
20/06/2025
Recently I was interviewed by a group of JC students on teacher burnout.
They were doing a project with 4 other classmates on teacher burnout.
They all had experience working with younger kids, either volunteering in children's ministry in church, or were active in tuition centers providing after-school support for at-risk youth.
I just hosted an episode on teacher burnout on the Wise and Shine show by The Financial Coconut. Do check out the link in the comments below.
There was a question by the group of students if I had any idea regarding data and statistics on whether there was a higher percentage of teachers who are burning out, compared to their contemporaries in corporate.
In my capacity as a former Ministry of Education, Singapore teacher and Corporate Wellness Consultant for the last four years, this is my response.
✏️ I don't have data and statistics on that. But it could possibly be higher due to the percentage of teachers burning out over the total teacher population, which of course is way less than the corporate workforce.
✏️ Coping strategies can only benefit if there is self-awareness from each teacher, principal and hod.
✏️ Much has been done for teacher wellbeing in the last decade. From a ministry policy level all the way down to school leadership and direct supervisors. But if the strategies lack the human touch, and if "not enough time" is still the core reason or excuse from teachers, then we might still be missing the mark.
✏️ I feel the pressure pot is greater for teachers because a huge percentage of teachers feel they have no other career option post-teaching. So the stakes are all or nothing. Not everyone can have a side-hustle or have the skillsets and adaptability to pivot out of teaching.
✏️ In my opinion, MOE could train teachers to be empowered to make the difficult decision to switch careers. There could be check-ins, purposeful upskilling, and open conversations on "here is the door, you can walk out into something more suited for you at this current stage of your life".
📸 With my wonderful ex colleagues from Temasek Junior College. Now it's school holidays so that's the only time we get to catch up. And catch up I have always been with my teacher friends, for the last 12 years since I left service in 2013.
If you're a teacher that would like to have a chat on what's next for you, drop me a DM and we have explore solutions together.
I've already helped at least 5 former teachers transit out successfully. They are thriving now. 🥳💪🥳
Alex Loh Seng Yue