SINGAPORE : Some of Singapore's best teachers have been recognised in the biennial Caring Teacher Awards.

Three national winners were chosen among nearly 2,000 nominations.

The phrase "blind leading the blind" takes on a literal meaning for Deborah Ng. She is a teacher in charge of students who are visually-impaired, like herself.

Her colleagues admire her tireless efforts in tackling problems throughout her 30 years with Ahmad Ibrahim Secondary School. She has learnt to embrace technology to help her teach.

Ms Ng said: "(My) main inspiration is wanting to help (students) face challenges, to overcome difficulties to make a path for themselves. I am due for retirement and they were saying I must not retire until they finish. I guess this is good feedback that they are happy with how I help them."

Another winner, Halimatussa'diah Jaffar, has a knack for inculcating a passion for learning in even the most reluctant students. Her pupils said they are moved by her sincerity and warm personality.

The teacher at Junyuan Primary School said: "I will try to understand their problems and then try to motivate them not to give up and then tell them, despite all their problems, they should persevere on and work hard.

"I believe that every person is special, valuable and important, and that they have the ability to excel and succeed - not only academically, but also in other aspects of their lives."

Many tokens of appreciation hang around Michael Kwok's desk. These include a pair of rugby shorts from one of the college teams he used to coach.

The latest award was not his first - he had received one for Outstanding Physical Education teacher last year.

Mr Kwok - who is the head of department for physical education at Pioneer Junior College - emphasises holistic development, and goes the extra mile by helping his students in their studies.

He said: "I've had the good fortune of having three or four really good teachers in primary school and all the way up to secondary school. And they actually cared enough to believe in me.

So in a way, I want to do the same for the next batch of students I have, and I see it as a way of paying it forward. I (did not join) teaching for any monetary rewards. I think... seeing students from humble backgrounds make good in life - that is satisfaction enough for me."

What is common among the award winners is their willingness to go beyond the normal call of duty. And they believe in helping their students discover and maximise their potential.

Eleven other teachers received Commendation Awards. - CNA/ms