8 Outstanding Educators Receive President's Award for Teachers

As teacher-in-charge of her school's international dance co-curricular activity, Madam Usha Krishnasamy took it upon herself to support a pupil with Down syndrome who was having difficulty rehearsing for a year-end performance.

- Shermaine Ang

She created simple visual cues for the North View Primary School pupil to follow, and incorporated breaks.

When the pupil was absent for rehearsals, Madam Usha took her place in the dance and filmed videos for the girl so that she could practise in her own time.

With her encouragement, the pupil successfully performed alongside the dance team – a sight that brought tears of joy to her mother and Madam Usha.

This cemented a belief in Madam Usha. "Students with additional needs have a lot of challenges, but when you give them the right support, they can reach great heights as well," she said.

Madam Usha, 46, was among eight teachers who received the President's Award for Teachers from President Tharman Shanmugaratnam on Sept 4 for their outstanding work.

Established in 1998, the President's Award for Teachers is the nation's top honour recognising educators for their excellence and dedication in nurturing the young.

Minister for Education Desmond Lee, Senior Minister of State for Education Janil Puthucheary and Minister of State for Education Jasmin Lau also attended the annual Teachers' Day Reception at Fairmont Singapore hotel.