Why teaching is not an easy profession

teacher at work

Teaching might look easy from the outside, but anyone who has ever worked in this industry knows just how challenging it can be.

It’s a lot of hard work, though it can also be very rewarding. If you’re thinking about switching careers and becoming a teacher, make sure you are prepared for the challenges that come with it.

Dealing with difficult students and parents

Imagine being a teacher and having to deal with difficult students all day, every day.

It’s challenging enough trying to manage a classroom of kids who are not that eager to learn, but when you have to deal with students who are disruptive and unruly, it can be downright exhausting.

Then there are the parents.

You never know what you’re going to get with them. Some are supportive and appreciative, while others seem to think that their child is the best thing since sliced bread.

And don’t even get us started on the ones who think they know better than you do and insist that you do what’s “best” for their child.

Having to be constantly “on”

No breaks, no time to yourself, and no respite from the barrage of questions and requests from your students (and their parents). That’s what it’s like to be a teacher.

There’s no break from the classroom, even when you’re not in the classroom.

You’re always fielding emails, preparing lessons, and grading papers. And then when you finally get home, you have to deal with another round of demands from your kids.

The long hours required
a lady stressed at work

Image Credits: smithsonianmag.com

Think about it. You come home from a long day at work, and you’re exhausted.

But you still have to grade papers, plan for tomorrow’s lesson, and maybe work on a few projects for your professional development.

And that’s just a typical day. Now imagine marking homework on the weekend, or spending your holiday working on lesson plans for approval. That’s what teachers do regularly.

The paperwork

Teaching encompasses everything.

You have to keep track of your students’ attendance, grades, records… And that’s on top of preparing lessons, grading papers, and dealing with students who seem to find joy in making you frown.

Then there’s the fact that most teachers are underpaid and overworked. From juggling classroom duties to extra-curricular activities after school and meetings with parents, and department heads, it can be tough to manage everything effectively.

Though teaching may not be an easy profession, we have to agree that the fulfillment you get from it is unparalleled. You can help mold young minds and watch them grow into successful adults. So while the days may be long and the workload may be heavy, the bonuses are plenty. If you are considering a career in teaching, know that it is not a walk in the park, but it is rewarding. Take the time to learn about what the job entails and make sure you are up for the challenge. If you are, then teaching may be right for you.

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MOE Teachers and Allied Educators to Get up to 10% Salary Increase from October 1

Over 37,000 Ministry of Education (MOE) teachers, allied educators, and kindergarten teachers will get a 5 to 10 percent increase in their monthly salary from October 1, according to MOE. In a press release last August 16, MOE said that 35,000 education officers, 1,600 allied educators, and 800 preschool teachers in MOE-run kindergartens will receive the pay bumps.

The salaries for teachers and allied educators were previously reviewed in 2015, while the scheme for preschool teachers in MOE-run kindergartens was last introduced in 2019. MOE’s current move will ensure that the educators’ overall salary packages remain competitive, so that it can continue to attract and retain good educators.

Aside from this, the 30-year retention plan for teachers will also be enhanced. Moreover, teachers who do not hold key personnel appointments could also be eligible for a higher salary ceiling from next year, with the introduction of a general education officer (GEO) 5A substantive grade.

ENHANCED RETENTION PLAN

MOE’s 30-year retention plan for education officers, also known as the CONNECT Plan, will also be enhanced by about 20% from next year. Currently, a flat rate quantum between $3,200 and $8,320 is set aside for officers each year. The amount depends on their length of service. Payouts comprising a portion of the money accumulated are given every 3 to 5 years of their career.

From 2023, MOE said that the annual deposit quantum and payout ratio will be increased to better support the education officers in the earlier years of their career.

NEW SALARY GRADE

To better recognize the contributions of well-performing teachers who do not hold key personnel appointments (e.g., subject head or senior teacher), MOE will also establish a new general education officer (GEO) 5A substantive grade from 2023.

Image Credits: pixabay.com

MOE highlights that “teachers are the core of our education system”, which is why the Ministry will continue to provide opportunities for educators to learn and develop themselves throughout their careers.

“This includes providing in-service courses to help teachers deepen their content mastery and pedagogy, as well as exposing teachers to diverse experiences outside the classroom through external work attachments,” said the Ministry.

Sources: 1 & 2

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