Career as Teacher

Originally Posted by Unregistered

I’m already taking up a HOD portfolio at an independent school now, so just wondering if I should go back to the system (considering HQ).

Isn't the pay higher at independent school?

Originally Posted by Unregistered

Since it's the season of transfers...anyone ended up transferring into an environment that is worse than before? How do you endure the 3 years before applying again?

1st year: be open and accept your feelings. Feeling something is better than being apathetic -understand that the first year anywhere is usually the toughest (trial by fire/ new culture/ new people, etc)

2nd year: usually things get better from here, if not, may be good to speak with your RO/SL to share your concerns/ reasons for the mismatch/ speak to career coaches (look out for their email blasts)/ speak with union reps

If really still cannot and it's affecting you really badly, may need to seek doctor's input and possibly request for NPL if that's a viable option for you. But imo health over wealth since health is wealth 😅

3rd year: if things got better, things should be smooth sailing. If not, it's OPE season again anyway!

Hi guys. I am a non-IP SH, preparing to go for interview at another school. My principal told me my current school will not be able to fulfil my aspirations to move into IP KP due to the smc structure and advised me to try elsewhere should i find the chance to. My current school is not developing or preparing me for it. I understand there will be perceived big gaps in the 2 roles. My inner circle colleagues have been asking me to prepare for the question, "What is your vision for the department if you are appointed the HOD role?" While i'm preparing my materials for the interview, would any kind soul advise how this should be answered? Thank you!

Originally Posted by Unregistered

1st year: be open and accept your feelings. Feeling something is better than being apathetic -understand that the first year anywhere is usually the toughest (trial by fire/ new culture/ new people, etc)

2nd year: usually things get better from here, if not, may be good to speak with your RO/SL to share your concerns/ reasons for the mismatch/ speak to career coaches (look out for their email blasts)/ speak with union reps

If really still cannot and it's affecting you really badly, may need to seek doctor's input and possibly request for NPL if that's a viable option for you. But imo health over wealth since health is wealth 😅

3rd year: if things got better, things should be smooth sailing. If not, it's OPE season again anyway!

Am not the OP, but thought this post was an (uncharacteristically?) positive post that embraces the growth mindset even while navigating a tricky situation. Thanks for taking the time to share!

hi, im new to this forum, any foreign grads of local uni here that applied for pgde/nie? what was the process like? or any foreign (non-chinese race) teachers here? did you manage to secure PR after working as a teacher? thanks!

Does anyone know how are Ps evaluated? We have a new a P. Ever since his arrival, staff morale has taken a hit and numerous colleagues are seeking to post out. I have heard a similar effect when the P was in the previous school.. Surely MOE monitors such trends and investigate the reasons why? Surprisingly the P has been around for at more than a decade (as SL).

Originally Posted by Unregistered

Does anyone know how are Ps evaluated? We have a new a P. Ever since his arrival, staff morale has taken a hit and numerous colleagues are seeking to post out. I have heard a similar effect when the P was in the previous school.. Surely MOE monitors such trends and investigate the reasons why? Surprisingly the P has been around for at more than a decade (as SL).

Sounds like the type of leadership that MOE wants. It is what happens when playing politics is a needed attribute to climb up the ladder. You have the wrong people leading from the front. One KP wannabe in my school says he is willing to work for free because his energy is driven by passion.

Originally Posted by Unregistered

Does anyone know how are Ps evaluated? We have a new a P. Ever since his arrival, staff morale has taken a hit and numerous colleagues are seeking to post out. I have heard a similar effect when the P was in the previous school.. Surely MOE monitors such trends and investigate the reasons why? Surprisingly the P has been around for at more than a decade (as SL).

Need a super concerted effort to flame the P in climate survey - but then after that he/she will take revenge on us again and after a small hit to PB... remain as P

only scandal and giant lapse may push early retirement

Originally Posted by Unregistered

Sounds like the type of leadership that MOE wants. It is what happens when playing politics is a needed attribute to climb up the ladder. You have the wrong people leading from the front. One KP wannabe in my school says he is willing to work for free because his energy is driven by passion.

It is called sharing the bitter fruit or nut.

If schools only experience nice and kind P, they become complacent.

Need to let them taste the bitter nut.

Then they will better appreciate the other fruits or nuts.

Does HOD/subject head have less workload as compared to normal teachers? I noticed that many HOD and subject head normally teach very few classes as compared to regular teachers