Teaching is a mission

"As a principal, I always want to create a dynamic and creative learning environment where students are free to explore and develop themselves," Associate Professor, Dr. Ngo Thi Phuong Lan, Principal of the University of Social Sciences and Humanities, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam National University, Ho Chi Minh City shared.

Principal of Ho Chi Minh City University of Social Sciences and Humanities: "November 20 always leaves deep impressions"

Sharing with Dan Viet Newspaper on the occasion of Vietnamese Teachers' Day November 20, in her role as the principal of a large university, Associate Professor, Dr. Ngo Thi Phuong Lan, Principal of the University of Social Sciences and Humanities, Ho Chi Minh City, Ho Chi Minh City National University, said: "As a teacher, for me November 20 is always the most special moment of the year. In the hustle and bustle of 365 days of work, there is a day to pause to show gratitude to the profession, to teachers of all generations, to share feelings to have more motivation for the next journey. As a Principal - a leader, this is also an occasion for me to wish all lecturers, civil servants - workers, those who have been and are working inthe education sector to have more time and conditions to show gratitude to the profession, the leaders, to participate in bonding activities, to share joy and feelings with each other".

Associate Professor, Dr. Ngo Thi Phuong Lan was born in 1974, from Can Duoc, Long An . She graduated with a BA in Oriental Studies (University of Social Sciences and Humanities, Ho Chi Minh City National University), a MA in Cultural and Social Anthropology (University of Toronto, Canada) and a PhD in Ethnology (University of Social Sciences and Humanities, Ho Chi Minh City National University).

Associate Professor Dr. Ngo Thi Phuong Lan is the first female principal of the University of Social Sciences and Humanities, Vietnam National University, Ho Chi Minh City and this is her second term. Photo: NVCC

Ms. Phuong Lan has been associated with the University of Social Sciences and Humanities, Vietnam National University, Ho Chi Minh City for many years. From October 2002 to 2008, she was a lecturer in the Faculty of Anthropology. From 2008 to January 2013, she held the position of Deputy Head of the Faculty of Anthropology. From January 2013 to May 2018, she was the Vice Principal in charge of Science and Graduate Management.

Since May 2018, she has been the Principal of the School. Associate Professor, Dr. Ngo Thi Phuong Lan is the first female principal of the University of Social Sciences and Humanities, Vietnam National University, Ho Chi Minh City and this is her second term.

Associate Professor, Dr. Ngo Thi Phuong Lan is always passionate about education and scientific research. She has just been selected for the title of "Outstanding Teacher" in 2024. Notably, in 2024, Ms. Ngo Thi Phuong Lan is the only candidate for the title of Professor of the interdisciplinary field of History - Archaeology - Ethnology.

The female principal spoke at the conference on transferring the results of the research project "Innovation in political and ideological work in higher education institutions, case study of Ho Chi Minh City National University". Photo: NVCC

Ms. Phuong Lan shared that the memory of November 20th always left her with deep impressions of a special "return day" for the whole school. The image of generations of lecturers and students gathering to attend meetings at the school with a history of more than 65 years, together recalling beautiful memories, the bright faces, the cheerful laughter echoing throughout the classrooms, blending together to create a warm, familiar atmosphere.

Associate Professor Ngo Phuong Lan transferred the research results to comrade Dang Thuy Khanh Van, Head of the Propaganda Department of the Party Committee of the University and College Bloc of Ho Chi Minh City. Photo: NVCC

Teaching is not just a job but also a mission.

As the first female principal of the school and now serving her second term, Associate Professor Phuong Lan expressed: "Actually, I have never thought about the gender factor when taking on this leadership position. My point of view is that whether a principal is male or female, they must have the same responsibilities and perform the same tasks, and both have advantages, opportunities and challenges. I myself often receive this question, perhaps stemming from many social concepts that have distinctions about social division of labor, positions and jobs in society between men and women. I am lucky to have the support, assistance, sharing and sympathy of leaders, colleagues and family, so I have many advantages. The difficulties are just common difficulties of a public school in the current challenging transition context."

Associate Professor Phuong Lan also worries that teaching is not only a job but also a mission. Therefore, she always cherishes the moments of imparting knowledge and inspiring the passion for learning in students. However, she also realizes that the education sector is currently facing many challenges, from exam pressure, limited resources to integration with modern education trends.

Ms. Phuong Lan interacted and took photos with students at the USSH Sharing Day 2024. Photo: NVCC

"As a principal, I always want to create a dynamic and creative learning environment where students are free to explore and develop themselves. I believe that education is not only about imparting knowledge but also about shaping personality and training life skills so that students can confidently enter life.

I also realize that cooperation between schools, families and society is extremely important to improve the quality of education. We need to work together to create a healthy educational ecosystem where each individual is cared for and given the conditions to develop to their fullest. At the same time, teachers still need more attention to promote educational development, thereby promoting the quality of human resources.

With the constant efforts of teachers, education managers, and the support of society, I believe that we will build a high-quality education system that meets the requirements of the times," Associate Professor Phuong Lan said.

Having received a Bachelor's degree in Oriental Studies, a Master's degree in Cultural and Social Anthropology, and a PhD in Ethnology, Associate Professor Phuong Lan said that the subjects she studied provided her with a diverse and comprehensive view of people and society, an approach that is always close to the people and carries the breath of modern life. From there, she helps her see the diversity and liveliness of life and society. Therefore, in lectures and sharing sessions with students, she always guides her students to the true values ​​to form the dignity of a student of the University of Social Sciences and Humanities and a global student: humanity and respect for differences.

Associate Professor, Dr. Ngo Thi Phuong Lan attended and presented at the Saemaul International Forum 2024 in Korea. Photo: NVCC

Besides work, Associate Professor Phuong Lan happily shared: "Family is my greatest happiness. My family is just like any other family, a solid support, always sharing and accompanying me in work and life. My husband is a manager at a vocational school, my two children are university students in Ho Chi Minh City".

Associate Professor, Dr. Ngo Thi Phuong Lan has received many certificates of merit and noble titles such as the certificate of merit "For the cause of Agricultural and Rural Development of Vietnam based on the spirit of Saemaul, Korea" awarded by the Governor of Gyeongsangbuk Province, Korea in 2024; certificate of merit from the Prime Minister for "Achievement in work, contributing to the cause of building socialism and defending the Fatherland in 2019".

She received many certificates of merit and medals from the Ministry of Education and Training from 2015 to 2022; certificates of merit from the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development; certificates of merit from Ho Chi Minh City National University; certificates of merit from the Chairman of Ho Chi Minh City People's Committee and many certificates of merit from organizations such as the Vietnam Farmers' Association, the Vietnam Women's Intellectuals Association, the Central Vietnam Women's Union... Recently, she is the first Vietnamese person to be awarded the title of Honorary Citizen of Gyeongsangbuk Province (Korea).

Source: https://danviet.vn/female-principal-of-7x-dau-tien-cua-truong-dai-hoc-khxhnv-tphcm-voi-hai-nhiem-ky-lien-tiep-nghe-giao-la-su-menh-20241120064312855.htm