Is MOE phasing out non-graduate teachers?

[Confuseous]

Mrs Marietta Koh presented valid arguments for having graduate teachers in secondary schools and junior colleges, with non-graduate teachers mainly in primary schools (“Career boost for non-graduate teachers: Impact may be limited”; last Friday).

In September 2008, however, the Education Ministry announced its plan to recruit only graduates to fill open teaching positions in primary and secondary schools by 2015 (“Ministry aims for all-graduate teaching pool”; Sept 26, 2008).

In support of the move, then Education Minister Ng Eng Hen said that “with the enhancements we want to bring about at the primary level, we will require teachers to also have a stronger mastery of content and pedagogy”.

He cited Finland, whose teachers are required to have master’s degrees either in education or in one or two teaching subjects, alongside other countries with an all-graduate teaching force.

He also encouraged non-graduate teachers to go for full- or part-time degree studies to upgrade themselves.

Does this mean non-graduate teachers will eventually be phased out even in primary schools, unless the ministry has reversed its policy?

Maria Loh Mun Foong (Ms)

* Letter first appeared in ST Forum, 3 Sep.

http://www.tremeritus.com/2014/09/04/is-moe-phasing-out-non-graduate-teachers/

 

[po2wq]

... In September 2008, however, the Education Ministry announced its plan to recruit only graduates to fill open teaching positions in primary and secondary schools by 2015 (“Ministry aims for all-graduate teaching pool”; Sept 26, 2008).

In support of the move, then Education Minister Ng Eng Hen said that “with the enhancements we want to bring about at the primary level, we will require teachers to also have a stronger mastery of content and pedagogy” ...

He also encouraged non-graduate teachers to go for full- or part-time degree studies to upgrade themselves ...

dey tel peasants their kids no nid go university ... dey craim iz-ze-n is goot ...

now dey tel u u cant b teacher wifout degree ...

 

[The_Hypocrite]

Non graduates how to b teachers ah? Maybe kindergarten can lah.

 

[sochi2014]

now who still says degree is not important?

 

[kaipoh]

My friend got diploma worked in HDB for 42 years (since 1972) still as a technicai officer, class II civil servant salary $5,000 plus, worth it or not? can't resign because 2 offsprings still study, wife not working, wgat a low life sinkaporean.

now who still says degree is not important?

 

[singveld]

no toilet paper ? how to wipe ass.

 

[palden]

There is no shortage of teachers with masters from India and China. No worries. Our next generation will speak English with a British or Chinese slang. Some of them might even shake their heads as they speak.

Mrs Marietta Koh presented valid arguments for having graduate teachers in secondary schools and junior colleges, with non-graduate teachers mainly in primary schools (“Career boost for non-graduate teachers: Impact may be limited”; last Friday).

In September 2008, however, the Education Ministry announced its plan to recruit only graduates to fill open teaching positions in primary and secondary schools by 2015 (“Ministry aims for all-graduate teaching pool”; Sept 26, 2008).

In support of the move, then Education Minister Ng Eng Hen said that “with the enhancements we want to bring about at the primary level, we will require teachers to also have a stronger mastery of content and pedagogy”.

He cited Finland, whose teachers are required to have master’s degrees either in education or in one or two teaching subjects, alongside other countries with an all-graduate teaching force.

He also encouraged non-graduate teachers to go for full- or part-time degree studies to upgrade themselves.

Does this mean non-graduate teachers will eventually be phased out even in primary schools, unless the ministry has reversed its policy?

Maria Loh Mun Foong (Ms)

* Letter first appeared in ST Forum, 3 Sep.

http://www.tremeritus.com/2014/09/04/is-moe-phasing-out-non-graduate-teachers/