@Bell_curve asked me what keeps me going to serve in my flawed education system. Okay, he didn’t exactly say that the Singapore educational system is flawed, but being entrenched in the system makes me susceptible to its shortcomings.
The most glaring flaw is just how teachers are overworked. But I shall refrain from posting about my challenges because why dwell on things I cannot change.
What keeps me going in the system?
-> After my stint as an Assistant Language Teacher in Japan, I worked for three months as a Public Relations executive because I wanted to leverage my multilingualism. That job allowed me to use my English and Japanese. However, the switch in industry turned out to be too drastic — and I often got scolded by my manager. Before my three-month probation period was up, I told my manager that it wasn’t my cup of tea. That’s why I returned to the teaching line.
-> Teachers in Singapore wear multiple hats, but we also enjoy Protected Time during the school holidays. The stresses of the profession are well known, so I can expect my superiors and colleagues not to text me about work-related matters and free up my mind. So, I relished 4-5 weeks of zero working time last December. Not to mention how teachers enjoy a slew of school holidays (Teacher’s Day, Children’s Day, festive celebrations). My wife works in the private sector and works way longer hours than me. Who am I to grip about my challenges when I am privileged enough to rest during off-peak seasons?
-> I may get tutoring jobs but that will mean that I have to sacrifice time with my children because such jobs require me to work on evenings and weekends. That will in itself induce stresses into my family life, so I need to avoid this scenario.
-> My son studies in the public school I teach at. It is not without its imperfections but I think just being able to go to and fro school with him is a luxury not many parents get to enjoy.
-> I actually still enjoy being in the classroom! Just today, my kids were so rowdy and quarrelsome but I stuck to my guns and made them learn the conditions and products of photosynthesis.
During late afternoon, I came across a girl in my Science class who was shagged from her co-curricular activity.
What’s the C word we learnt today, I tested her on the spot.
Co…Conditions… she stammered a bit but came up with the right word without much hesitation. I tell you, just last year she would have said directly that she didn’t know. But now she’s answering questions like a pro! That sort of improvement still rejuvenates me!
My only experience with teaching is homeschooling and some small classroom work at a homeschooled coop (where parents get together to share teaching responsibilities as a larger group).
I kinda enjoyed working on a lesson plan, but there was minimal oversight. I imagine in the context of a well-established institution, I would have found more frustration.
As I get older, I appreciate more the time I get to spend with my children -- but they are also getting older. Childcare can be pretty challenging, especially full time.
If you were to venture out from the realm of teaching again, what sort of things might appeal to you?
(Also: I think you probably are very good at the PR role -- you have a great tone for it.)
Thank you for the long response. It made me feel seen and understood!
I would think so too. As public school teachers, we must prepare our charges for high-stakes national examinations. So I played “See You Again” by Wiz Khalifa twice for my sixth graders. I really encouraged themselves to let their inhibitions go and sing their lungs out — trying to evoke some campfire burning vibes. Since most students were engaged, an activity that might appeal to them was writing their own lyrics (with the use of contractions — my learning objective). But because I had to prepare them for the national exam, the good vibes died down quickly when I dished out worksheets containing multiple choice questions on contractions muahaha.
Sigh.
But I’m not embittered lar. I’m a cog ⚙️ of the system and will help my students as best as I can.
If I were childfree, I might venture out of teaching and seek a career counsellor job at a tertiary institution. Guiding young adults to prepare their resumes and sharpen their interview skills, meeting with prospective employers from all walks of life, representing the university for overseas engagements even — I’m a people person and thrive on novelty. (ENFP!) And yup I fancy myself as a good ambassador (your comment about me having the right tone made me pleased as punch!)
What’s your MBTI profile?
As you may be able to guess: I refuse to take any personality profile tests whatsoever.
The one time I was compelled to take such a test (they said I had to do it in order to participate), I threw out the results without looking at them.
Come on! Personality tests are fun!
What do you have against them?
I'm INFJ. Seems like a fairly accurate description of me.
INTP
I have a messy desk
We are teachers. We have no time to organise our desks!
I’m literally marking my students’ assignments on a bus ride haha
I always forget my designation so I ask Gemini or ChatGPT, I am an introvert with a messy desk
Let me read up on that and align it with my impressions of you
This phrasing really made me do a double take
In Singaporean English (Singlish), "shag" does not mean what it typically implies in British or American English. Instead, it is a colloquial term used to express extreme tiredness or exhaustion.
It is believed to be a phonetic corruption of the word "shacked" (as in "shagged out"), but in Singlish, it has completely lost its sexual connotation. For example, a student might say, "After CCAs, I'm so shag," meaning they are very tired from co-curricular activities.
So, in your original sentence, "shagged from her co-curricular activity" likely meant she was exhausted, not involved in any inappropriate act. It’s not a typo, but a correct (though informal) use of Singlish.
Yes this is how we use shagged haha
I can see how alternative interpretations might occur haha
Photosynthesis: my favorite all time topic.
Haha
Why leh?
My all-time favourite topic is adaptations of animals
Because it's THE mechanism of how the sun's energy enters life. Without it we'd all be dead.
I envy plants for being capable of doing this. That's the kind of freedom I'd like to have. To just sit in the sun, drink water and do nothing.
Photosynthesis > Bitcoin
I've actually had many times I was seriously challenged on this topic.
Once I remember by my physics teacher when I was 13. He asked the question I was the only one to respond with: photosynthesis. He approached me in desbelief and asked whether I had an older smart brother. I don't have any siblings.
Second was in university when I was taking a course in biofuels. The teacher asked, "We all know chlorophyll as the main photosynthetic molecule. But there's another one. Anybody?"
I was the only student who instantly raised his hand and I blurted out: "carotenoids".
A student behind started laughing out loud and said derisively, "OMG man, are you serious? That shit's in carrots."
I felt so stupid for having answered the teacher's question so quickly. Was I an idiot for saying it. Why didn't I think longer on this instead of just opening my mouth so quickly. I felt so embarassed.
But the guy went on laughing, and the teacher remained quiet. When the ridicule and laughter was done, he flipped the power point slide and it spelled: CAROTENOIDS.
Best day of my life.
I eventually took an honours course in Molecular Photosynthesis and had a 90% score.
Teaching? You mean glorified baby-sitting?
(I'm only partially joking, though definitely see some of the work-life balance and job security appeal!)
Don’t judge me! A man has got to earn his keep!
Yeeees indeed. Keep up the good work
They actually teach in Singapore
I believe that, actually
I know you excel in your profession, which makes you a great teacher, a truly great mentor. Since reading your posts and witnessing your dedication to it, I truly believe that this world can be better, that the world has a purpose, that the world has a better future when teachers, those who educate us, have a vision of improving this world.
You always make me blush with your kind words
My guess is public schools in Singapore are excellent and not the disaster you find in American cities
What do you think is the one thing that American schools must do to improve standards? Higher teacher wages?
The problem is not money
in my experience with singaporeans, this is accurate
Sigues en la docencia porque amas enseñar, lo tuyo no es profesión es amor,placer en ver como esos jóvenes te rejuvenecen cuando aprenden 🧡💪