Impacting the Positioning of Teaching as Life-long Career

This article attempts to provide an overview of relevant recent initiates undertaken in Singapore to attract and retain school teachers. A teaching track in the new career structure seeks to recognise and provide opportunities for teachers who prefer to serve life-long as teachers instead of being promoted to administrative positions. Coupled with this is the draw of financial incentive in the new recognition structure to reward the good ones who have the stamina to stay, and a competitive gross starting salary to entice new entrants into the profession. The author presents the thrust in education of the country as a means to an economic end and surfaces inherent contradictions.