First Teachers' Conference - Ministry of Education press release (22 May 2001)

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A three-day Teachers' Conference, 30 May - 1 June 2001, will be held for all principals and 1,400 teachers to inspire and encourage them to constantly develop their professional skills. This is the first conference of its kind designed especially for teachers to provide them with opportunities for professional and personal growth. The Conference will be opened by RAdm Teo Chee Hean, Minister for Education, and closed by Mr Lim Siong Guan, Head of Civil Service.

1. The theme of the Teachers' Conference is EDUCARE, or "to lead" in Latin. The theme acknowledges that the teacher takes the lead in influencing hearts and moulding lives in this period of rapid change. The Teachers' Conference consists of three plenary sessions by renowned and established educationists, 115 concurrent sessions by teachers and principals, and a panel discussion.

2. "The Teachers' Conference aims to inspire a spirit of experimentation and innovation, and to encourage constant professional development among teachers. These are qualities necessary in leaders (or teachers) to keep pace with the rapidly changing world and still offer the best education to their charges" said Mr Nicholas Tang, Deputy Director of Teachers' Network, Training and Development Division.

3. Teachers' Conference will kick off a series of activities lined up till September 2001, which highlight the important role of teachers in society. These include the Outstanding Youth in Education Award, Teaching Scholarships Ceremony, President's Award for Teachers and Teachers' Day Rally 2001. The Ministry will also be running a publicity blitz, including advertorials in the newspapers and infomercials on television.

4. Mr Lim Chee Hwee, Director of Public Affairs, Ministry of Education, explained the purpose for these activities, "Through these activities, we hope to highlight to the general public the importance of the teaching profession. We need to encourage more to join the profession as we aim to build up a quality teaching service. We also hope to raise parents' appreciation and understanding of teachers, so that they will be encouraged to work closely with teachers. These efforts also serve to pay tribute to teachers, who are the heart of our education system."