Educating students is more than just a job; it’s a fulfilling calling to advocate for growth, dreams, and voices, shaping the future every step of the way. Dedicated teachers find purpose and fulfilment in the profession, extending beyond the classroom. It’s the joy of witnessing a student’s face light up when they understand a complex problem or the excitement of seeing them discover the joy of reading and adventure. Ultimately, it’s the satisfaction of shaping students’ minds and hearts that makes teaching an exciting and transformative vocation.

The Ministry of Education (MOE) Teaching Scholarships and Teaching Award paves the way for such passionate individuals by providing a nurturing, supportive environment and offering enriching opportunities for them to gain new knowledge, transferable skills, and essential competencies, both in and out of the classroom. One such individual who is embracing these opportunities is Seet Xuan Yang Derek, currently a Student Teacher at the National Institute of Education (NIE). With a deep passion for teaching, Derek aims to inspire his future students as a full-fledged teacher.

We had a chat with Derek to understand his career and scholarship choices and his undergraduate experiences in the Nanyang Technological University – National Institute of Education (NTU-NIE) Teaching Scholars Programme (TSP), where he is pursuing a Bachelor of Arts (Literature and Education), a four-year, double major programme.

What got you interested in teaching?

I had always considered teaching as a possible career path. After completing my International Baccalaureate (IB) papers, I decided to take up the MOE Teaching Internship Programme, where I had the opportunity to teach in a school for three months. While adjusting to the learning curve was steep, it was overall a positive experience. I found the work of a teacher to be meaningful, multi-faceted, and self-reflective and it pushed me to grow as an individual each day. I enjoyed my school stint very much, and it solidified my interest in becoming a teacher. With the encouragement of my family and former teachers, whom I consulted for advice, I decided to pursue this interest when the opportunity came around.

Why did you decide to apply for the MOE Teaching Scholarships/Award?

While there were many avenues available to enter a career in education, I felt that the MOE Teaching Scholarships/Award provided substantial practical experiences through different school attachments. The degree programme at NIE also offered a direct route into teaching, allowing me to begin my career earlier while attaining a reputable qualification. Overall, the scholarships/award and bond felt straightforward, and I appreciated the transparency of knowing what lay ahead of me in the future.

How did the Teaching Award support you in your journey?

The MOE Teaching Award and the NTU-NIE TSP have been a real blessing. My university and tuition fees have been covered by the Award, and it has provided many opportunities to connect with fellow educators and form meaningful relationships within the small, tight-knit community.

The TSP ensures that I gain relevant experience both in and outside of the classroom through its various programmes and practicum exposure. Furthermore, it has allowed me to benefit from overseas experiences through an International Practicum at Linkoping, Sweden, and a semester exchange at Edinburgh, Scotland. In all, the Award has allowed me to fully concentrate on my studies and create unforgettable memories for my personal growth.

Could you walk us through a typical day in your life as a Student Teacher at NIE?

As a Student Teacher, my days are an equal balance of ‘regular’ university life and training to become a teacher. Beyond our academic subjects, we are also required to complete curriculum studies and education studies modules, focusing on practical subject-specific teaching techniques and general pedagogical skills. It can be demanding, and our timetables are often packed. However, there is still time for personal and extra-curricular activities. There are plenty of opportunities for leadership, personal development, and pursuing personal interests if you choose to take them up.

What do you enjoy most about being a Student Teacher?

I enjoy sharing, listening, and reflecting on my experiences at school with my peers. These experiences truly remind me of the significant role teachers can play in people’s lives and inspire me to think of ways I can improve and refine my teacher identity as I go into my practicums.

I also take pride in my experiences during my International Practicum in Linkoping, Sweden, where I had the opportunity to take over the classroom from a second-language perspective. Building rapport with the students in a different cultural setting was exciting and rewarding. It was encouraging to be recognised as a teacher they could approach for advice or just to talk to.

You’ve been involved in several activities and initiatives in your time at NIE. Could you tell us about one that particularly stands out to you?

In Year One, I was part of NIE’s Service-Learning Club and Jam Band. For one of the projects, I decided to organise a partnership event between the two clubs—an online fundraiser concert that would go towards one of our beneficiary organisations. The process was challenging, involving coordination with external organisations and club administration, something I was experiencing for the first time. Furthermore, the concert was supposed to be held just after our final examinations which meant that the preparation had to be done during our finals.

I was fortunate to have a lot of help with the project. The members and club leaders supported the project tirelessly and made my workload much more manageable. I truly learned from the guidance and experiences of my seniors and I am proud to say that the event was successful, raising much more than expected. Although the work was tiring, the more I did, the more passionate and committed I became. This is what carried me through the process.

Are there any career milestones you aspire to achieve in the future?

Starting out as a teacher, I hope to learn as much as possible from those with more experience around me. I also recognise the modest number of Literature teachers in the workforce and my importance in bolstering this number to meet the needs of schools. Most importantly, I hope to do my best in whatever role I am placed in.

Any parting words for individuals seeking to pursue a similar career trajectory?

Applying for university studies is daunting, and we can often be rushed into making a quick decision. Take the time to consult your teachers or those already in education for career advice. If possible, gain some experience in a school setting, be it through relief teaching at your alma mater or through the MOE Teaching Internship Programme. Once you are sure, I would then recommend applying for the Teaching Scholarships/Award. Apply early so that MOE can identify and groom you, developing you into a better and more effective teacher with leadership qualities and transferable skills. They are not looking for the perfect candidate, but rather individuals with a genuine interest and a heart for students.