Forum: Let’s value teachers through the smaller decisions that can boost their morale
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I read with interest the views shared by Ms Liew Wei Li, director-general of education at the Ministry of Education, in the article “ Why the teaching profession cannot be a revolving door
She rightly emphasised the importance of teachers and the need to make teaching a sustainable, long-term career.
If we are serious about valuing teachers and making the profession sustainable, perhaps closer attention to the smaller decisions, which nonetheless affect the day-to-day lived experience, would be a meaningful place to start.
For instance, I would like to suggest reviewing the rationale for starting the 2026 Singapore academic year on Jan 2, a Friday, officially designated as “Week 0”.
Could more consideration have been given to the practicality and morale implications of expecting both teachers and students to turn up for classes on that day?
Could the school year not have commenced on the Monday of Week 1 instead?
Teachers can benefit from an additional day of rest, especially when it is awkwardly sandwiched between New Year’s Day and the weekend.
Kok Kah Fai
