A lifelong passion for students with special needs
Despite retiring in 1995, Mrs Priscilla Theseira, 78 (or Mrs T, as she is fondly known as) remains connected to MINDS and the wider special needs community. Mrs T has had a long and decorated journey in MINDS – close to 20 years of contribution in enhancing the education of children with special needs. In 1976, she joined MINDS as an Association Teacher and later progressed to management roles, serving as vice-principal and principal at MINDS’ schools.
Even in retirement, Mrs T’s love for teaching and her students continues to burn brightly. This passion for her students and their growth led Mrs T to return to MINDS schools as a relief teacher and volunteer with the schools’ external travelling lessons or school outings. Mrs T vividly recalls a particular time when a student had a meltdown during one of these travelling lessons and sat on the sidewalk, refusing to move. Working with her fellow teachers and school staff, two teachers stayed with the student while Mrs T and another teacher brought the rest of the class back to school. Back in school, Mrs T got into her car and drove back to bring the student back to school. Despite these seemingly trying situations, Mrs T remains clear about her purpose, “Challenges aside, these students are the ones who remind us of why we are here in the first place. We are here to help them with their learning disabilities”.
I have the passion, I love the children and I look for opportunities to contribute. Passion does not end when you retire.
Despite retiring in 1995, Mrs Priscilla Theseira, 78 (or Mrs T, as she is fondly known as) remains connected to MINDS and the wider special needs community. Mrs T has had a long and decorated journey in MINDS – close to 20 years of contribution in enhancing the education of children with special needs. In 1976, she joined MINDS as an Association Teacher and later progressed to management roles, serving as vice-principal and principal at MINDS’ schools.
Even in retirement, Mrs T’s love for teaching and her students continues to burn brightly. This passion for her students and their growth led Mrs T to return to MINDS schools as a relief teacher and volunteer with the schools’ external travelling lessons or school outings. Mrs T vividly recalls a particular time when a student had a meltdown during one of these travelling lessons and sat on the sidewalk, refusing to move. Working with her fellow teachers and school staff, two teachers stayed with the student while Mrs T and another teacher brought the rest of the class back to school. Back in school, Mrs T got into her car and drove back to bring the student back to school. Despite these seemingly trying situations, Mrs T remains clear about her purpose, “Challenges aside, these students are the ones who remind us of why we are here in the first place. We are here to help them with their learning disabilities”.
If you are taking it on as a job, DON’T! This job embraces passion. You must have the passion to teach and to go out of the way to do things for the children.
Reimagining A Better,
Kinder World
Looking to the future of special education
When asked about how she has seen the special needs and MINDS community change over the years, Mrs T noted the wide range of facilities catering to all MINDS graduates at all levels of functioning. She reflected, “In the 1980s for instance, only three pathways were available for the graduates: open employment for those who were independent, sheltered workshop for those requiring some support and stay-home for those with high support needs. I am glad that everyone has an option or programme to transit to after leaving school nowadays”.
A warm and sociable person, she generously shares her wisdom and advice with those who seek more information about Special Education (SPED).
When asked what advice she would give to people who want to join the SPED field, Mrs T exclaimed, “If you are taking it on as a job, DON’T! This job embraces passion. You must have the passion to teach and to go out of the way to do things for the children. It is not just paperwork lying on the desk when you decide not to turn up for the day, but students who will be left without a teacher”.
Beyond the work at MINDS, Mrs T is an active member of Special Olympics Singapore and currently sits on the organising committee of the national games that take place every 4 years.
When asked how she manages to keep herself updated and involved in the SPED scene despite her various commitments, Mrs T stated: “I have the passion, I love the children and I look for opportunities to contribute. Passion does not end when you retire.”
As MINDS celebrates its 60th anniversary, we recognise the passion and work of our Special Education educators past and present.
Join us in our mission to provide a holistic environment and inclusive curriculum for our students with varying needs and abilities. Find out more about starting a career in Special Education here and career opportunities with MINDS here.
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