Eight English teachers received the Inspiring Teacher of English Award on Sept. 29 for their dedication to fostering language skills, critical thinking, and empathy among students. Presented by the Speak Good English Movement and The Straits Times with support from the Ministry of Education, the award recognizes educators who go beyond standard exam preparation to shape how students connect with the world.
National Leaders Emphasize Expression and Empathy
Senior Parliamentary Secretary for Education and National Development Syed Harun Alhabsyi served as the guest of honour at the ceremony. In his address, he noted that while society exchanges ideas faster and in greater volume than ever before, two essential abilities can easily be lost: the clear expression of personal voice and the practice of empathetic listening. He stressed that these skills do not develop by accident and must be deliberately cultivated by teachers.
Speak Good English Movement chairman Jason Leow echoed this sentiment while addressing the 2026 recipients and nominees. Leow reminded educators that their role extends far beyond preparing students for exams. He stated that they actively shape student thought patterns, speech, and global connection, calling it a heavy responsibility that the honorees carry well.
The Inspiring Teacher of English Award was inaugurated in 2008 and has since recognized 159 educators. The 2026 selection drew from 107 nominations, split across two distinct categories: the Teaching Award, which honors educators exemplifying strong spoken and written English, and the Leadership Award, which recognizes subject heads or heads of department who guide their schools toward a shared vision.
Innovative Teaching Methods Across Singapore Schools
Among the 2026 recipients are educators implementing creative curricula to engage students directly with language. Wong Sui Lee, 47, the head of department for GP at St Andrew’s Junior College, helps GP students turn news stories into peer quizzes. Wong stated that the approach helps students glean a better understanding of the world and sparks genuine curiosity about current events.
At Temasek Junior College, deputy dean (JC) Sasha Kaur Dhillon, 31, runs a project titled Singapore A-Z. Students pick local topics, interview community members, and share their findings with the class. Kaur observed that student engagement rises because classroom discussions become personal and immersive.
Other honorees focus on building safe environments and individual mentorship. Rafidah Ridzuan of Tampines North Primary School, who has taught for 28 years, dedicates recess time to talking with pupils about personal matters. She noted that providing a safe environment allows children to talk about everything under the sun. Meanwhile, Zheng Kankan, 39, Maris Stella High School’s subject head of literature, inspired a student to enter a poetry recitation competition. Though the student did not reach the finals, he wrote a note expressing gratitude and a desire to compete again.
The Straits Times editor Jaime Ho emphasized the deep connection between journalism and language instruction, stating that the newsroom holds the highest regard for English teachers who bring joy to classrooms and inspire students to embrace the language of expression.
Award Recipients and Recognition Details
- Award Structure: Divided into the Teaching Award and the Leadership Award.
- Selection Pool: Chosen from 107 total nominations submitted for 2026.
- Historical Context: 159 teachers have received the honor since its 2008 inauguration.
- Prizes: Recipients received a trophy, a certificate, a cash prize, and a one-year membership to the Singapore Association for Applied Linguistics.