MOTHER TONGUE LANGUAGE TEACHING AWARD SCHEME

Mr Yeo Guat Kwang asked the Minister for Education (a) how many teachers have benefited from the Mother Tongue Language Teaching Award Scheme; and (b) whether there is any plan to provide more incentives to encourage mother tongue language teachers to further their studies and upgrade their professional level.

RAdm Teo Chee Hean: Mr Deputy Speaker, Sir, the Undergraduate Award for Mother Tongue Language (MTL) Studies was implemented last year. A total of 9 awards were given out in the first year, ie, Year 2000. This year, a total of 14 awards were given out.

The Ministry has put in place many schemes for teachers to upgrade and develop themselves professionally. Mother Tongue Language teachers, like all teachers, are encouraged to apply for these schemes. Under the Study Leave Scheme, non-graduate teachers who wish to pursue undergraduate studies can apply for study leave. Successful applicants can also apply for further sponsorship in terms of half-pay leave under the Professional Development Leave scheme and interest-free study loans, if they meet the eligibility criteria of these other assistance schemes.

Officers wishing to pursue postgraduate studies also have a number of schemes they can apply for. They can apply for full Ministry of Education Scholarships, Professional Development Leave or interest-free study loans.

All these schemes have attracted strong teacher interest. We will continue to improve and introduce new schemes as the training needs of our teachers evolve over time.