Are teachers overworked? That's the topic hot on netizens' fingertips as many debate the impact of long hours and demands on their quality of life. To this, STOMPer Eco says, yes—the expectations are high—but so are the rewards.

Online debate about the quality of life versus work has been rife recently, says STOMPer Eco, a forum frequenter, who has noticed that many teachers feel that they are overworked and have enormous pressure in their line of work.

Not only do teachers have to be in school before the school day starts at 7am, they also have to mark assignments, oversee after-class activities and handle other student administration and affairs once classes are over.

To top it off, they also have to deal with unreasonable parents, act as guidance counsellors for troubled students and more often than not, spend after-work hours and weekends on work rather than with their families.

All these are valid concerns, say STOMPer Eco. However, it does not prove that teachers are overworked or met with more pressure than workers in other sectors.

For one, teachers get to enjoy longer holiday breaks as there are long breaks in the education industry. Furthermore, time management is made more flexible as teachers get to plan their time as soon as classes end in the afternoon.

Eco also point out that the pay package for teachers is relatively attractive as pay increment is stable, unlike other more volatile industries.

Read what the STOMPer said in the email on the next page.

In the STOMPer's email:

"There has been much online chatter about the unfair demands teachers face.

"Many disgruntled teachers are complaining online about the long hours and demands they have to meet.

"Although I understand that teachers often stay back after school hours to prepare teaching material and hold other student-related activities, this time spent is made up fully during the long June and December holidays. There are also a few one-week breaks in the terms that educators benefit from.

"Because of these breaks, teachers have a lot more time to plan their work efficiently. They may have to sacrifice hours spent with family during the school term but once exams are over, they can be more relaxed and spend time with family members.

"I'm sure MOE also offers an attractive pay package since teachers are widely sought after these days. Stable increments and bonus, though not sky-high, are much higher and stable than those in other industries.

"Teachers have a difficult job as moulders of the future generation but I don't think they are unfairly overworked".

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