About 10% of special education (SPED) teachers in Singapore resigned between 2021 and 2025, citing reasons such as a desire to change job roles, personal circumstances, and family commitments. This was disclosed by Education Minister Desmond Lee in a parliamentary reply on October 6, responding to a query from Charlene Chen, Member of Parliament for Tampines Group Representation Constituency (GRC), regarding teacher workforce growth, attrition, and retention efforts in SPED schools.

The Ministry of Education (MOE) noted that SPED teachers differ from mainstream educators as they are employed by social service agencies that run the schools. This response marks the first time MOE has publicly shared attrition data specific to SPED educators.

Over the same five-year period, the number of SPED teachers increased from approximately 1,600 to 1,900, reflecting an 18% rise in teaching staff to accommodate a 28% growth in student enrolment. Student numbers expanded from about 7,000 to 9,000, supported by the addition of five new SPED schools. The ministry previously announced plans to establish three more SPED schools by the early 2030s, aiming to better serve an increasing population of students diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder accompanied by intellectual disability.

To support workforce growth and retention, the MOE has collaborated with social service agencies to enhance various aspects including remuneration, recruitment, and professional development opportunities. Salary guidelines were updated in 2024, introducing more competitive pay scales and stronger performance-based incentives. Between 2024 and 2026, SPED classroom teachers could see salary rises of up to 12%, while teacher aides could receive increments as high as 15%. By 2026, teacher salaries are expected to range from S$3,000 to more than S$7,000 monthly, with aides earning between S$2,000 and over S$4,000.

In addition to financial adjustments, MOE has provided a shared pool of relief teachers to assist SPED schools when regular teachers are unavailable due to training or leave. Efforts to streamline administrative tasks are also underway, including the integration of SPED schools into the Parents Gateway app, which facilitates communication with parents. Approximately half of these schools are anticipated to adopt the platform by the third quarter of 2027.

Moreover, MOE has been actively supporting recruitment drives and professional development initiatives. A leadership development programme tailored for the SPED sector was launched in 2025 to further strengthen capacity and expertise among educators.

By addressing these various factors, the ministry aims to sustain and enhance the quality of special education services amid rising demand.