Three Singapore Teachers’ Union (STU) members were among the seven awarded for this year’s Inspiring Teacher of English. Members Sandra Teng and Joseph Toh Kim Leng were awarded the Teaching Award, while Foo Soo Ling won the Leadership Award.
Guest of Honour Minister of State for Education Dr Janil Puthucheary presented the awardees with a trophy, certificate and cash award of $2,000 during a ceremony on 13 October 2016 at the National Library.
STU General Secretary Cherry Chacko commended the three members and said: “A child's life is like a piece of white paper, on which every person leaves a mark. Congratulations English teachers, you have created a piece of art.”
The Inspiring Teacher of English Award is presented by The Straits Times and the Speak Good English Movement, with the support of the Ministry of Education.
To date, 73 teachers from primary, secondary and junior college levels have been saluted for their ability and determination to inspire.
The annual Inspiring Teacher of English Award also sets out to have teachers share their practices with their fellow colleagues.
Sandra Teng, 43, English Language Senior Teacher, Nanyang Girls’ High School
With 19 years of teaching experience, Sandra believes that English has to be taught with etiquette. She also uses dictation, read-aloud and think-aloud strategies in the classroom. Furthermore, she takes learning beyond the classroom and connects students with real-world events and experiences.
She said: “When we design tasks that are relevant to our students’ lives, we require them to use the English language purposefully and effectively. The English language cannot be relegated to just form or vehicle for thought – it is thought itself. The more ways students can express their thoughts, the sharper the thinking.”
Joseph Toh, 37, English Language Teacher, Raffles Girls’ School (Secondary)
Do not let his youthful looks fool you into thinking he is a rookie because he has been teaching for 12 years. Besides teaching English, he is also the student leadership development assistant head.
Joseph employs critical thinking, concept attainment, modelling, collaborative work, oral presentations, text analysis and discussions in the classroom to help students improve their English language.
He said: “Learning has to be enjoyable as well, and ultimately, the knowledge should help students in their lives. A teacher should also help students understand how they can apply learning in real life, so students can have an enriching and meaningful journey in school.”
Foo Soo Ling, 48, English Head of Department, Nanyang Girls’ High School
Soo Ling is no stranger to this award as she was awarded the Teaching Award in 2009. But she is not just a good teacher, she is also an inspiring leader.
She runs workshops and professional learning sessions with her colleagues on different aspects of the English language, ranging from phonology to grammar. Being able to work with like-minded colleagues who desire to be better teachers motivates Soo Ling as a leader.
She said: “Inspired by a visit to United World College of South East Asia where I saw how students were reading a range of literary texts as they prepared for their individual oral commentary, I worked with two other colleagues to adapt that task so as to encourage our students to engage in an English Literature Oral Assessment that would require them to participate in a conversation about their literature text.
“This mode of assessment has been found to be thrilling and fulfilling for our students. Strategies that help to excite and engage our students keep me going!”
Source: NTUC This Week
