Measures to Ensure Educators Are Not Involved in Illegal Activities such as Drug-related Offences
Ministry of EducationSpeakers
Summary
This question concerns the measures taken to prevent educators from engaging in illegal drug-related activities and the collaboration between educational institutions and law enforcement to address such offences. Minister for Education Chan Chun Sing highlighted that the Ministry of Education (MOE) maintains a zero-tolerance approach, with disciplinary actions including dismissal for those who fail to uphold the profession’s integrity. Educators are regularly briefed on Codes of Conduct and are required to report colleagues suspected of drug abuse to ensure the standards of the teaching service are met. MOE collaborates with the Central Narcotics Bureau through preventive drug education platforms and outreach initiatives to strengthen anti-drug messaging among school leaders and staff. Additionally, staff members are appointed as DrugFreeSG Champions in schools and Institutes of Higher Learning to advocate against drug use and promote respect for the rule of law.
Transcript
25 Mr Shawn Huang Wei Zhong asked the Minister for Education (a) whether there are any measures in place to ensure that educators are not involved in illegal activities, such as drug consumption and possession; and (b) how do public educational institutions collaborate with law enforcement agencies to prevent and address drug-related offences within the education community.
Mr Chan Chun Sing: The Ministry of Education (MOE) expects our educators to uphold the integrity of the profession and live up to the trust placed in them. MOE will not hesitate to take disciplinary action against those who fail to adhere to our standards, including dismissal from service.
Beginning teachers are reminded about MOE's zero tolerance approach to drug-related offences before they start teaching in schools. In the Institutes of Higher Learning (IHLs), staff are briefed about their institutions' Codes of Conduct and regulations, which include respect for the rule of law. Teachers are also regularly reminded that they are expected to comply with MOE's Code of Professional Conduct for Educators, which includes reporting colleagues whom they suspect of abusing drugs.
MOE works closely with the Central Narcotics Bureau (CNB) on outreach efforts to our educators in our public education institutions. In schools and IHLs, staff are appointed as DrugFreeSG Champions to advocate against drug abuse. CNB and MOE have also been engaging school leaders and educators through various Preventive Drug Education platforms to strengthen anti-drug abuse messaging.