Special English Teacher

My uncle was born in 1961, with a very beautiful name - Nguyen Phuong Ngan. Right after graduating from Hanoi University of Foreign Languages ​​in 1984, he volunteered to work in a remote area of ​​Ha Nam Ninh province. In 2015, Uncle Ngan retired after more than 30 years of dedication as an English teacher at Gia Vien C, Duy Tien A, Binh Luc B and Binh Luc A high schools. My uncle is respected and loved by many generations of students.

Be patient with students

When I was in school, I was in the group of students who were bad at English. While I learned other subjects quickly and always got high scores, English was a big challenge. Although I always tried to follow the lectures in class, my scores were just barely enough to escape the category of average student and be considered an advanced student. During the summer vacation, my family encouraged me to visit Uncle Ngan's house and ask her to tutor me in English. She became my teacher.

Teacher Nguyen Phuong Ngan received flowers from her students in gratitude. (Photo provided by the character)

In my eyes, Ms. Ngan is a gentle and caring woman. However, I have never interacted with her as a student and a teacher, so when I entered the first class, I felt extremely nervous. The feeling of anxiety about my English score was like a mountain weighing heavily on my mind. I was afraid that even though she was enthusiastically tutoring me, I would still be slow in learning. I was afraid that I would disappoint her and my parents. But in contrast to my worries, in the role of a teacher, Ms. Ngan was more caring and patient than ever. Her eyes looked at me with both warmth and seriousness. Ms. Ngan advised me to be calm and persevere with English, and gradually I would find this subject no longer difficult.

We started learning English with the most basic lessons, practicing reading the "English Alphabet", practicing pronouncing each letter correctly. The language that I thought was "super difficult" gradually entered my mind like music, easier to remember and more familiar. Gradually the lessons were improved, my uncle used many specific, vivid and close-to-life examples. My uncle included stories in the lessons that were easy to remember but did not deviate from the textbook program. Whenever I did not understand the lesson, my uncle patiently explained. Thanks to him, I gradually overcame the mountain in my heart.

Gradually, I felt the beauty of words, the sweet sounds and the melodious rhythm of the English language. Uncle Ngan put my hand on the doorknob, opening a new colorful world with books, songs and movies in English. They are not only a means of entertainment but also a companion with me on the journey to discover world culture.

At the same time, Uncle Ngan also helped me love my mother tongue more. He helped me realize that Vietnamese has its own melody, its own sound, its own music. Vietnamese is as wonderful as the popular international language - English. I find excitement in communicating, writing, exploring different aspects of the two languages ​​and feel myself growing and developing every day.

Share the pressure with students

Thanks to the precious time spent with Uncle Ngan, I gradually understood the hardships and dedication of teachers. I realized that in order to have successful lectures on the podium, teachers had to prepare lesson plans very meticulously and elaborately. During his more than 30 years of teaching, my uncle has constantly learned, absorbed new things, and improved his professional qualifications to make teaching more effective. On the small dining table in the light-filled kitchen, my uncle diligently and enthusiastically drafted each page of lesson plans. He was careful with each lecture, devoted to each teaching hour and to each student.

In addition to his role as a subject teacher, my uncle also worked as a homeroom teacher for many years. During my time at his house, I witnessed many parents coming to him and sharing with him their inability to connect with their children. With patience and compassion, my uncle always listened and shared the parents' concerns, at the same time giving reasonable advice so that parents and children could understand and sympathize with each other more.

Uncle Ngan does not only focus on solving students' learning and achievement problems. He always tries to listen and understand students' psychology and emotions. He understands that his students - high school students - are at a challenging age, they have to find and position themselves, and face the pressure of studying and social relationships.

That is also how Uncle Ngan helped us find English lessons easier and more interesting. I gradually became more eager and looked forward to English lessons at my school, no longer nervous, worried and hesitant like before. Until now, after many years since I was that little student, I still persistently spend time learning English every day. Once a student who was always afraid of English and worried about grades, today I have become confident in using English to communicate with customers, partners and colleagues.

Every year on November 20, I see my brothers, sisters, friends, and students who were taught and guided by Uncle Ngan come to visit him. Some of them, who were taught by Uncle Ngan in 1984-1985, when he had just graduated, still regularly take time to visit him. Some of them, upon meeting him, threw themselves into Uncle Ngan's open arms, burst into tears and called out "Mom". Some have become teachers.

Every time Uncle Ngan’s students come to visit, I hear about their beautiful memories with him: he used to mend clothes and cook for the students so that they would have enough health and a comfortable spirit to study. Through those stories, I love and respect my Uncle Ngan even more.

Encouragement

I, like many of Mr. Ngan’s students, always feel secure sharing my worries, dreams and troubles with him. Mr. Ngan always listens attentively and gives me sincere advice, without judgment or imposition. My uncle’s deep concern and understanding not only helps students feel motivated and encouraged, but also plays an important role in building a positive learning environment.

PARTNER UNIT

Source: https://nld.com.vn/co-giao-tieng-anh-dac-biet-196240901203026653.htm