OYEA 2007: Inspiring by Example

Ms Sukhjeet Kaur is always looking at ways to draw out the best in her students and spur them to scale greater heights.

An interview with OYEA 2007 winner, Miss Sukhjeet Kaur

When Miss Sukhjeet Kaur taught English Language to a Normal (Technical) class at Swiss Cottage Secondary School, she developed such a rapport with the students that by the end of her two years with them, they were correcting her English if she ever slipped up. “It was initially a challenge to win them over, but after some time, they amazed everyone – and themselves, I think – with what they could achieve,” she reflects.

As for them playing teacher to her language skills, Miss Sukhjeet took it all in her stride. “I didn’t mind them correcting my English. After all, they were getting better at the language and were using more sophisticated vocabulary – what more could I ask for?”

It’s not just in the classroom that this English Language and Literature teacher tries to model good values (or language) for her students. After starting the Literary Drama and Debating Society in 2005, she was heavily involved in directing students in their own play for the Singapore Youth Festival (SYF), where they received a Bronze Award in their debut appearance. In this year’s SYF, the school did even better, garnering a Silver Award for their creativity and hard work.

Miss Sukhjeet also works with youths outside of school. For example, from her volunteer experience at a Sikh temple, she found that Sikh girls needed more women role models in their community. In her own way, she tried to set an example to them, to inspire them to set higher targets and do well in what they are good at. Miss Sukhjeet is also a volunteer at the People’s Association.

The main thing drawing her to the teaching profession: the opportunity to work closely with young people, and see them develop and mature. “It’s the dynamism of my students and the fact that it’s not just me sharing my experiences and knowledge with them – I also learn from them,” she explains.

Sukhjeet makes Literature fun through the creative use of song lyrics, MTV, trips to the theatre etc.

She hopes that by winning the Outstanding Youth in Education Award, her students will be encouraged and inspired “to raise their individual bars so that they can excel beyond their expectations”. At the same time, Miss Sukhjeet attributes her success to supportive school leaders and caring colleagues. “Teaching is hardly a solo effort!”

As for her long-term hopes, she always has the students in mind, envisioning them as intelligent, thinking adults, of character and strong values. “I’d like to believe that my students graduate from my classes realising that the world is their oyster. If they truly place their hearts and minds to a certain cause, they will succeed at it.”

Miss Sukhjeet Kaur, Mdm Huang Yiyan and Miss Esther Ong Chin Chin received the 2007 Outstanding Youth in Education Award (OYEA), in recognition of their passion and commitment to the teaching profession. Read the interview with Mdm Huang Yiyan here and look out for the interview with Miss Esther Ong Chin Chin later this week.