Why did you choose to stay with such a young school after nearly half a century in education ?
Ms. Dang Thanh: Nearly half a century has passed since I first stood on the giảng platform, and I still come to school with the mindset of someone living amidst love. For me, teaching was never a chance choice, but a journey of commitment fueled by an enduring belief in the value of human beings.
Starting as a math teacher, then holding various management roles at major high schools in Da Nang , including Deputy Principal of Phan Chau Trinh High School, Principal of Le Quy Don Specialized High School, Hoang Hoa Tham High School, and working at the Da Nang Department of Education and Training, the final years of my career are still closely associated with a young institution: Viet Nhat Primary, Secondary & High School, where I didn't come to receive achievements, but to sow seeds. A young school with a genuine educational aspiration, a place where I can begin with all my heart and soul.
For me, what's memorable isn't just the academic achievements or the growth figures. In my memory, school is also represented by the cheerful greetings from elementary school students in the mornings, and their innocent, heartfelt remarks like, "The principal is handsome!", "How old are you, sir? You look like my grandfather!"...
It is this very innocence that has helped shape a school community, a barrier-free environment where students are not afraid or insecure to express their emotions, and where teachers not only teach academics but also teach children how to live kindly and lovingly.
The school doesn't just have elementary school students; with new generations of Gen Z and Gen Alpha students, how can we support them at the secondary level?
If we only evaluate students by grades, we will inadvertently miss out on a great deal of their potential and opportunities for growth.
Throughout my journey in education, especially since working at the Vietnam-Japan School, I have come to understand one thing more deeply: if we only evaluate students by grades, we will inadvertently miss out on many of their potentials and opportunities for growth.
With older high school students, I've noticed significant differences – in their thinking, emotional expression, and developmental paths. Some excel in math or literature, while others are exceptionally gifted in art, painting, music , or sports. If we only look at their report cards, what isn't reflected in the tests will remain hidden. And in that way, these innate talents will never have the chance to shine.
I don't place my expectations on competitive achievements or a race for high scores, but rather trust in the natural growth process of each student. During my meetings and conversations with them, I choose to observe and listen. Stories about their passion for photography, unfinished poems, or sketches... are all cherished as an important part of their journey of learning to be a good person.
To keep the passion for teaching alive, the support of parents and, especially, the core team of teachers is indispensable. Could you share more about this support?
Nearly 48 years into my career, what keeps me here isn't my title, but the faces of my students, growing bigger each day, both literally and figuratively. A greeting, a smile, a casual question – that's enough to make my workday feel meaningful.
I would like to express my special appreciation to the educators who have chosen this path, those who diligently work with every letter and lesson. Their patience and compassion are the foundation of a humane education.
Even in my position as principal, I have never strayed from my expertise – especially with Mathematics, a subject I've been involved with since my early days of teaching. Within the subject departments, I continue to play a supportive role, offering advice and assistance to young teachers with both the knowledge and experience I've accumulated over time.
I choose to be fully present: talking with teachers, having lunch with students, sharing with parents. For me, management isn't about giving orders, but about building trust. To earn others' trust, you must first be genuine with them.
One day, I opened an old notebook—a place where I recorded my feelings through short poems. One of them read:
I thought I would stop on the path of education after all this time, but this flame has been rekindled once again under the roof of the Vietnam-Japan School. Though time changes, I remain a teacher – and that gives me a sense of fulfillment.
What message would you like to convey to the students and future generations of teachers?
When asked what message I wanted to convey to my students, I didn't talk about achievements or success. I simply and gently told them that wherever they go in the future, they should start each day with kindness and gratitude. I believe that every small step forward is worthy of a lifetime of dedication.
Source: https://thanhnien.vn/dung-chi-danh-gia-hoc-sinh-qua-diem-so-185250417115519791.htm
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