More Teachers?

The number of teachers in Singapore has reduced over the years. In 2016, there were 33,378 teachers working in schools. But by 2023, this number dropped to 30,396 teachers. This happened because fewer new teachers were being hired in the last few years.

When there are not enough teachers, it becomes difficult to give students personal attention and quality learning experiences. More teachers mean that classes can be smaller, and each student can get better help from their teachers.

The Ministry of Education has not yet shared the exact number of teachers working in 2024, but this new plan shows that the government wants to quickly add more teachers to fill the gaps.

What Did the Education Minister Say?

During the annual Teachers’ Investiture Ceremony at the National Institute of Education in Nanyang Technological University, Education Minister Desmond Lee spoke about this new decision. He said that Singapore has always worked hard to build a strong, committed, and high-quality teaching team.

He added that every child in Singapore deserves a chance to reach their full potential, no matter where they come from or what family they belong to. This is because education can change a child’s life, helping them build a better future for themselves and their families.

The World is Changing Fast – Schools Must Keep Up

Desmond Lee said that the world is now changing faster than ever before. There are new technologies like artificial intelligence (AI), which are affecting how people work and live. Climate change is also making a big impact on the world.

Additionally, social media has changed how young people communicate, share information, and express their thoughts. Because of all these changes, schools need to do more than just teach students facts and formulas. They need to prepare students to adapt to a fast-changing world and to think deeply about the world around them.

New Teachers Joining the Workforce

On July 9, 721 new and returning teachers graduated from the National Institute of Education and will soon join Singapore’s schools. This group includes:

• 47 teachers who received special awards, such as the Lee Kuan Yew Gold Medal and the NIE Award for their excellent academic results and hard work.

• Seven teachers under the age of 35 who won the Outstanding Youth in Education Award. They received this award because they made a big positive impact on their students, helping them learn better and become kinder, more confident people.

These awards show that Singapore values teachers who work with dedication and care.

Teaching Students to Love Learning

Desmond Lee, who became the Education Minister in May this year, told teachers that their job is not just to teach students what to study, but also to help them develop a love for learning.

He said that in real life, what matters most is:

• Having good judgment to make the right decisions

• Having strong social and emotional skills to understand and work with others

• Having good core values, such as honesty, kindness, and respect

He explained that just getting high grades is not enough. Students must learn how to think deeply, make wise decisions, and care for others.

Less Focus on Exams, More on Skills and Talents

That is why the Ministry of Education has started reducing the focus on exam marks and grades. They want students to:

• Learn different skills and talents

• Discover their strengths and interests

• Become confident and creative thinkers

For example:

• Since 2019, Singapore has been removing mid-year examinations in schools. This has helped students reduce stress and focus on true learning.

• In 2024, Singapore fully started a system called full subject-based banding.

This means that students can now take subjects at different levels based on their strengths and abilities. For example, if a student is very good at Science, they can take a higher-level Science class, while taking English or Maths at a level that suits their ability. This system is better than the old way, where students were put into fixed academic streams, which often made them feel stuck.

Creating Joyful and Meaningful Learning Experiences

Desmond Lee said that these big changes in the education system are good, but they must be supported by learning experiences in schools that:

• Help students discover their unique talents and passions.

• Teach them to enjoy learning, not just study to get marks.

• Make learning exciting and meaningful, so students want to continue learning even after they finish school.

Building Unity in a Diverse Society

He also spoke about how Singapore is becoming more diverse, with people from different countries, races, religions, and cultures living together. Also, young people today think differently from older generations, and they have their own beliefs and dreams.

Because of these differences, it is very important to teach students about unity and social harmony. He said that teachers must teach students to:

• Show empathy, which means understanding how others feel.

• Respect different views and beliefs.

• Discuss their differences openly and respectfully.

From Individual Success to Shared Responsibility

Another challenge he talked about is teaching students to think beyond just their success. Students should learn about shared responsibility, which means caring for their friends, family, community, and country.

Schools should create opportunities for students to:

• Learn together with classmates from different backgrounds.

• Listen to each other with kindness and respect.

• Treat everyone with compassion.

• Understand that unity in diversity is important, just like how Singapore’s forefathers came together despite differences to build the nation.

The Final Message from the Minister

Desmond Lee ended his speech by saying that teachers must create learning environments where students can grow up to be:

• Wise in their decisions

• Kind towards others

• Confident to face any challenge

He said that these students will then be ready to build a strong, united, and successful Singapore for the future.