I went for a teaching interview at the Ministry of Education headquarters last Tuesday. I thought I might flunk it because I spoke in a manner too colloquial for my interviewers’ liking. I felt a bit distraught because their comment implied that I might have been regressing. I have stayed on at my specialised school for about 10 years after all.

Today, I received news that I had passed my interview. I can’t divulge too many details, but it was a close shave. Some interviewers didn’t want to clear me, but luckily, the chief interviewer decided to give me the benefit of the doubt.

So, in view of confidentiality, I will keep this blog short and succinct. I do have a significant takeaway I wish to convey to you, my reader. What tipped the scales in my favour was that I have been active on the FB page of my education fraternity. Occasionally, I share my lessons on the national online learning portal. Recently, I volunteered to be one of the presenters for an online learning symposium and shared my insights on how to leverage Gen AI tools to enhance English teaching and learning. Apparently, the chief interviewer opined that all this meant that I was not out of touch with the mainstream system and that with mindfulness, I would use a more formal register in my next school.

The moral of the story? Always take on extra projects. You never know when they will come in handy.

So, I was saved by my proactiveness. This made me heave huge sighs of relief.

Another note to myself: regardless of what happens, I should always take a deep breath and make a conscious effort to speak in a slow, deliberate tone. Don’t rush my words. I think faster than I speak, and succumbing to my fast-paced thinking will consequently cause me to lose control of my speech.

I’m glad that all’s well that ends well!