Career as Teacher

Originally Posted by Unregistered

Given that it is not a generic scheme (unlike MXS) and thus enjoy a premium (reflected in the salary ranges), you can then have more subgrades to create sense of progression for retention.

For local grads in MX scheme who are not taking on leadership positions, they still retire as Mx11a as their last promotion though.

Originally Posted by Unregistered

For local grads in MX scheme who are not taking on leadership positions, they still retire as Mx11a as their last promotion though.

this is after how many years of service?

Hi all,

Would like to ask if anyone is seeking a secondment to MOE kindergarten or have friends who have done so during previous OPE, any views on that? if there are any MK educators willing to shed some light on what work is like as a kindergarten teacher, would like to hear from you too. TIA!

Originally Posted by Unregistered

This is untrue. My ROs have openly told me that scholars have a higher CEP. But of course, you do not need to be a scholar to have a high CEP, as long as management really likes you your CEP will be bumped up.

This is correct, scholars almost always start off with at least a slightly higher CEP.

However, CEP is very fluid in a teacher's first five or so years of service, which are (arguably) the most crucial years for determining your career trajectory, whether you are a scholar or not. If you underperform during the first few years it is possible to squander any advantage you had as a scholar; conversely during this time non-scholars may set themselves up for a fast and exciting career if they are high performing and/or happen to be in the good books of their RO and SLs.

Originally Posted by Unregistered

Hi, am interested to pursue a career with MOE as a teacher.

Curious on the starting salary and general pay progression from trainee all the way up to 8-10 years of exp. Any insights would be valuable thank you.

Maybe i can shed some light. Been teaching since 2012, FCH from NIE degree programme.

First posting to an independent school

2012: 4.1k (GEO 2 - the old scheme was 1.1, or 2.1)
2013: 4.6k (GEO 3 - old GEO 1A1 scheme)
2014: 4.8k (GEO 4 - old GEO 1A2)

Changed schools.

2015 - 2017: went to 6.1k iirc

Changed schools again

2018: 6.3k
2019: 6.5k (became SH)
2021: 7.1k (GEO 5)


Key things I've learnt

1. Your relationship with all HODs and SLs are crucial. While you can do good dept work and your HOD can attest to it, join committees chaired by other HODs. More voices to help fight for you and corroborate your contributions (of course dont screw up).

2. The only way to get promoted fast is to be doing work at a higher GEO level. Notice I did not just say "do more work", but do work that is at a higher GEO level. Look at the EPMS form of an SEO (or at least GEO 5), and notice how the impact needs to be more level wide. So,do more impactful work that goes beyond the classroom.

3. Scholars (LMS, Overseas) do get a better head start (in terms of opportunities and perception). But if you screw up, you hentak kaki. I have also seen non-scholars rise. You have to create your own opportunities and take them. I have seen HODs demoted to being a normal teacher, departments complaining to Supt about HODs. Being a HOD does not automatically make you a leader (let alone a good one). Have the right values and lead with a heart.

4. If you choose to just be a Happy, Ordinary Teacher, that is fine. Just be happy and go with the flow. Maxing out at GEO 5 with a 7.8k salary is not bad compared to private sector. Every career has its pros and cons.

5. To BTs, don't just mix with other BTs / young teachers. Your older colleagues have the wisdom of experience to share with you.

Originally Posted by Unregistered

Congratulations on the milestone promotion. But holy crap the increment is terrible! That's even less than the increment I got from my cohort promotion many moons ago, with a C grade for the prev year.

Sorry to ride on, but what is a cohort promotion?

Are lead teachers and senior teachers considered leadership positions?

Originally Posted by Unregistered

Are lead teachers and senior teachers considered leadership positions?

There are 3 tracks; Leadership, Specialist and Teaching. So ST and LT, at least semantically speaking, are not in Leadership track.

They are however expected to lead in mentoring, pedagogy, etc. They are also called Teacher Leaders.

So depends on how you look at it, STs, LTs and MTs can be considered leaders, or not.
It also depends on the school. Some treat them as leaders, some don't, and some treat them as those who couldn't make it on Leadership track. It really depends.

Originally Posted by Unregistered

Sorry to ride on, but what is a cohort promotion?

It is the first (and only) automatic promotion given to cohorts of new entrants after they have been confirmed into service. For NSmen, this will occur on the promotion cycle immediately after their confirmation date. For ladies, and non-NSmen, this will occur on the second promotion cycle after their confirmation date. Promotion cycles are in April and October of each year.

Subsequent promotions after the cohort promotion no longer follow a fixed time-in-grade structure.

Originally Posted by Unregistered

It is the first (and only) automatic promotion given to cohorts of new entrants after they have been confirmed into service. For NSmen, this will occur on the promotion cycle immediately after their confirmation date. For ladies, and non-NSmen, this will occur on the second promotion cycle after their confirmation date. Promotion cycles are in April and October of each year.

Subsequent promotions after the cohort promotion no longer follow a fixed time-in-grade structure.

even for NSmen, it may not be immediately. I know of a few good performers (men) from practicum and first year C+ graders who did not get promoted immediately. It's ultimately up to HR. could be based on a few criteria including basic/honours degree, etc.