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Why the teaching profession cannot be a revolving door

Its strength lies in experienced teachers who bring maturity, insight and confidence built over years.

Madam Zhang Yinan, 43, senior teacher for Chinese language at Mee Toh School, teaching a class of primary 1 pupils by leveraging on games, roleplay elements and animation to reinforce word recognition during a Chinese Language (CL) open classroom session, conducted by Ministry of Education's Mother Tongue Language Branch, at Mee Toh School on April 4, 2025. The session was streamed live to all primary CL teachers across Singapore. "If the class is enjoyable and interesting, the pupils will not feel difficulty in learning the language. With the use of animation and games, pupils show more enthusiasm during class," said Madam Zhang. "The use of gamification and roleplay to supplement their textbook and word cards helps to reinforce their ability to recognise the words they just learn. It makes learning an organic process that is both fun and effective." Madam Zhang added that parents have also provided feedback that their children's interest in learning Chinese language has increased. "For me, it is difficult to write Chinese characters but Madam Zhang uses songs to make it easy to learn new words," said primary 1 pupil Jevier Soh, seven. "In King's Throne, I get to take part in a friendly competition with my classmates and learn different words in the process," added primary 1 pupil Zhou Yi Chen, seven.

The Ministry of Education has said that it will actively hire more new educators from 2026 to strengthen the teaching workforce.

PHOTO: ST FILE

Liew Wei Li

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Mr Ahmad Arif Ibrahim did Singapore proud recently, bagging a bronze medal together with his Duathlon Mixed Relay team at the 2025 SEA Games. Away from the track, he is also a maestro at Maha Bodhi School where he teaches Physical Education (PE).

He masterfully engages students, and knows how to adapt lessons on the fly. These are not skills learnt overnight.

Why the teaching profession cannot be a revolving door

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