IPOH: There is high demand for counsellors, special needs and preschool teachers at national-type Chinese schools (SJKC), says Wong Kah Woh.
The Deputy Education Minister said those wanting to become teachers in SJKC can consider choosing the three subjects to increase their chances.
“Most people who applied for SJKC will always go for Chinese subjects, but there are limited slots.
“We want people to also try for these not-so popular subjects,” he said in a press conference after opening the “Let’s Be Teachers” forum at SMJK Yuk Choy here yesterday.
“For the three courses last year, only 90 participants applied, and this year, we are targeting 240 participants, which is about 80 per course.
“I hope applicants can opt for special needs education, counselling and career guidance, as well as preschool education,” he added.
He said there was a need for counsellors, following several untoward incidents in schools last year.
“People are also talking about the need for more preschool (classes) in government schools,” he said.
“The ministry wants to expand our preschool in government schools, but the next issue is that we need to have enough teachers, which is why preschool teachers are very important.
“There is also a high demand for classes for special needs children,” he added.
Wong said there are 1,287 slots to join the Teacher Training Institute for SJKC.
“I hope that all slots will be taken up to ensure there will be sufficient teachers for at least the next five years.
“If we can get more than 1,000 applicants consistently every year, the teacher shortage issue will improve gradually,” he said.
