There are currently about 32,000 education officers, including those in leadership, such as Principals, according to the Ministry of Education. About 650 new teachers are recruited a year.

That number likely does not include other education-related sectors, such as Pre-Primary, Tertiary, private education, tuition and counselling. Nor does it take into consideration the multitudes who are directly affected by educators, especially students and their parents.

Aside from the sheer numbers involved, the Education sector is significant for many reasons, including:

It impacts people in their formative years. The lessons, values and perspectives transmitted at this age could have a lifelong bearing.

The lessons learnt go beyond the academic. In schools, students start acquiring social skills and discerning values through their interactions with peers and teachers. They can be exposed to literature and worldviews to stretch their imaginations and boundaries.

Many children spend more time interacting with those in school than at home. A typical child attending Primary or Secondary School or Junior College may spend anything from 6 to 12 hours in school, compared to the fewer hours they may see their parents in the evening after work.

Because of this key role of education in impacting the next generation, Salt&Light are holding our first National Christian Educators Conference on Friday, Dec 22.

#NCEC23 will be a one-day event, from 9am to 6pm. Participants are invited to stay on for Thir.st Worship Night, an intergenerational worship session which will include members of school prayer networks.

The Conference will be held at Bethesda Bedok-Tampines Church (300 Bedok North Ave 3. Map). Participation is free, and lunch and breaks are included, though pre-registration is required at https://saltandlig.ht/ncec2023.

Our heart is to gather believers in the Education realm – whether teachers, principals, counsellors; in MOE, tertiary, university, pre-school, tuition, or private education; or anyone with a heart for education – for a time of praise, prayer, equipping and encouragement.

Topics covered in this one-day event include the Calling of an Educator; what it means to be a Christian Educator in Singapore; how to pray for our realm; mental health in schools, and more.

Speakers include Methodist Bishop Dr Gordon Wong; Associate Professor Ng Pak Tee, a teacher of teachers; as well as other School Principals, Educators and Pastors.

A CHANCE TO CONNECT AND EQUIP

“I’m not sure of the last time such a large gathering of educators was organised. The speakers and workshop presenters will present thoughts and ideas that are novel and practical, so we can ‘sharpen the saw’ and be more equipped for the vocation we were called into,” said Mr Peter Tan, a Principal with 24 years’ experience in education, who will be one of the speakers at #NCEC23

“It is always exciting when Christian teachers/educators come together,” he added.

“Firstly, we hear the encouragement about how we can do better in a vocation that our Lord Jesus Christ was well-known as – a teacher.

“Secondly, it is the challenge we receive as we see each other coming together to realise that aside from the earthly vocation, we have a heavenly calling and to press on and give our very best.

“And thirdly, a conference like this connects us with fellow teachers/educators with whom we can pray and even be mentored by, and also be connected professionally.”

Said Senior Pastor Chua Seng Lee of Bethesda Bedok-Tampines Church, the host venue for the conference. “Educators can play a significant role in a child’s life. Many of us still remember with great fondness and gratitude some of our teachers from years past. 

“We hope those gathered will hear messages that will encourage them in their calling as educators.”