MOE looking at how to meet teachers' evolving needs, including flexi-work

Educators are also seeking more diverse experiences within their careers: Chan

- Amelia Teng

Everyone wants more flexibility at work, but for teachers, it may not be as simple, given their daily school schedules.

Still, the Ministry of Education (MOE) is mulling over such requests, especially from younger teachers, and rethinking flexiwork possibilities.

Education Minister Chan Chun Sing said a review, which started at the end of 2023, is studying how to adjust the schedules and workloads of teachers to address "new trends" of wanting more flexible arrangements.

"So, for example, more of the younger generation, and even notso-young people, want a more flexible lifestyle," he said.

Another trend MOE has observed is the need for teachers to have more diverse experiences and porosity in their career paths, he said in an interview with The Straits Times on April 24, the last day of the recent International Summit on the Teaching Profession.

More details on the ministry's plans will come later in 2024.

Mr Chan said the ministry is reviewing the teaching workforce to meet these evolving needs.

For instance, schools could consider having a few "part-time flexi" roles, he said. "The load can vary because of your different seasons in life... I think we can find ways to accommodate." Some of this will take some reimagining by schools, said Mr Chan.