Mental and Emotional Well-being Support for Educators in Special Education Schools

Name and Constituency of Member of Parliament

Mr Darryl David, Ang Mo Kio GRC

Question

To ask the Minister for Education what further support will be provided to educators in special education schools in terms of ensuring their mental and emotional wellbeing.

Response

1. We recognise that the work of SPED teachers is challenging and are thankful for their dedication in working with students with special educational needs. MOE works with Social Service Agencies (SSAs) operating Special Education (SPED) schools to support the wellbeing of their teachers. We had shared our initiatives in response to PQ6459 in September 2024. Let me provide some updates.

Fostering Professional Collaboration and Peer Support

2. Teacher well-being is strengthened through a positive culture of peer support and professional collaboration. MOE had facilitated the set-up of two SPED Communities of Practice across the schools.

Addressing Staff Pressures

3. To ensure that workload remains sustainable, MOE works with SSAs and SPED schools to support teacher recruitment and retention. We also set up recruitment booths at seven job fairs to promote teaching opportunities across the sector.

Reducing Administrative Workload

4. MOE is working with the SPED schools to study the possibility of introducing common digital solutions that the SPED schools can use to reduce administrative workload.

SPED Schools' Support for Staff Well-Being

5. At the school level, many SPED schools have dedicated staff well-being committees that equip their teachers with practical support to manage stress and to learn how to care for their own wellbeing.

6. Collectively, these efforts create a purposeful and sustainable work environment that supports SPED teachers.