'Don't let sadness temporarily obscure the value of the teaching profession...'

Prof. Dr. Huynh Van Son, Principal of Ho Chi Minh City University of Education.

Professor, in the context of strong digital technology development, how is the role of teachers changing?

In the digital environment, teachers must not only impart knowledge but also become leaders, creators, and inspirers. Technology is a tool, but personality is the light. Teaching online requires technological skills but also courage: not to be confused, not to be swept away by the "digital wind", not to let the coldness of the virtual environment destroy the warmth of the teacher-student relationship.

Teachers today can be online but still very close; although indirect, they are always proactive in interacting. Good lectures are not enough – professional attitude is what helps teachers stand firm in the face of the “unknowns” of the digital age.

The image of "superstar teachers", "online teachers", "thousand dollar coaches", "super attractive teachers" is attracting young people... How does that affect pedagogy students, professor?

It is a fact that young people are easily attracted by beautiful images and experiences. When what we see, hear and initially experience is “superstar teachers” or “thousand dollar coaching” is still just a manifestation, because the people involved are still struggling, are still vague and even forcing themselves to stay bright every day…. However, pedagogical students are easily influenced by certain professional standards, easily attracted to models, easy to remember and want to act more like actors than teachers… is something that can happen.

Some students ask me: “If you want to become famous quickly, should you teach online? Does having many followers mean success in the profession?” I understand that interest. But let me remind you: teaching is not a stage. And, teaching is not a profession to be famous, so whether offline or online, teaching is a profession of love, responsibility and educational standards. Teaching is a profession that requires a lot of strength: from knowledge, to psychological skills, to dedication in every educational act.

We appreciate "number" teachers who spread positivity, but we must make a clear distinction: Technology can make a teacher shine, but it must not obscure professional ethics.

There are still many good examples of teachers in the digital environment. How do you see this, Professor?

Thank you for your encouragement. How can we forget that there are teachers who teach for free on Tiktok and Youtube but are full of love for their profession, responsibility, and tolerance. There are teachers who play the role of streamers, sharing study skills with poor students with all their intelligence and passion. There are teachers who live stream at night to support students preparing for important exams. It is difficult to measure the sacrifice of this soul and intelligence, but can only be attributed to respect and admiration. Those things cannot be measured by money, but only by heart and intelligence.

The digital environment is neither good nor bad. It just reflects more clearly who the teacher really is. A dedicated online lesson can still awaken emotions, inspire faith, and plant dreams.

Professor, the recent offensive clips involving a character associated with the educational environment have made many teachers sad as November - the month of teachers - comes. Would you like to share anything more about this?

That is the real hurt. November comes with the sacred concept of the teaching profession and this is the happiness that many generations of Vietnamese teachers have experienced as well as spread to many foreign teachers. The story of the recent offensive clips on the internet related to an individual with a relationship with an educational institution is truly hurtful. Hurt because the teaching profession is a profession based on ethics and personality. Hurt when mistakes from choosing values to behavior and conduct have deviated. When clips that go against educational values are shared with millions of views, the image of the teacher is unintentionally dragged into the vortex of prejudice.

But please do not let one blemish darken the whole circle. A true teacher may not be perfect but he or she will never lack self-respect and self-esteem. Teachers need to be recognized for the total value they bring – peaceful classrooms, touched children’s hearts and guided paths of character every day.

On the occasion of November 20, what message would you like to send to teachers and pedagogical students?

Being a teacher in any era is still a job of building people. But the beauty of the teaching profession today lies in its steadfastness amidst thousands of changes. Students are facing psychological crises, academic pressure, broken family values, comparisons, expectations and illusions from the digital world ... Therefore, teachers need to maintain professional ethics like a "firewall". Avoid being caught up in superficial glamour. Use your knowledge and heart to create a classroom that is not limited by four walls.

For pedagogical students: Teaching is not a profession to be famous, but a profession to influence the hearts, personalities and lives of students. If you are still moved when students understand the lesson, still smile at a word of thanks, still feel your life is meaningful when teaching... then be confident: you are on the right path.

A teacher with strong faith can light up a generation. In the digital age, that light needs to be lit every day.

Thank you, Professor!

Source: https://tienphong.vn/dung-de-noi-buon-tam-lam-mo-di-gia-tri-cua-nghe-giao-post1797526.tpo