11 Oct 2004

Forum Topic:  Teachers' Part-time Employment Outside School Hours 

1. I refer to the letter written by Mr Jonathan Lim Wen Zhi, “Teachers Giving Tuition” (pdf, 60KB) (ST Forum, 30 Sep).

2. We agree with Mr Lim that teaching is a profession which requires the full attention and total commitment of our teachers. Teachers are allowed to take up part-time employment outside school hours, including giving private tuition, only if it does not detract them from the official duties assigned in school. The Ministry's guideline is that such part-time employment should not exceed 6 hours a week.  School Principals are given the authority to manage any requests from teachers to undertake outside part-time employment as they are in the best position to monitor and advise if any such employment conflicts with the teachers' work in school.

3. We would like to thank the author for his feedback.

Yours sincerely,

Lu Cheng Yang
Director, Personnel
MINISTRY OF EDUCATION