Keep good teachers in schools

The Ministry of Education (MOE) deserves credit for its system, which gives everyone an equal opportunity to receive a top-notch education.

However, in recent years, I have been bombarded with tuition advertisements on social media, newspapers, brochures and even in magazines.

I used to think nothing of it until I saw this advertisement: "Previous MOE teacher. Instantaneous results using methods that are not taught in school."

If that teacher is really as good as she claims, why is she not teaching in local institutions or sharing these methods with school teachers? Did she leave MOE because of insufficient pay or welfare benefits?

Schools are losing many good, experienced teachers who choose to open tuition centres to the detriment of students.

Wealthier families can afford to send their children to the best tuition centres, which sometimes charge exorbitant rates. This means students do not start on an equal footing.

Social inequality could widen as a result.

Tuition should not be a necessity nor should it be a thriving, lucrative market.

Education is a good that should be the provision of the Government, not something to be exploited by the market.

I cannot emphasise enough the importance of good teachers in schools. They build up a student's foundation in subjects and generate interest in the topics.

To improve our education system, why not start by trying to keep our teachers in schools?

Lim Yan Xuan

This article was first published on June 21, 2014.
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