pathways for teacher training for expats in Sng

[sparkle007]

Has anyone tried to train or has trained to be a regular primary school teacher in Singapore, or know anyone who has?
I'm guessing (although it doesn't state on Edu or MOE sites) that the funded 1 year PGDE isn't open to expats.
Anyone know of any other teaching certs courses for someone with a UK Hons degree? (not TEFL or ESL courses)
Thank u

[CreativeAnn]

Hi. MOE has a high staff turnover rate and its for a reason. May I suggest you speak to MOE teachers before doing this? They do have programmes for mid career change teachers and thats a pretty good programme. Consider private schools or International Schools where the environment will be very different.

[k1w1]

I would strongly recommend you steer clear of the Singaporean MOE for work or training. While we all hear a lot about how great the school system is, fact of the matter is, very few local teachers are hired by International Schools as the methods/pedagogy are so different. (Having said that, I do know some wonderful local teachers, so it's not fair to tar them all with the same brush...) Anyay, you really do not want to end up in a bond working for the MOE.

There are several offshore teacher training programmes that can be completed in Singapore. I'm pretty sure the open poltech in the UK has a PGCE that can be done by distance. I know Australia has several (Charles Sturt University is one). Also there are several US colleges that will allow you to study from another country. You can do your practicums at International Schools. I know a couple of people who have done this.

I'd say your first point to consider is where you want to teach, then look at getting a qualification and license that will allow you to teach there.

[sparkle007]

Thanks for speedy replies. Very helpful.
I have taught Enrichment English in local Singapore schools previously and appreciate all comments on the high turn over. It was a moment of madness to think I would manage being bonded for 3yrs in a local school.
However, I'm back in the UK and at a mid-career change, I seem unemployable without further training. The cost for any course is out of my reach, so looking for something that is good and may offer a bursary.
Thanks again for your help

[vozzie]

First, this is second hand info ... so take it with a grain of salt.

A friend who does relief teaching in Singapore, advised that all you have to do is a 5 day course with MOE and you'll get on their books. Apparently, according to him, you don't even need a teaching degree. He hasn't one. They do have other education or experience requirements, but I'm not sure what they are. I'm also not sure about nationality requirements.... if any.

So, there you go ...