Career as Teacher

Originally Posted by Puzzled

That’s not a way to put it. Why don’t you look at it from a different perspective?
They have been my students for a long time and I will definitely want to continue with the relationship and help them out. Being a teacher helps me to improve in my teaching and of course, teach the students better.

I guess the question you would have to ask yourself is what does teaching mean to you? Is it purely about teaching academics? If yes, then stay with tuition.

Have heard informally that there will be no more climate survey. Anyone has any idea what will replace this? Cannot be that there is no evaluation of school environment right?

Originally Posted by Puzzled

Hi! I am still an undergraduate in my final year (business) but I have recently applied for the PGDE program with MOE. I was shortlisted for an interview for the upcoming Dec 2019 batch. This may seem a little far fetched but I do have many queries and would appreciate if any of you can answer them.

If I opt not to be bonded by moe, what are my chances of being enrolled into NIE?

I am wondering how life is like during and after PGDE. I have friends who is released from school at 1pm during the contract teaching period and need not deal with much admin work. Will that stay throughout the entire contract period or will workload pile up?

I was offered to teach English and Mathematics in primary school. Will all teachers be teaching both subjects assigned? Do I get to choose which level to teach (lower / upper Primary)?

Is there an opportunity to teach other subjects say, Science, or move up to secondary level in future? Will i need to continue my studies then?

Is it compulsory for teachers to take on CCA and / or event planning for the school?

Is there any difference between teaching in school and at a tuition centre? I’ve taught in a tuition centre before and because the class size are not as big as those in schools, it is manageable. Will bigger class size pose as a hindrance? I thought class sizes might be smaller now due to lower birth rate and etc.

What about moonlighting? The most recent article was published in 2013 where teachers are not allowed to moonlight for more than 6 hours. Does that still stand or has it changed?

What has changed for teachers since MOE has removed examinations for P1 and 2 students, P3 and P5 mid year exams, together with a more lax scoring system for PSLE students?

All PGDE students in NIE would have been bonded to MOE. I've not heard of heard of any case where none are bonded.

All teachers will be assigned to teach both subjects English and Mathematics. As you are trained to teach primary subjects, there won't be any opportunities for you to move to secondary level - please note that this is not a promotion in MOE fyi.

I'm your last question, teachers would have one less assessment to set exams for and more time could be spent on quality teaching.

It's compulsory for teachers to take CCAs and event planning. It is part of the job.

Yes, tuition is capped at 6 hours and subject to principal's approval.

Contract teaching : It really depends on your school whether you get to leave at 1pm.

Hi I have been in the service for 7 years.

Grades
Mixture of C+ and Bs

I graduated with just a degree.
My promotion has been rather slow. I understand that I wasn't given much opportunities in my beginning years. It was only in 2015 I started getting more work e.g. teach graduating classes and etc.
I worked very hard to accomplish in all the areas that were given to me and the results showed (and visible). The hard work doesn't seem to make up for my poor entry grade and I am still not promoted to GEO 4. My peers who entered the service at the same time as me has been promoted quite fast (non-scholars).

Quite discouraged about my current situation because I really gave my best in everything that I do. I reflected alot in my own processes and always seek improvement. School doesn't seem to appreciate that or see the potential in me. (I think...) =(

I am wondering if transferring to another school will help?

Have you raised all of this to your RO? If so, and no suggestion has been given on how to improve, it might be worthwhile looking for other options come June...

Originally Posted by Unregistered

Hi I have been in the service for 7 years.

Grades
Mixture of C+ and Bs

I graduated with just a degree.
My promotion has been rather slow. I understand that I wasn't given much opportunities in my beginning years. It was only in 2015 I started getting more work e.g. teach graduating classes and etc.
I worked very hard to accomplish in all the areas that were given to me and the results showed (and visible). The hard work doesn't seem to make up for my poor entry grade and I am still not promoted to GEO 4. My peers who entered the service at the same time as me has been promoted quite fast (non-scholars).

Quite discouraged about my current situation because I really gave my best in everything that I do. I reflected alot in my own processes and always seek improvement. School doesn't seem to appreciate that or see the potential in me. (I think...) =(

I am wondering if transferring to another school will help?

Actually, sorry - just noticed this part on re-reading.

C+ and B is quite (very) decent. Think if not yet promoted to GEO4, it might indicate CEP hasn't gone up beyond the default. Perhaps more leadership roles would be useful to establish your ability to work at higher levels.

When you say 'just a degree', do you mean a pass (non-honours) degree? That might contribute to promotion speed as well, unfortunately. In which case I doubt moving schools would really help.

Originally Posted by Unregistered

Hi I have been in the service for 7 years.

Grades
Mixture of C+ and Bs

I graduated with just a degree.

Originally Posted by Unregistered

Actually, sorry - just noticed this part on re-reading.

C+ and B is quite (very) decent. Think if not yet promoted to GEO4, it might indicate CEP hasn't gone up beyond the default. Perhaps more leadership roles would be useful to establish your ability to work at higher levels.

When you say 'just a degree', do you mean a pass (non-honours) degree? That might contribute to promotion speed as well, unfortunately. In which case I doubt moving schools would really help.

Yes. Do take the first step in speaking to your SLs. Go beyond your RO if nothing much has happened after many years. Sometimes ROs have very little say in deployment. Express your career paths to your SLs.

Transferring of schools may not necessarily be helpful. To be honest, in your first year of transfer, it is very likely that you will just get a C because the school will say that they don’t really know you yet.

Actually, your SLs must have think quite alright of you since you have been getting C+s and Bs. Express your interest to take up positions and they may give you more opportunities. Good luck!

Originally Posted by Unregistered

Actually, sorry - just noticed this part on re-reading.

C+ and B is quite (very) decent. Think if not yet promoted to GEO4, it might indicate CEP hasn't gone up beyond the default. Perhaps more leadership roles would be useful to establish your ability to work at higher levels.

When you say 'just a degree', do you mean a pass (non-honours) degree? That might contribute to promotion speed as well, unfortunately. In which case I doubt moving schools would really help.

Thank you so much for taking time to read and also for the advice.
I guess I need to think throught this properly. =D

Hi, is it possible for mid career to enter MOE teacher at GEO5 or even SEO? I am having quite a number of years of teaching (non MOE) and working for private sector currently.

Hi all, is it true that an officer have to spend a certain number of years in that subgrade to be considered for promotion to the next grade?