@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!
