Working in the Education Industry in
Do you have what it takes to be a teacher? Information for fresh graduates
If you are a degree holder, and thinking of joining MOE,
When do I submit my application to be a teacher?
Application is open all year round. The teaching programme at NIE is called PGDE (Post Graduate Diploma in Education) or PGDE (PE) (Physical Education)
If I am not Singaporean, can I apply?
All PR (permanent residents) and foreigners are welcome.
So what do I need to do to apply?
Submit an application online at MOE Teach website. You will be notified of the outcome after about 2 weeks. If short listed, come to MOE HQ for an interview by a panel of senior education officers. Apply early as admission to NIE at first available intake. Some maybe posted to school first before intake.
What are points to look out for during the teacher selection interview?
Passion for teaching. Communication skills. Aptitude and attitude. Awareness of teaching demands and challenges. Past teaching experience is advantageous but not a must.
What are the duties of a teacher?
A teacher must impart students learning skills, thinking skills, and life skills to prepare students for the future. Not only teaching academic subjects, they are mentors and role models to their students. They influence young minds, show and teach good values through word and deed, within and outside the classroom. They provide necessary guidance and support, uses creative strategies to cater to pupils of different abilities. Teachers are expected actively in school initiatives, duties, and ECA. They are continuously learning, sharing with fellow teachers how to enhance the skills and knowledge of the teaching profession.
Can I choose to teach at the primary, secondary, or junior college level?
This depends on the programme you have been selected for. Teaching at the secondary level, are for those with suitable teaching subjects. Graduates with honours are deployed to teach at the junior college level. Assignment of teaching level and subjects is based in total academic records and relevant experience. It is also based on fields of study in Primary, secondary and JC.
How is the remuneration package like for teachers?
MOE offers various salary scales, General Education Officer (GEO) 1 for most degree holder, GEO 2 (for polytechnic diploma, A and O level) Teachers are highly valued, with competitive and attractive pay to attract and retain them. MOE. A revised CONNECT Plan in 2008 allows teachers additional CONNECT payouts if $10800-$36100, which are made at defined points every 3 to 5 years. Visit MOE Teach website for more details.
What is the job progression as a teacher?
There are 3 career tracks under the Edu-Pac (Education service processional development and career plan) structure. They are Teaching track, Leadership track, and Senior Specialist track, which are aimed at nurturing and motivating all teachers to achieve their full potential in various areas. Visit MOE Teach website for more details.
What is the MOE Teach website address?
What is the GROW 2.0 Package about?
GROW is Growth of Education Officers, through better Recognition, Opportunities, and seeing to their Well-being. GROW 2.0 is a better version for GROW, which gives teachers more recognition for excellence and commitment to their calling, more career opportunities and professional development, and allows greater flexibility between career and personal lives. The packages will provide teachers with a more attractive remuneration package, for example, through Professional Development Packages, further enhanced financial support and leaves schemes are in place to enable more teachers to pursue undergraduate and postgraduate studies. A new Education Scheme of Service, EDUN in 2008, which is more market responsive to correlate between pay and performance, provides teachers better progression and rewards.
How to I know if I need to sit for the Entrance Proficiency Test (EPT)?
Candidates teaching English medium subjects are exempted if they scored at least a B3 in O level English or a B3 in AO level General Paper. Good mother tongues grades are expected for those who specialize in the teaching of Chinese, Malay or Tamil. There is no exemption for the Physical Proficiency Test (PPT) for those who specialize in teaching of Physical Education.
Do I need to take EPT before I submit my online application?
You need to pass the test before admission to NIE, if you are not exempted. You should apply to sit for the test at least 2 weeks prior to the test dates. Please see MOE teach website for the list of test dates. It takes 2 to 3 weeks for the release of the results.
If I want to be a Chinese teacher, do I need to take both the English and Chinese EPT?
With the exception of the Bachelor of Arts in Education programme, you only need to sit for the Chinese EPT if you are not exempted from it.
How long is the teaching bond?
The PGDE and Diploma in Education programmes carry a bond of 3 years.
Can a teacher request for a transfer before the bond period is over?
After 2 to 3 years, a request to another school or to HQ is possible.
What happens if someone breaks the teaching bond?
All trainee teachers have to sign the Teachers’ Training Deed (TTD). If one breaks the bond, liquidated damages have to be paid. The amount will be pro-rated based on the expenses incurred by the government for the tuition fees and salaries during NIE training, and number of months/years outstanding in the bind with compound interest added.
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