A Simple Thank-you Suffices
Monday, September 24, 2007
Strike a pose! - students take on different personas with Mr Yeo.
An interview with a recipient of the 2007 President's Award for Teachers, Mr Yeo Leng Quee
10 years’ teaching experience
Current position: Head, English and Literature, teaching Drama and English Language at Peirce Secondary School
1. Why did you choose to teach?
In a strange way, imparting knowledge and wisdom to those younger than I am has always been my calling. I thoroughly enjoyed my experience heading the junior National Police Cadet Corp squad when I was in Sec 3 and 4, and felt really fulfilled being able to help people.
2. If you were to leave the teaching profession tomorrow, what would be the top three memories you would bring with you? Why?
One: students whose lives I have had the chance to touch and make a difference in.
Two: great pals and teachers I have had the chance to work with.
Three: the moments of peace and joy I shared with students and teachers.
Mr Yeo at his most ‘charming’ best - grrrrr!
3. What is the funniest or most memorable thing your students have ever said to you?
The most memorable: “Thanks” - with smiles, tears and even a cake sometimes!
The funniest was when they said that I am funny.
4. If you were a character in one of the literature textbooks, who would you be?
I’d be Jean Valjean from Les Miserables. Life is about learning from mistakes, and finding peace and giving love through self-sacrifice.
5. To get students to practise speaking proper English, they have to stand up in class and talk about themselves. What would you talk about if you were in that position?
I would sing people a song so that their day will be brightened and their spirits heightened.
It’s easy to see who the slave is in this tableau of “Master and Slave” - a dramatic study about social class.
6. How do you introduce yourself when you first step into a classroom of new students at the start of the academic year?
The first few lessons are always spent on setting the tone and establishing rapport. I want the students to know that the time they spend with me will be filled with fun, adventure and, most importantly, learning and self-improvement. But this can only happen if they do not cause disruptions through misconduct.
7. What advice about teaching would you share with others?
“One teacher can make a great difference but a team of teachers can create wonders and magic in all areas.” I strongly believe in this because one teacher can touch one facet of the children’s lives. A team of us can definitely do more.
Read the interviews with the other 2007 recipients of the President's Award for Teachers:Mdm Parameswary d/o Sundar Rajoo, Montfort Junior School, Mdm Yip Jee Cheng, Mayflower Primary School and Mdm Norlita bte Marsuki, Sembawang Secondary School.