New Association for English Language/Literature Teachers
S Ramesh
22 October 2000
English teachers in Singapore will now have an association to call their own with the launch of the English Language and Literature Teachers Association of Singapore.
Its President, Associate Professor Oliver Seet, said the body would play a lead role to enhance the standard of English in Singapore.
English Teachers will now have their own union, which will give them the chance to attend regional conferences, upgrade their skills and enjoy other union privileges.
Associate Professor Seet said the new body would also give teachers a forum to maintain the standards of the language amongst students and keep the profession updated with the latest teaching techniques.
On the cards are programmes with international English associations and with the National Library to realise the vision of a nation of readers.
These include talks at community libraries to encourage children to develop a love for reading.
But the association's priority is to improve the standard of both spoken and written English to meet the needs of a globalising economy.
Especially since a recent poll showed that top executives see communication as the most important skill for them.
Associate Professor Oliver Seet said: "There is a realisation that communications skills are very important....English language teachers will have a field day in with any organisation that realises the importance of communications."
The association has already enrolled 250 members and more are expected to join for a small membership fee.