Understanding Soliciting: Guidance for Coaches & Instructors Engaged by MOE Schools (MOE Instructors)

Coaches and instructors who are engaged by MOE schools, also commonly referred to as MOE instructors, play an important role in supporting students’ learning and development. It is therefore important to be clear of the boundaries and expectations when working with students in a school setting.

One area that has raised questions over time is what constitutes “soliciting”. This is particularly important, as misunderstandings can unintentionally affect your work opportunities and livelihood.

We recognise that real-life situations are often not clear-cut. That is why clarity matters, and why NICA continues to work closely with MOE to provide practical guidance for MOE instructors on the ground.

MOE Guidelines on Soliciting by Instructors

MOE makes it clear that MOE instructors are not allowed to solicit for private coaching and classes.

In general, soliciting refers to actions that may be perceived as promoting, marketing, or securing private work or benefits through your engagement with a school.

This may include situations where you:

• Inform students under your charge and/or students’ parents about private coaching services and classes verbally, by email or through chats on platforms such as WhatsApp
• Offer promotions to students / parents from schools where you are engaged with. This includes specifically targeting students / parents from schools where you are engaged with through social media or digital platforms
• Suggest students should seek private coaching and classes
• Mention private coaching services during conversations with students, parents or school staff
• Leave promotional materials in school areas (e.g. libraries, canteen)

For more details and official wordings from MOE, please refer to the MOE Frequently asked questions (FAQ) page.

That said, there is no single action that automatically constitutes soliciting. Whether something is considered soliciting often depends on:

• The context of the interaction
• The intent behind the action
• How the message is perceived by students, parents, or school staff

This is why some situations may fall into grey areas.

What You Can Do if You’re Unsure or Facing an Issue

If you are uncertain whether a situation could be perceived as soliciting, or if you are dealing with a concern raised by a school, a warning from MOE or any situation that may affect your engagement with a school, please know that you do not have to manage it alone.

For NICA members, we provide:

• A safe space for you to raise work-related matter and concerns
• Access to proper dispute management process, including discussions with MOE where appropriate
• Guidance on how to respond professionally and protect your livelihood

You may reach out to us at our Work Advisory / Workplace Query Form.

NICA remains committed to supporting coaches and instructors engaged by MOE schools by providing clarity, advocacy, and responsible dispute management.

If you are unsure or facing challenges, reach out early.
We are here to support you.