MOE said previously that it plans to employ having 30,000 teachers by 2010. It currently employs about 29,000 teachers. -- ST PHOTO: ASHLEIGH SIM
THE Ministry Of Education (MOE) will embark on a hiring blitz next year despite the poor state of the economy, and aims to get 7,500 more teachers and teaching assistants on its payroll.
In addition to boosting its ranks, the ministry will also give the economy a fillip by accelerating its scheme to equip each school with an indoor sports hall by 2014 and explore the building of Centres of Excellence in areas such as arts, music and sports.
Based on its finances, the ministry will also go ahead with construction projects in six schools that had earlier been put on hold because of spiralling costs.
The announcement, made by Education Minister Ng Eng Hen at the 11th appointment ceremony for principals on Tuesday makes MOE the latest government department to announce a major recruitment drive and other measures aimed at boosting the economy.
Earlier this month, the Ministry of Home Affairs announced it was looking to hire 1,000 new Home Team recruits. MOE said previously that it plans to employ having 30,000 teachers by 2010. It currently employs about 29,000 teachers.
Last month, the Ministry of National Development announced that it will continue with several key infrastructure and housing projects will be to support economic growth.
In announcing the hiring drive on Tuesday, Dr Ng said a recession provides 'unique opportunities' to hire and invest but spending must be done with prudence.
