Hi May, just thought I can help with your qns...
What personality attributes make one suitable to become a teacher?
One must be outspoken. This person cannot be shy too. If you're someone who freaks out every other presentation during meetings, then you can't be a teacher because a teacher presents everyday to a group of students - imagine 40. And the teacher takes over the mic to talk to the school population - imagine 1000 crowd including adults and your superiors. So basically these are some qualities. So a teacher cannot be the meek or quiet type. Most importantly, the teacher must have the right attitude and passion for teaching. You must have patience and be able to gain the respect of your pupils through MUTUAL respect and rapport. People-oriented basically will help you in a teaching environment.
How can one succeed as a teacher?
With the above qualities I've mentioned. If you're new, it'll be good to show your potential at work - being efficient, outspoken, suggest new initiatives, ideas or solve problems rather than complain and complain - sounds like any other job right? First of all, in the classroom, you must be able to have good classroom management skills. You must be able to command the attention of your pupils and be in control. Next, you must be able to enthuse them in their learning and help them succeed. When your students succeed, you succeed. When you help your boss look good, you succeed. LOL.
What is the salary scale of a teacher?
Not sure about the entry point right now. Think about 2.7k to 6k for a normal teacher. For middle management, can go up to 8k and principals should be more than that. But frankly, it depends on your performance and years of service. It's pretty good $ I feel but that shouldn't be the main factor why one chooses to teach. Most of the time we're so busy we don't even take note of when our monthly pay is coming in. Bonuses are something we look forward though.
What are the occupational hazards of being a teacher?
High Blood Pressure - for those who can't manage stress or students
Need to address some stereotypes certain ppl give to our occupation
Some of my colleagues kenna punched by students when trying to stop a brawl
I kenna molested by a boy - thought it was a misunderstanding at lst only to realise it wasn't later (damn!)
You'll become a public figure and that's why i dreaded going places or taking public transport where students mill around. There's nothing wrong but it's embarrassing with a few of them screaming to greet you in a crowded bus. They're just enthusiastic but I'm not sure if many teachers like the public to know they are teachers?
Always have the tendency to correct people - because of our job nature...we always sound like we're preaching LOL - now you know why I'm here?
Do you ultimately enjoy your job? How long have you been a teacher?
Yes. There are ups and downs like any other job la. For me, 8 years and still going strong. If one is bored, can always have a change of environment by going other schs or HQ. Anyway, I hope one day if I have my own kids, I might want to take things a little slower. Afterall, this job is not easy.
and are there any unwritten restrictions against divorcees that disqualify them from being employed by MOE as teachers?
wow, this I really can't answer. I certainly dont' think so? I have colleagues who are divorced in my school? Even scandals and all but they're still around. Guess their private lives did not affect at all.
But hey May, I thought you are aiming to earn your lst million or something in another thread? Teaching cannot bring you that kind of $ lah...
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