MORE teachers are choosing to take on a lighter load, mostly so they can handle childcare.

The number of part-timers has jumped from 120 in 2004 to 310 in this new school year.

A Ministry of Education (MOE) spokesman said the rise in numbers is partly a result of the extension of the scheme for married teachers with children.

Where previously, only married female teachers with children aged under six were eligible, the scheme - also for those aged 55 and up seeking part-time jobs - is now open to those with kids under 12.

With 310 part-time teachers spread out among at least 360 primary and secondary schools and junior colleges, part-timers are still a relatively rare breed.

But the numbers will rise because MOE is adding five full-time teacher posts to each of the 28 school clusters to support schools with part-time teachers.

It will also let senior personnel, including heads of department and master teachers - senior teachers in the school - take the part-time route.

A part-time teacher's workload will depend on what is agreed with the principal.

Some teachers ask to be exempted from taking care of co-curricular activities or committee work; others may take on such duties, but teach fewer classes.

Demand for such work arrangements has risen, now that the median age among teachers is 32, when most would have young families.

But having part-time teachers on board puts a strain on time-tables and manpower, say teachers and principals interviewed. Other teachers also have to be understanding.

Read the full report in Monday's edition of The Straits Times.