More Than A Teacher

We speak to this year’s Caring Teacher Awards national-level winners about the moments, big and small, that define what it means to teach with care.

What inspired you to teach, and how has that purpose shaped your practice over time?

Shah: Teaching, to me, is an act of service. Every lesson and every gesture of care is an opportunity to make someone's life better. I have learnt that meaningful discipline begins with meaningful relationships, so I place relationships before discipline. For me, care is found in the quiet, consistent moments: checking in with students after class, noticing when they seem different, and simply listening. Students may forget my lessons, but they rarely forget how I make them feel.

Felix: I wanted to connect with youths and instil the right values. After 25 years in teaching, I can see the impact on my students’ lives beyond academic or CCA achievements. As I got to know and understand students more deeply, my lessons became simpler while the connection grew stronger. I encourage them to pursue their dreams and passions, guided by values, because education is not just academics, but the ability to navigate life.

Shyam: I chose teaching because education has the power to change lives. That belief continues to inspire me: I want every student to know that they are seen, valued and capable of growth. Over time, I have become more intentional about building relationships and listening before responding, asking myself not only what a student needs to learn, but also what they need from me at that moment.

Sew Yoon: A small wooden magnet bearing the words, “To Teach Is To Touch Lives Forever”, left a lasting impression on me. The opportunity to positively influence a child's life is both a tremendous responsibility and a meaningful calling. This purpose continues to shape how I teach and connect with every child entrusted to my care, prompting me to continually reflect on and improve my own practices.

 

Tell us about a time you made a significant impact on a student’s life.

Shyam: I had a Secondary 2 student who was going through family challenges. After receiving her end-of-year results, she stayed behind, completely overwhelmed. Rather than questioning her or discussing her results, I simply stayed with her. In the weeks that followed, she began opening up, gradually rebuilding her confidence and becoming more engaged in class. That experience reinforced my belief that sometimes, the most impactful thing a teacher can do is not to instruct, but to be present.

Felix: My four years as the form teacher of a Normal Technical class left a deep impact on my students’ self-belief, work ethics, aspirations and values. Many of them went on to pursue their studies at polytechnics or universities, but they fondly remember how I used to encourage them to take part in competitions and put their best foot forward. They often remind me how those interactions bolstered their confidence to step up to challenges and to give their best whenever called upon.

Shah: I once taught a student who was orphaned and living with relatives. Over time, I noticed changes in behaviour and attendance, signs that something deeper was happening. Through the trust we had built, the student eventually confided in me about abuse at home. It was an unforgettable conversation and I worked with the school and relevant agencies to ensure that the student received protection. That experience taught me that teaching is also about listening without judgement and walking alongside students through difficult moments.

Sew Yoon: I had a student with ADHD who was frequently in trouble. He was my first student to be caned in the Principal’s office. I decided to work with his parents, classmates and the school counsellor to provide the support, structure and encouragement he needed. Years later, he visited me at my home and I learnt how he had begun working alongside his father on community projects. It showed me how the true impact of teaching often unfolds over time.

 

What does it mean to be a caring teacher today, and how do you support students’ holistic development alongside that?

Shah: Students learn best when they feel safe, seen and connected to the adults who teach them. Before I focus on academic content, I make time to get to know my students. To me, this is not time taken away from learning, but time invested so that learning can happen more meaningfully. A caring teacher is not someone with all the answers. I see myself as a teacher who walks beside students, not ahead of them, offering presence, guidance and encouragement that they can hold onto when life becomes overwhelming.

Felix: Students do not care that we care unless they can feel it. Despite wanting “likes” and “views” on social media, deep down, students need authentic and sincere validation from a significant adult. A caring teacher needs to make them feel valued and want to do better. Outcomes like cognitive discipline and commitment are attributes that will see them through life in the future.

Shyam: Being a caring teacher goes beyond kindness; it means intentionally seeing the person before the learner. A caring classroom creates psychological safety, so students become more willing to participate, take risks and support one another. For me, academic success and holistic wellbeing are not separate priorities; they support one another. Sometimes that means checking in after class, adjusting my approach, or simply listening without judgement.

Sew Yoon: To me, being a caring teacher means presence, being genuinely present for students in both the significant and ordinary moments of their lives. I make a deliberate effort to know my students beyond their academic abilities, building trust that enables me to support each child more holistically. Additionally, simple gestures like a “Get Well” or “Farewell” card go a long way to tell children: you matter, even when you are not here. They remind students that they are valued not for what they achieve, but for who they are.

 

What keeps you going in this profession, and what advice would you give to peers who want to make a similar impact?

Shyam: I enjoy witnessing the quiet moments of growth: a student asking a question after weeks of silence, or a former student sharing how a conversation made a difference. These moments remind me that teaching is about the cumulative impact of small, consistent acts of care. My advice is to invest in relationships before expecting results. Teaching is not about having all the answers. It is about showing up consistently, listening deeply and believing in your students even when they cannot yet believe in themselves.

Felix: Consistently reminding myself of my purpose in life and drawing strength from my faith has helped a lot.  I also try to establish a relationship based on trust before engaging my students on the subject. My advice to peers would be to know, understand and teach the child, not the subject. The subject is just the enabler of your outreach.

Shah: What keeps me going is knowing that what we do as teachers often matters long after students have left our classrooms. Seeing former students return to share their successes reminds me that teaching is measured not only by examination results, but also by the lives we influence. My advice is to invest in relationships before expecting results. “Take time to save time” is what I would say.

Sew Yoon: A student’s brightest smile, a note that says, “I love you, Ms Chan!” or a parent thanking me for caring for their child. These are the things that keep me going. I believe in building trust by simply being there for my students, listening attentively, noticing when something is not right, celebrating their joys. “Passion to Start, Stamina to Last” is my mantra. Passion gives us the courage to begin, but stamina helps us stay the course through the daily demands.

 

Photo caption:

Ms Raja Shahridah Binte Raja Suhaini (Shah) Teacher and Level Coach Beatty Secondary School	Mr Yeoh Sin Hui (Felix) Subject Head Woodlands Ring Secondary School	Mr Shyamsuraj Yadav (Shyam) Teacher Tanjong Katong Girls' School	Ms Chan Sew Yoon (Sew Yoon) Teacher and Assistant Year Head of Lower Primary Fairfield Methodist School (Primary)

The Caring Teacher Awards honours teachers in Singapore who go beyond the call of duty to show exemplary care for their students, with awards presented at both the School and National levels. For details on the nomination and selection process, visit www.cta.nie.edu.sg.