Primary School Teacher
What's it like to be a Primary School Teacher?
A Primary School Teacher handles the classroom education of primary, also known as elementary, students. They are not only in charge of providing instruction and evaluation in compliance with government educational standards but are also designated to be the guardians of the children within the classroom and school grounds in the absence of the children’s parents. Emotional intelligence, patience, and time management are key skills for the role. Primary School Teachers work in public, private, and specialised learning institutions.
Tasks and duties
- Making lesson plans in compliance with school government standards.
- Preparing class activities and materials.
- Evaluating students with homework, quizzes and tests.
- Managing classrooms for a conducive learning environment.
- Grading students and providing remediation when necessary.
- Holding parent-teacher conferences.
- Attending school events, department meetings, and teacher evaluations.
How to become a Primary School Teacher
The Ministry of Education (MOE) provides pathways for individuals of various educational attainments to become qualified Teachers. MOE training programs come with a 3-year bond to work as a primary teacher, so if you have an undergraduate degree and do not want to commit to a bond, then you may pursue a PGDE at a private institution to teach at private schools.
If your highest educational attainment is O-Level, you may apply for the Teacher Training Sponsorship to be a primary teacher for Chinese, Tamil, art or music.
If you have an A-Level, International Baccalaureate (IB), Polytechnic Diploma or High School Diploma, you may apply for the Diploma in Education (DipEd). This is a 2-year program that prepares you to teach Chinese, Tamil, art or music upon completion.
If you have an undergraduate degree in education or another field, you may apply for the Postgraduate Diploma in Education (PGDE) to teach academics or physical education. If you choose the academic track, you must train to teach two subjects for 16 months.
Consider specialising in a subject by getting relevant qualifications, such as Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL).
Progress to higher roles such as Senior Teacher or Head of Department.
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