She once failed almost every subject and hated school – now she’s the teacher who fights for every student
Raja Shahridah Raja Suhaini grew up poor, could not read in Primary 1 and failed almost every subject. Now a Caring Teacher Award 2026 winner, she knocks on the doors of students who skip school – even when those doors are slammed in her face.
Raja Shahridah Raja Suhaini, a teacher at Beatty Secondary School, was once a student who struggled academically and despised school. Born into poverty, she could not read or speak English fluently in Primary 1, and failed most of her subjects throughout her primary school years. Despite her adversity, Raja's parents fought tirelessly to provide her with opportunities.
They introduced her to English through shows like Mr. Bean and RoboCop and the library, and even took her to McDonald's for homework help. Witnessing her parents' struggles, Raja vowed to improve her own life through education. She excelled in school and eventually chose to become a Food and Consumer Education (FCE) teacher after receiving two job offers, as suggested by her mother.
Raja now teaches FCE and Nutrition and Food Science to students, engaging them with hands-on activities like making pasar malam dishes and Disney songs. She also goes door-to-door to retrieve students who skip school, even when they slam the door in her face. Through her unconventional methods, Raja has helped numerous students, including those with special needs and those facing abuse at home. Her dedication to her students has earned her the Caring Teacher Award 2026.
Written by urgent.news from CNA - Singapore's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
