(NLĐO) - Vocational education teachers are not only educators of knowledge but also inspire passion and hone vocational skills in their students.
This year's Tran Dai Nghia Award has 10 winners, including 1 teacher and 9 administrators from vocational education institutions in Ho Chi Minh City.
Teaching a trade is difficult, but it also brings a lot of joy!
Upon learning that she was the only teacher to win the award, Ms. Dang Thanh Tam was overwhelmed with happiness. She clutched the certificate of merit presented by the Ho Chi Minh City People's Committee.
Having become a lecturer in the Faculty of Economics at the College of Transport at the age of 24, Ms. Tâm has now dedicated over 17 years to vocational education and training.
The students attentively followed Ms. Dang Thanh Tam's lecture.
Sharing about how she became a lecturer, Ms. Tâm recounted: "Coming from a poor family with many siblings, I moved from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City to study and build my career. At that time, my biggest dream was to become a high school teacher, but I wasn't destined for the profession, so I switched to studying accounting and working in a company."
At that time, accounting was considered one of the most popular professions, but Ms. Tam didn't feel happy about it. During the day, she went to work, and in the evenings, she persistently searched for job postings and applied to schools in Ho Chi Minh City.
"During the interview, I prepared my own lesson plan and taught a trial lesson in front of many people. The lesson was very instinctive because I hadn't taken any teacher training courses. I was overjoyed when I received the notification that I had been selected for the trial period. A new door opened and has been a part of my life to this day," Ms. Tam recalled.
Showing off a basket of fruit that her students had given her on November 20th (Vietnamese Teachers' Day), Ms. Tam said that although her teaching salary is only half of what she earns in business, she is very satisfied with her current life.
In her classes, Ms. Tâm often incorporates social knowledge and practical experience to help students gain a clearer understanding of the profession.
"Many times I was very angry because students got caught up in part-time jobs and neglected their studies. In some cases, I had to advise them to the point where both the teacher and the student broke down in tears. I also went through a period of 'working hard' to earn money for my studies. Instead of scolding them or deducting points for attendance, I became their friend and guided them to manage their time more effectively," Ms. Tam shared.
Throughout my time teaching vocational education, despite the difficulties, I've experienced a great deal of joy, especially on professional anniversaries or during Tet (Vietnamese New Year).
"The affection my students have for me is priceless, expressed through their messages and phone calls. Even after graduating, they still remember me. That's the happiness of this profession!" - Ms. Tam said proudly.
Empowering young talents
Speaking to reporters, Mr. Luong Xuan Thanh, Principal of the Ho Chi Minh City Dance College (District 3), said that this year, the school is holding its graduation ceremony on Vietnamese Teachers' Day, November 20th. This is a special gift for the school's students and teachers.
Teacher Thanh shared that during his performing career, he suffered two injuries to his knee and back, the last one in 2015. Since then, he has had to stop performing on stage.
Not letting his spirits sink, Mr. Thanh decided to shift his focus to management and teaching. Drawing on the experience he had honed throughout his career, he brought a fresh perspective to the Ho Chi Minh City College of Dance.
Mr. Luong Xuan Thanh (right in the photo) is an outstanding administrator who received the Tran Dai Nghia Award for the second time in 2024.
For Mr. Thanh, even though he can no longer perform under the spotlight, seeing his students graduate and shine on stage always brings him a bright smile, considering it the priceless happiness of his profession.
"Dance is a very special art form. Formal training programs last 4-6 years, a long time to study, but the career lifespan is short, and the remuneration in the industry is still limited. Therefore, I have great affection and respect for young students who persevere in this profession," Mr. Thanh confided.
Speaking of his colleagues with a proud look in his eyes, Mr. Thanh said that teachers face difficulties with low salaries and benefits, and high teaching pressure. However, these difficulties cannot extinguish their passion for the profession. Proof of this is that both teachers and students are drenched in sweat after each lesson; tired, but everyone is truly happy.
"People often tease me, saying that despite having strengths and participating in many contemporary dance projects, I teach Vietnamese folk dance. For me, folk dance is very rich, reflecting the spiritual life, cultural beliefs, and national spirit characteristic of each region. Teaching this subject also contributes to preserving the nation's cultural and artistic heritage," Mr. Thanh confided.
The graduation exam program at the Ho Chi Minh City College of Dance is meticulously prepared. Photo: School's fanpage.
According to Mr. Thanh, preserving and passing on this invaluable asset to the younger generation requires coordinated efforts, from policies and incentives for students from the moment they enter school, to support theaters and art troupes. Policies and mechanisms for traditional art forms need to be prioritized to keep pace with the practical needs of society.
Faced with the "wave" of technology, both teachers and students must cooperate and update their knowledge and training methods. In 2024, the Ho Chi Minh City College of Dance sent two young teachers to Hong Kong (China) to improve their expertise. In the future, the school will nominate outstanding graduates to apply for study programs in several places around the world.
Source: https://nld.com.vn/nguoi-thay-day-nghe-nang-buoc-tai-nang-tre-196241120121043149.htm
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