Teacher’s Day was celebrated this past week. Two teachers share how they entered teaching and why they love it.
Contributed By Jonathan Teo
Name: Nelson Tong, 35 Been a teacher for: 12 years Subjects: Maths and Science School: Henry Park Primary School. CN PHOTOS: Michael Chan.
In this modern day and age, being a teacher is no ordinary job—neither is it one for the faint-hearted. To be a teacher, one has to have the passion and desire to make a difference in the lives of students. Teachers are often the unsung heroes who help to produce the quality of results from students each year—yet sometimes, they are mistreated and disrespected. Despite all this, most teachers continue to give their best effort for their students.
Teacher’s Day is an occasion to appreciate all teachers. Held on the first Friday of September, teachers from various institutions and schools receive appreciation and tokens of love from their students and others who appreciate their hard work. City News speaks to two teachers about what keeps their passion for teaching alive.
Who was the teacher who made a difference in your life?
When I was in primary school, my grades were not good. My teacher Mrs. Chia often criticized me for my poor handwriting. Yet, she always had the patience to remind me to improve my handwriting. There came a day when she could not stand it anymore: she pulled me to one side and told me that she would ignore me if my handwriting continued to be the same. I would have to submit my homework to my parents instead. That was a real wakeup call for me! When I improved my handwriting, she took notice of it, and praised me in front of the class. Later, there was a handwriting competition which I took part in and I came in second. Mrs. Chia was really proud of me. I remember her to be very patient with me—I could always go to her for help in my schoolwork.
How did Mrs. Chia influence your own teaching approach today?
I ask myself if I would be the same person if Mrs. Chia had not been my teacher. After all, it was she who inspired me in my growing up years, to be a teacher. She made me feel that it would be so great to become a teacher: that was the kind of legacy she left behind. One thing that I learned from Mrs. Chia is that when we approach our pupils, we should not be too formal. She was very friendly and approachable, like a friend. I learned that we have to break the barrier between the students and teachers, so they can open up to us. Then, we will be able to help tackle their problems, such as being able to understand the subject.
How do you try to impact the working environment you are placed in?
I will do whatever that is required to the best of my knowledge, and always endeavor to be a good team player with my colleagues in the same teaching level. If there are any lessons that I feel that would benefit both teachers and students, I would share it with my colleagues so that we can all impact the students. We always believe that we are to carry the attitude of “one for all and all for one,” to be the best performing level in the school.
How is being a teacher today different from Mrs. Chia’s time?
These days, students are a lot more advanced, technology-wise. You might think that they would not know a particular matter, but actually they do. Sex education used to be taught in secondary school to educate students, but it is now being shared in primary school levels 3 and 4. Parents of the students today are educated too. It is not like in the past where our parents believed that the teacher is always right—now they don’t. Some parents even question our teaching methods.
What would you like to say to the teachers out there as a Teacher’s Day greeting?
I want to encourage all my colleagues to persevere. I know that sometimes this generation of students is tough to handle. But with God, nothing is impossible. As we persevere, we will definitely see the light; we will see their lives changed for the better. Always remember the passion and love for teaching. Without them, we can’t do what we do today.
Name: Su Tze-Han, 28 Been teaching for: 5 years Subject: Chinese School: Tanjong Katong Primary School
Who inspired you to become a teacher?
I came to church at the age of 15. The person who inspired me was my ex-cell group leader, Yuan Wenling. She was not only a cell group leader, but also a mentor, an older sister and a friend to me. She was very patient with me, and I found her really approachable. She did not just teach me the things of God, but also about having the right attitude and values in life.
How did her guidance influence your teaching approach today?
I have been inspired to be a teacher who does not only teach the subject, but one who inculcates the right values in each child as well. I believe it is important to have a personal touch when I deal with my students, like showing them love and caring for them, being gracious when they make mistakes, just like how Wenling was to me in the past. These days, students get stressed easily because of peer pressure. I believe in encouraging them; to help them to believe in themselves more.
What has kept you going as a teacher?
What motivated me to continue in the education field even after my contract ended was my passion for my students. I love seeing children overcome their problems. This is the satisfaction and achievement I get from teaching.
How is being a teacher today different from when you were a student?
Academically, I feel that the Chinese language is much more difficult to teach, due to the current environment where most families speak English. Also, children nowadays are more mature, due to globalization. There is also peer pressure. In the past, a teacher just has to make sure he teaches the lesson. Today, I feel a teacher has to take care of the total well-being of the student, his emotional and social needs. Also, the teacher has to provide a listening ear to their families when needed.
Recently, I had a Primary 6 female student who suddenly was not her usual cheerful self. One day, I asked her to help me carry books to the teachers’ room after class. As I talked to her, I discovered that her parents were filing for a divorce. She was badly affected; she couldn’t understand why her parents would do that, and felt that they did not love her anymore. I encouraged her to be strong. All of us face problems—the difference is that she is facing them earlier. Whenever there was an opportunity, I continued to encourage her. I managed to talk to her mother about her studies, and her mother was grateful. Today, my student is more prepared to face her PSLE.
What would you like to say to the teachers out there as a Teacher’s Day greeting?
Never forget about your passion in teaching children. It is not about teaching the subject but really, it’s about teaching the individual. It’s about making a positive impact in their lives.
