Career as Teacher

Originally Posted by Unregistered

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.

Have seen VPs demoted to HODs/STs also.

Which GEO is equivalent to MX13(I) and MX14?

Originally Posted by Unregistered

Which GEO is equivalent to MX13(I) and MX14?

Wait long long la. The supplementary payment is for your OSOs, TSOs, lower subgrade admin staff.

Originally Posted by Unregistered

Which GEO is equivalent to MX13(I) and MX14?

GEO2 Fresh grad = MX13

Originally Posted by Unregistered

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.

i am 1 of them! i wonder how come this year a few guys never get cohort promotion in oct after getting confirmation in apr. hope i get mine next year apr. was a c+ performer in first year. practicum jan-mar 2020. then got confirmation in apr 2021. no promotion. anyone else?

Originally Posted by Unregistered

Have seen VPs demoted to HODs/STs also.

Will it be weird/awkward for HODs to step down from their posts to remain as a normal teacher in the same school?

Originally Posted by Unregistered

Will it be weird/awkward for HODs to step down from their posts to remain as a normal teacher in the same school?

Usually these people will not remain in the same school. They will usually apply for open/closed posting.

Originally Posted by Unregistered

i am 1 of them! i wonder how come this year a few guys never get cohort promotion in oct after getting confirmation in apr. hope i get mine next year apr. was a c+ performer in first year. practicum jan-mar 2020. then got confirmation in apr 2021. no promotion. anyone else?

Do you have honours? I noticed that if guys did not graduate with honours, they will promote one year later than their cohort. Also, those ppl who graduate from NIE (4 years with honours) also usually promote 1 year later than those who went (NTU/NUS 4 years + 1 year NIE).

Originally Posted by Unregistered

Do you have honours? I noticed that if guys did not graduate with honours, they will promote one year later than their cohort. Also, those ppl who graduate from NIE (4 years with honours) also usually promote 1 year later than those who went (NTU/NUS 4 years + 1 year NIE).

hmm you might be right.. i don't have honours. just basic degree... didn't know cohort promotion is affected by honours. always thought it just affected the starting salary.

guess i will have to wait for next april :/

Originally Posted by Unregistered

Do you have honours? I noticed that if guys did not graduate with honours, they will promote one year later than their cohort. Also, those ppl who graduate from NIE (4 years with honours) also usually promote 1 year later than those who went (NTU/NUS 4 years + 1 year NIE).

From the years that I've been in my school, the majority of the guys (if not all) who graduate from NIE (in-service since June) usually get promoted in Oct the next year.