The W@W Teachers’ Training Program

By WR!TERS@WORK

Teacher Training is an integral part of operations at W@W. There are many training modules on a variety of subjects – from the curriculum, to how to manage a classroom, and even about how to give students advice about their major life decisions, such as where to go for secondary school! Across all branches, training is standardised to make sure every single W@W teacher is on the same page and is aware of how to deal with novel situations and updated syllabi.

In this article, we interview W@W Teacher Arianne, who will share more information about Teacher Training and its significance in W@W.

1. When is Teacher Training Conducted, and for How Long?

Teacher Training usually starts from day 1 of being a W@W Teacher and continues all throughout our career at W@W. As teachers, we need to constantly learn and adapt to the ever-changing demands of MOE. The management ensures that we get to observe enough classes, are equipped with enough knowledge and resources, yet also gives us the flexibility to teach in our own style.

2. What is Teacher Training Like?

Teacher Training at W@W prepares all new teachers for the key concepts, unique terms and curriculum, methodology and pedagogy of the company. The early stages of training usually comprise a rigorous curriculum learning and new teachers also get a prospective outlook into a real-life classroom setting through observations. With this, the new teachers learn how to develop the competencies and aptitude to teach. We also pick up knowledge on problem-solving, building an action plan concerning students’ challenge, inclusivity, etc.

It also tackles how we can effectively and efficiently perform our responsibilities as teachers in planning the everyday lessons, undertaking other projects that would benefit our students and their parents such as creating media resources, holiday programmes and others, preparing scaffolding methods based on our curriculum, taking independent actions to support the centre in its targets such as parents communication, looking after behaviour management of the students (classroom management) and using formative assessment.

They also look after teachers’ wellbeing. This is one of the greatest benefits of working at W@W. The management ensures that employees enjoy sound mental wellbeing while performing their best at work. The curriculum directors assist teachers to plan the upcoming term as they explore their talents and identify strategies to overcome their loopholes, assign mentors to every teacher who can guide them even after the training programme comes to an end.

Training at W@W helps boost teachers’ confidence in teaching. Another thing is, when you realise how well the curriculum was curated, you put so much trust in the process and the syllabus. Now, it all boils down on how well a teacher can deliver that in class. Once students capture and master the techniques, it would be a walk in the park to teach the students. They also become experts in the long run which leads to full marks during examinations.

3. Do You Have Any Anecdotes or Personal Stories to Share About What You Learned During Teacher Training?

I can clearly remember Teacher Jemmies saying in one of our training sessions that students adapt their teacher’s writing style. I have noticed how my students not only adapted my writing style but also my characteristics and personality. Most of my students are extremely competitive as they want to achieve the best possible outcome in everything they do and they never shy away in sharing their thoughts and ideas as they know that their classmates will also benefit from them. I also learnt from the training that unless you have a good understanding of a concept, you will not be able to teach it to others. Hence, being a teacher requires more than being able to talk but being subject matter experts too. I personally use this technique to get a grasp of my students’ understanding of the lesson. I let them teach it to their classmates and even their parents.

4. What Is the Most Valuable Aspect of Teacher Training at W@w? Does It Prepare You for the Real-life Classroom Experience?

I think the most valuable aspect of Teacher Training at W@W is the classroom observations, as firsthand experience and immersion is the best way to learn.

5. What Do You Enjoy About Working at W@W?

At W@W, I have bosses who are genuinely kind and amazing. The management creates a healthy working environment and culture, with zero politics and dogfighting. The management appreciates and notices the efforts of every employee, despite being extremely busy themselves. The management listens to their employees, which makes every employee feel appreciated and heard. My fellow colleagues are the nicest, always sharing their knowledge and tips which make me a better teacher. Most importantly, the management trusts the teachers and gives them free rein to teach in a way which they feel most confident doing.

6. Are There Some Things Which You Were Unprepared for Despite the Training Given?

There are some things which Teacher Training does not prepare you for, such as unmotivated and difficult students. Teaching good values to students is something each individual teacher must find out for themselves. Good values go beyond the classroom, as a teacher is supposed to be a caring individual who wants to bring up the best student, with good manners and character.

Working at W@W – The Experience of a Lifetime

Being a Senior Teacher at W@W is no walk in the park. However, W@W has a homely, family environment which immediately can be felt the moment you walk through the door. The students at W@W are extremely eager to learn, and lessons are always a barrel of laughs as students creatively come up with plot ideas and reenact scenes from the stories you teach them.

Teaching is a meaningful career as you will get to impact students’ lives both inside and outside the classroom in a positive way. Students come into W@W and leave feeling inspired and motivated to face the school week. As a teacher, you will experience the joys of helping your students learn not only about how to write essays and pass their exams, but also to be curious about how to observe and navigate the world around them.

Learn How to Write In a Coherent and Concise Manner with WR!TERS@WORK!

At WR!TERS@WORK, we are committed to providing the smoothest learning experience for your primary or secondary school child sitting for their English exam. With our carefully curated methods of teaching your child how to write, your child will be able to craft well-written essays in any genre with good grammar, vocabulary, and sentence structure.

English tuition and writing courses are instrumental for students not only in school, but to prepare them for their future undertakings as good writing is a universal necessity. Enjoy a smoother learning process with WR!TERS@WORK as we reinforce your child’s language skills and provide them with a strong foundation for academic success. For more exam tips, parents and students can explore our website and watch our YouTube videos.

If you are interested in our primary English tuition and secondary English tuition in Singapore, WR!TERS@WORK has expanded to 8 convenient locations. To find the nearest location that suits your needs, please explore our options. If you have any inquiries regarding our range of programs or class schedules, please feel free to contact WR!TERS@WORK.

Frequently Asked Questions:

1. What Does a Writing Teacher Do?

At W@W, a writing teacher will teach students how to approach an essay using a Plot Curve. The teacher will guide students’ essay writing skills to find a plot that makes sense, craft characters with good motivations and believable actions, and wrap up the essay satisfyingly.

2. Can You Make a Career Out of Creative Writing?

Being a creative writer can yield a career of writing for advertising purposes or teaching writing to students. Writing is a highly important skill which is essential in employment, and being able to craft a piece of work using logic and eloquence can be trained from young.

3. What Makes a Good Writing Teacher?

A good writing teacher will be sensitive to their students’ needs as they will be able to tell how a student learns things best. Furthermore, a good writing teacher will correct students’ basic English language skills such as grammar, vocabulary, and sentence structure.

4. Why Should I Be a Writing Tutor?

Being a writing tutor is valuable as you get to impart valuable skills of your own to your students. Furthermore, teaching writing provides another perspective and you may learn new things while teaching your students, such as about how your students learn a particular subject.

5. When is the Best Time to Teach a Child to Write?

Children start reading and being able to spell before they enter primary school. By Primary 2, children will be able to craft a narrative or a short piece of writing. Writing skills can be developed in early primary school and honed further when a child approaches Primary.