At Hougang Primary School, adjunct teachers are involved in various aspects of teaching and learning, including serving as form teachers and engaging in “TTTs” (time-tabled time), where subject teachers come together to share ideas and resources.
As an example, Mdm Lim cites the invaluable contribution of Mr Yeo Hong Eng, a Head of Department (HOD) for English at the school until his retirement in 2004.

At his retirement, Mr Yeo immediately signed on as a flexi- adjunct teacher. “When he stepped down, he really helped to make the transition seamless for the new HOD. He was always on hand to brief and update him about the school culture and our programmes,” says Mdm Lim. That HOD has since left the school and Mr Yeo has been equally helpful to the new incoming department head.

Mdm Cindy Lim, VP/Hougang Primary School (at left), notes that the adjunct teacher scheme is a “win-win situation”.

Although the adjunct teachers are naturally older and may not take to technology as readily as the younger teachers, “they are very willing to learn,” notes Mdm Lim, “and the younger teachers are happy to guide them”.

It is this balance that covering HOD/ EL Mrs Pushpalalitha Nathan thinks is of great value. “The experience of adjunct teachers, combined with the energy of younger teachers, makes for a good mix, and we work hand-in-hand in so many ways. When we review our English worksheets for example, Mr Yeo is often spot-on and spontaneous with his comments. We are definitely enriched by his vast pedagogical knowledge.”

The mentoring role is something Mrs Nathan greatly appreciates as well. “I also seek Mr Yeo’s advice on department work because it’s a journey he’s gone through before as former HOD.” She also speaks highly of Mrs Tan Soh Tin and Ms Chia Shoon Sum, two other adjunct teachers she has worked with.

Colleague and level head, Ms Serene Chia, agrees, “I think the adjunct teachers are good role models for the younger and less experienced teachers. Their professionalism is an inspiration to us all! Mr Yeo, for example, offers advice that is well thought-out, and because it tends to be practical and tried-and-tested, we really appreciate his input.”

At Hougang Primary School, adjunct teachers are involved in various aspects of teaching and learning, as well as collaborating and sharing with fellow colleagues.

“Not only do the teachers fulfil the roles expected of them, they take on extra duties as well, outside their stipulated hours. Mr Yeo, for instance, volunteers his services as our school photographer.”

To Mr Yeo, being “retired” does not being “tired”. In fact, he cheerily sees it as the way to being “rehired”, but at a different pace. Staying on at Hougang Primary School was a natural choice as he was among the pioneer batch of staff at the school, and helped to shape its mission, direction and role in the larger community.

“Because it was a new school then [in 2000], it was important to establish a strong foundation. Before the school opened, we studied the school surroundings to get a feel of what we needed to do,” remembers Mr Yeo. “For example, we noted that it was a largely Chinese community, so our pupils would likely be weak in English. We approached the Chinese Development Assistance Council (CDAC) about setting up a tuition centre in the area to support such pupils.”

With teachers like Mr Yeo willing to continue to lend a hand, the adjunct teacher scheme is working well for Hougang Primary School. In fact, the school has reached its maximum allocation of having 10 adjunct teachers working for them.

On the school’s part, it is careful to match the interest levels of the teachers with the needs of the school, so as to create a happy partnership. “We are thankful for the help given by our adjunct teachers,” says Mdm Lim.