Run out of motivation? Read this inspiring interview session!

From left: Hani and Principal Chris Wong

Chris Wong is the principal of R.E.A.L Kids SS19 Subang Jaya. Her sweet and loving character captured the children’s attention. Surely there will be many questions in each of the reader’s mind on how she achieved this position. Here are some of the questions we managed to ask her;

1. What triggers your interest in becoming a principal?

Before this I was a class teacher and my main goal is to be in Early Childhood Education (ECE). I really wanted to make a difference, not just to a small group but instead to bigger group. I believe if there’s a will there’s a way, so here I am a principal in this wonderful centre.
 
2. How do you achieve such position in the first place?

I conducted a Master’s research in the field of preschool ( Parental Choice Criteria in Preschool Selection) after I worked as a class teacher. I went to Christian preschools in Singapore, Taiwan and United States. Over there, I worked as assistant teacher. Throughout the time, I gained much in the areas of child development and graduated eventually with a Master’s Degree. With that it opened doors for me to become a principal now. I believe I took small steps every day to get to where I am today.

 
3. Where do you see yourself in say, 3-5 years?

I would say I enjoy what I’m doing right now so perhaps a career with young children but not necessarily in education. It could be in child development too.

4. Is this one of your dream position? 

For now, I would say yes. It feels amazing to have the kids give me free warm hugs every day. This unconditional love indirectly distracts me from day-to-day issues. On top of that they comfort me at the same time. As we know, there are ups and downs in our lives and these kids are like my therapy whenever I face difficulties. Say if you have a broken heart or a hard time, the kids will come offer you a hug and say “don’t cry, I love you”. My goal is to educate them whereas they gave me unconditional love in return. Who wouldn’t want such wonderful career?

5. What is the biggest challenge in becoming a principal?

Challenges come and go. Most importantly we need to understand the problem and try to really understand where they come from. Then work on it; be it with the kids or their parents. One terrifying moment that I can share is when the child got into an accident, that’s what worries me the most. I won’t run from the problem but I will face it for sure. My advice to everyone is, prove yourself capable and take time to build back whatever is needed. Everything takes time.

From left: Kean Wei, Hani, Principal Chris Wong and Christopher in front of R.E.A.L Kids SS19 Subang Jaya on 20th October 2015. Wonderful visit. We got to know how Principal Chris Wong achieved this position. 

Principal Chris also mentioned that we must love what we are doing. Try to put our heart into whatever job or work we are doing in order for us to enjoy it. Christians believe in finding our calling, a place in the world to do certain things. “So how can I contribute myself with the talent I have? The answer is to work with the children!” says lovely Principal Chris

“Communication is one of the most important things when it comes to working with children. Find your talent, passion and your heart. If you are working for the sake of working, it won’t bring you to the future. Follow your heart and passion. Every child deserves a childhood.” clearly Principal Chris is someone full of passion and patience when it comes to handling children.

R.E.A.L Created a Ladder to My Ambition - Teacher Uvanesware from R.E.A.L Kids Bukit Tinggi Klang

Teacher Uva posing confidently for the camera. A Champion for R.E.A.L, R.E.A.L has created a ladder to her ambition and given her an opportunity to make a difference.

"R.E.A.L Education Group is an established organisation with 30 strong years in Malaysia. It has been the best training platform for new educators and candidates to experience the international standards of quality education. R.E.A.L provides one of the best training techniques in educating child from three to six years old. Through their systematic training educators and candidates are exposed to different ways of educating a child. 

It has been 2 years and 4 months I am employed in R.E.A.L and I have been enjoying my journey with the best team ever. R.E.A.L has given me an opportunity to enhance my knowledge in every aspect that involves children education. I started as a Pre-Nursery Class Teacher back in 2013 and stepped into Pre-3 class as a Teacher in 2014. In 2015, I was promoted to be a Supervisor of the centre and currently undertaking Management Apprentice Program (MAP). 

Through this program I have expanded my knowledge and skills. Today, I stand as one of R.E.A.L Education Group's champions and am proud to be part of an established organisation that has created a ladder to my ambition. 

Dear Educators, if you really want to make a difference make it with R.E.A.L. Always go for the best."

What Makes A Good Preschool Teacher - Teacher Sharmine from R.E.A.L Kids Taman Cuepacs

"R.E.A.L Kids offered me my first working experience and working here has been memorable for me. I would love to continue working in R.E.A.L Kids after I complete my studies." - Teacher Gayathiri from R.E.A.L Kids Taman Cuepacs.

What makes a good preschool teacher?

by Teacher Sharmine from R.E.A.L Kids Taman Cuepacs.

A good example of a potentially good preschool teacher would be Teacher Gayathiri from R.E.A.L Kids Taman Cuepacs. She's only 20 years old this year and she's a first year ECCE student from SEGi College. She first impressed Teacher Sharmine by sharing how much she loves children and how that drove her to choose teaching as her career.

Teacher Gayathiri started work with R.E.A.L Kids after her SPM and she worked for about 1 year before she quit middle of 2014 for further studies. Due to the flexibility of her study schedule in the afternoons, she reapplied to us as Assistant Teacher for half day, morning sessions where she gets to apply directly the knowledge she gains from her ECCE studies.

Teacher Gayathiri is a dedicated teacher who is able to multitask. On top of that, she's helpful and willing to help any class at any time. Her dedication is not just at work but practiced at college, resulting in her being one of the top scorers in the college.

One key thing Teacher Sharmine recollects in her experience working with Teacher Gayathiri is that Teacher Gayathiri is mesmerized with how our senior teachers are able to work so long in this field. This has not only inspired her to stick around to taste the fruits of this career but learned to be more organized. Teacher Gayathiri also loves Arts & Crafts, running and organizing Events, Concerts, etc, which are parts and parcels of a preschool teacher's responsibilities.

R.E.A.L Kids Offers Professional Development to Teachers through MAP - Teacher Thila from R.E.A.L Kids Shah Alam

Teacher Thila, a proud member of R.E.A.L Kids' Management Apprentice Program (MAP)

"The R.E.A.L Kids journey had been an incredible and wonderful experience for me.

It allows me to be a true educator. Here in R.E.A.L Kids I encountered new information, skills and concepts related to teaching. It brings new meaning to pedagogy, applied to a child-centered, thematic and technology embedded classroom. 

  

R.E.A.L Kids is more than an organization that provides quality education. It offers professional development to its employees. It changes the traditional thinking and help educators grow as professionals too.

 

Trainings, rewards and recognitions  are the fuels for passionate  teachers  like me to excel in this field.

Consistent with R.E.A.L's philosophy to transform lives through education, R.E.A.L Kids transforms its educators through the Management Apprentice Programme (MAP). Personally I am proud to be one of the chosen ones for this programme. 

It has been a huge source of encouragement and inspiration for those teachers who have been dreaming to fortify their career pathway. I have learned to completely shift my career from an over-focus on teaching, to a multi-skilled individual in areas such as  management, marketing and customer care. This programme provides a platform to share ideas and techniques not only by the participants but also by the extender. I am not the same person as before  although I know I have farther to gain."


Here's the good news, R.E.A.L Kids is always on the lookout for individuals with positive characters and actively build them to be R.E.A.L pillars. Do send in your latest updated CV to recruit@real.edu.my to find out more about R.E.A.L Kids Management Apprentice Programme.