30 November 2005

MOE’s Emplacement Policy Does Not Disadvantage Teachers

1. Mdm Kwok Bee Hua suggested in her letter “Why penalise non-graduate teachers for upgrading?” (24 Nov) that teachers who upgrade their qualifications might receive a pay cut when emplaced on the graduate salary scale. This is not the case.
2. MOE encourages teachers to upgrade their skills and knowledge through relevant training and development programmes. A teacher who has successfully completed a degree course and is eligible for emplacement enters the graduate salary scale with a gross monthly salary that is no lower than the teacher's prevailing salary. The past years of teaching experience of these officers are also recognised and considered for purposes such as promotion and Long Service Awards after their emplacement.
3. We invite Mdm Kwok to contact our officers directly at 6879 7057 so that we can look at the case she brought up in detail and clarify the matter with her personally. The Ministry has feedback channels through which teachers are encouraged to seek direct clarification on issues such as personnel and remuneration matters, and have their concerns addressed.

Lu Cheng Yang
Director, Personnel