The Ministry of Education's (MOE) recruitment strategy to target mid-career professionals around the Central Business District is a clever move.

During such uncertain times, the draw of a supposedly 'evergreen career' will seem attractive to many workers, and I am sure many will seriously consider joining the profession.

However, I feel that more than just a smart recruitment move is needed. The MOE should also develop equally clever ways to retain teachers.

I know of several friends - mid-career professionals - who enter teaching with ideals to shape lives and impart knowledge. This ideal remains alive during the training years. But sadly, it takes less than a year before reality sets in and many are turned off by the non-teaching duties they have to take on and the long hours they have to put in. Many are forced to rethink their decision and often leave the profession.

The economy will pick up again in due time, jobs will return and so will choices. What does the MOE intend to do so it will not lose this talent pool in better times?

Teo Lai Ching (Mrs)

This article was first published in The Straits Times on December 15, 2008.