AST Award Feature - From Patient to Pathfinder: A Journey of Adversity to Advancement

My journey toward a career in physical education began with an unexpected challenge. As a young boy, I battled a life-threatening illness. While the doctors' prognosis was difficult, this experience instilled in me a deep determination that has shaped my path ever since. Who would have thought that I would one day be a PE teacher, encouraging others to discover their own strength and potential?

This journey has been filled with experiences that have shaped me both as a person and as an educator. Let me share a glimpse into my professional path:

Passion Ignited: My love for sports has always been a constant. Since my secondary school days, I have actively participated in youth development programs, serving various communities and leading outdoor activities. These experiences fueled my passion for working with young people, and naturally led me toward a career in physical education. Witnessing the joy of discovery, the perseverance in overcoming challenges, and the camaraderie forged on the playing field continue to inspire me in this work.

Highlights Beyond the Classroom: Some of the most rewarding moments extend beyond the traditional classroom. Leading Trips for Internationalisation Experience (TIE) has opened a world of possibilities for both my students and me. Sharing new cultures, navigating unfamiliar environments, and witnessing students' personal growth on these extended trips has been an incredible privilege. These less formal learning settings hold special significance, allowing time for deep learning and the building of strong relationships.

Leading and Learning: Currently, my role as a Lead Teacher allows me to not only experiment with new teaching methods but also support my colleagues in their professional development journeys. It's a role that fosters continuous learning and growth, both for myself and those around me.

Head:  Setbacks are inevitable in life. I must admit that I had quite a fair bit in all my years as an educator. The "Head" represents the conscious decision to persevere, to learn from challenges, and to choose continuous growth. For me, this meant actively seeking opportunities to enhance my skills as a PE teacher. After seven years in the profession, I enrolled in a part-time Master's program, juggling work, studies, and personal life. It was demanding, but the knowledge I gained was invaluable. Later, I took a leap of faith with a Teacher Work Attachment (TWA) program at PESTA for one term. This wasn't merely about acquiring new skills; it was an opportunity to observe different teaching styles, learn from experienced mentors, and most importantly, challenge my own assumptions.

That's where Teng and Hanif, these incredible mentors, came in. They embodied a philosophy I call AH, HA2 – Adopt Humility, Heighten Awareness, and Harness Andragogy. They led by example, always open to learning from anyone, including their students. They pushed us to question our biases and helped us tap into the collective wisdom of the group. This is a lesson I hold dear, striving to create a learning environment where everyone feels valued and their experiences contribute to a richer tapestry of knowledge.

Hands: The "Hands" represent putting theory into practice. My TWA experience proved transformative, allowing me to experiment with innovative teaching methods and witness their impact on student engagement firsthand. It was a space to try out new ideas and refine my skills. I am also grateful for the opportunities to share my learnings on various platforms, such as the Teacher-Led Workshops (TLW), Cluster PE Support Group, Sg Learner Design Circle Virtual Meet, and so on.

Heart: The final "H" is about the Heart. A positive attitude and a strong support system are essential to navigate the challenges of any profession. There were times when self-doubt crept in, but I was fortunate to have a network of positive people cheering me on. My wife, especially, deserves recognition for her unwavering support. She's not only my biggest cheerleader but also a critical partner in my professional growth. Whether it's carefully reading my articles, offering thoughtful feedback on my reflections, or acting as a sounding board for new ideas, her insights are invaluable. She even manages to keep me grounded, gently reminding me to focus when my enthusiasm leads me astray. Her support is a constant source of strength and inspiration. 

The Power of Community: Sharing and Growing Together

Teaching is not a solitary pursuit. It thrives within a supportive community, a collective effort that elevates all its members. I'm incredibly grateful to Fairfield Methodist School (Secondary) for providing me with opportunities for professional development. These experiences weren't just about enriching my own teaching but also about connecting with colleagues and sharing my learnings. The opportunity to connect, observe and work with fellow passionate educators, who are doing exceptional work at various levels, such as the Network Learning Communities (NLCs), Cluster Support Groups, Subject Chapters is a testament to the collaborative spirit that thrives within our community. 

In moving ahead, we need to prepare our students to be future-ready and self-regulated learners. Through the use of feedback pedagogical cycle, we must help students develop emerging 21st Core Competencies to deal with the ever increasing VUCA world. We ourselves must strive to learn and grow, and be open to feedback so that we can embody future-ready and self-regulated learners. PE can be a subject that helps students to develop metacognition, to develop adaptive thinking, and so on. As teachers, we need to be intentional in our task designs, creating opportunities to feed forward.

Technology and AI are changing the landscape of education, and PE is no exception. However, I believe the human connection in teaching remains irreplaceable. The bond between teacher and student, the ability to learn from experience, the power of a shared laugh or a high-five after a breakthrough – these are the things that make PE special, things that AI cannot replicate. Though teachers cannot be replaced, we must embrace AI to leverage on its affordances, making our work more effective and efficient.

Article Contributed by: 

Mr Jason Lum, Lead Teacher at Fairfield Methodist Secondary School and recipient of the AST Awards 2023. The 1st PE Teacher to be awarded the AST Award. Click here for more details of the awards. 

For his previous article, do click here.

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