MDM SITI FAUZIAH JASMAN - A Union Member for 8 years
Mdm Siti also receives further encouragement to continue being a working mum from her socializing at the Teachers’ Union, and from Union itself. With special lifestyle privileges, she can enjoy her free time relaxing with her family without having to spend a bomb. She and her husband are both union members and are pleased with the benefits.
She uses her Link card at NTUC Fairprice or Capitol to purchase her contact lenses; but she will not hesitate to use her card if she sees an outlet that accepts it. Her husband, on the other hand, signs up for benefits and discounts. They wish their kids would grow up soon so they can take them to Escape Theme Park; with special union rates, the trip will be worth it.
Meet this special woman.
The first thing you will notice, upon seeing Mdm Siti Fauziah Jasman, is her smile. It is winsome, bright and infectious. The second thing, her soft, melodic voice; you will be carried away just by watching her lips move.
Hers is a demeanour so pleasant that her students, especially the wee ones, will surely feel well at ease. This is probably one reason why an academically weak pupil, transferred to her class, improved progressively, even in CCAs.
However, Mdm Siti is not just pure pleasantries. “My teaching approach varies, from student to student,” she explains. “I am straight and strict when I feel that a student is not focused.” Such instances, though, are not common in her classes. She has been fortunate to have good and well-behaved students since the start of her career.
Mdm Siti is a seasoned teacher of primary school kids having joined the profession in 1996; first at Xishan Primary School, and presently at Naval Base Primary School. She teaches English, Maths and the Sciences, and gets directly involved with various CCAs: soccer once, and now golf! She has also been actively involved in the Teachers’ Union, and is presently engaged in creating activities, talks and get-togethers with new or hopeful teachers.
How did it all begun?
Her calling began when she was still a student at NUS. She was part of a volunteer group that provided care for children in single-parent families. Her close contact with these kids, and the joys she experienced seeing how well they respond to her presence and attention, sparked a nurturing spirit inside her.
Before, she was a quiet, but diligent pupil and would not have thought of becoming a teacher herself. Looking back now, she realized that her teachers have inspired her to be a mentor. Now, eight years on, the passion in her to reach out to, and teach young minds, has not waned a bit. On the contrary, it has even deepened, especially since she has kids of her own.
Teacher first, mother second?
Two daughters, aged 5 and 3, and another one on the way, constantly remind her of the importance of a good education in a fostering environment. Sometimes, she cannot help but wear two hats at home.
“Teaching is really just like any other career,” Mdm Siti acknowledges. “There are rewards as there are pitfalls.” Pressed to elaborate on the disadvantages, she offers with a quick laugh: “Paper work!” When asked to expound on the rewards, she lights up even more and shares these gems:
- Being remembered with glee, by ex-students.
- Seeing students excel beyond expectations, and knowing she was a part of this student’s success.
- Watching students break out from their shell - as in the case of the academically weak student mentioned earlier - after being cocooned for so long.
A lifelong commitment, thanks to many concerned parties.
It seems like Mdm Siti will always be kid-centric. She does not see any other profession suited for her unless it involves children. Having a growing family is proof to her nurturing spirit.
While she knows that a new addition to her brood would mean having more responsibilities to juggle, she gets motivation from her students, the faculty, and the school itself, and of course, her family and friends.
