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ITE EDUCATORS, WE SALUTE YOU!

by Victor Yen

ITE has exceptional educators and eleven of them were honoured with the ITE Teacher Award for their exceptional contributions in Teaching Excellence, Instructional Materials Development, Innovation/Enterprise, Caring for Students’ Well-Being, and Co-Curricular Activities Contributions. The event was held on 15 October 2007.

Profound Impact
Seventeen years may seem like a long time, but for Ms Heng Gek Hiong, the recipient of the ITE Teacher Award in Teaching Excellence, it is all about being committed. “In a profession like teaching, we can make a difference in the lives of our students even with a few words,” said Ms Heng. And, that was how a former student felt. She was so moved by Ms Heng’s words of encouragement that she excelled in her course, to make it to the polytechnic. She even related the impact Ms Heng had had on her in her campus newsletter. Ms Heng believes in making a connection with her students. To keep up with her charges that are getting more technology savvy, she attends courses, reads widely and learns from her colleagues.

Big Heart
For Mrs Chew-Lew Wan Lai, one of the recipients of the Caring for Students’ Well-Being, her heart goes out to students who have special needs. “When I see them picking up skills and be self-reliant, I feel really happy,” she said. Mrs Chew helps by getting these special students to fit into the learning environment quickly, achieve their academic goals and ultimately assimilate into society. She involves the whole class, scheduling students to help their needy classmates like bringing them to the washroom, buying them food, or carrying them up and down the stairs should the lift break down. Mrs Chew believes that getting students involved in caring for students with special needs will inculcate patience and care, especially towards the less fortunate.

Crazy Innovation
Fellow recipient, Mr Stephen Chan Kim Chwee, finds the greatest joy when he brings out innovativeness in his students. The Lecturer who scored for Innovation/Enterprise, Mr Chan believes that “…innovation is learning beyond the classroom and the greatest invention comes from the craziest idea.” He has entered innovative student projects in more than 10 competitions and won 13 prizes over the last two years. Mr Chan is currently pursuing his PhD in mobile robotics, and is often looked upon as expert and mentor by fellow colleagues.

To all the well deserving ITE teaching staff, we salute you.