Salaries for special education teachers and teacher aides in Singapore will be increased starting this year, according to the Ministry of Education (MOE). Special education (SPED) teachers can expect a pay rise of up to 12%, while teacher aides will receive an increase of up to 15%. These salary enhancements will be implemented between 2024 and 2026. By 2026, SPED teachers can anticipate a monthly salary ranging from S$3,000 to over S$7,000, while teacher aides can expect a range of S$2,000 to over S$4,000.
In addition, starting salaries for these roles will also see an increase, with SPED teachers experiencing a climb of up to 15%, and teacher aides seeing an increase of up to 17%. The minimum education requirement for SPED teachers is either A-Levels or a diploma. Those without special education training must first undergo a teaching stint in a SPED school and then attend a fully-funded diploma program in special education.
Depending on their experience and skills, SPED teachers can have a monthly starting salary of up to S$3,600 before undertaking the SPED diploma program, which is an increase from the current range of S$2,620 to S$3,120. The MOE recommends that SPED schools increase teachers’ salaries upon completion of the diploma program to recognize their upgraded skills and qualifications. Teacher aides, on the other hand, can expect a starting salary of up to S$2,100, compared to the current amount of S$1,720. They are not required to attend the diploma program.
As of December 2023, there are approximately 36,000 students in Singapore with special education needs, with 8,000 of them enrolled in SPED schools. The MOE stated that these changes and announcements are aimed at recognizing and retaining skilled manpower within the SPED sector. The ministry also expressed its commitment to narrowing the gap in starting salaries between SPED teachers with degrees and those with diplomas. There are currently close to 1,700 teachers across 25 SPED schools, and more than half of them hold degrees.
To meet the needs of students, the MOE plans to increase the number of SPED teachers by 350 by 2030. These salary enhancements will vary depending on individuals’ existing salaries, as well as their experience, competencies, job roles, and work performance, as highlighted by Second Minister for Education Maliki Osman in parliament.
SPED fees to decrease
In addition to the salary increases, the government has announced a reduction in maximum monthly fees at SPED schools. Currently at S$150, the fees will be lowered to S$90, as stated in the 2024 Budget statement. About half of SPED school students currently pay fees similar to mainstream school students. Furthermore, the nine SPED schools that cater to students with autism spectrum disorder and multiple disabilities, which charge higher fees, will reduce their fees by up to 60% by mid-2025. This will benefit around 3,500 Singaporean students. The specific reductions will be determined by each school and communicated to parents accordingly, the MOE said.
In addition to these fee reductions, fee caps at all special student care centers will be lowered to reduce out-of-pocket expenses for families. It is important to note that the government spends more on education per child in a SPED school compared to a mainstream school, as highlighted by Dr. Maliki in his statement. These initiatives aim to ensure that quality education and support are accessible to all students with special education needs in Singapore.
