As English becomes the second language in schools, teachers will be at the heart of national innovation – not only imparting knowledge, but also guiding, nurturing character, and inspiring the aspirations of young Vietnamese generations.
VIETNAM 'S EDUCATIONAL ASPIRATIONS FOR 2045
On August 22, 2025, the Politburo issued Resolution No. 71-NQ/TW on breakthroughs in education and training development. The resolution set a clear goal: by 2045, Vietnam's education system must be among the top 20 countries in the world in terms of education quality, and English must become the second language in schools. This is a major milestone, reflecting the Party's strategic vision for human development – the key resource for a strong, prosperous, and happy nation.
In the spirit of Resolution 71, Vietnamese education should not only adhere to the view that "education and training are the top national priority," but also "determine the future of the nation." The goal of Resolution 71 is not just "reforming the curriculum" or "improving examinations," but a comprehensive breakthrough: from development thinking, governance mechanisms, and the learning ecosystem, to the teaching staff – the force that directly determines the quality of education.
Vietnamese teachers need "global courage and a Vietnamese heart."
PHOTO: DAO NGOC THACH
THE APPEARANCE OF EDUCATION SYSTEMS RANKED AMONG THE TOP 20 IN THE WORLD
An education system that ranks among the top 20 in the world by 2045 will not only be measured by international rankings, but also by the quality of its citizens and the learning society it creates.
There, Vietnamese students study in an open, multilingual, multicultural, and highly creative environment. Technology and English become common learning tools; students can access global knowledge, participate in international projects, and start science and technology businesses while still in school.
Vietnamese education would then operate according to the smart education model: each student would have an electronic learning profile, a personalized learning path, supported by artificial intelligence (AI), big data (learning analytics), and open educational resources.
The classroom is no longer just "four walls" but extends to the world – where students learn through experience, practice, community connection, and action for the environment and society.
More importantly, a top 20 education system cannot simply have modern schools; it must also have outstanding teachers, because no education system can surpass the caliber of its teaching staff.
THE TEACHER OF 2045: INTELLIGENCE - CREATIVITY - HUMANITY
To achieve a ranking among the top 20 in the world for education, today's teachers must change first, move faster, and keep pace with the changing world.
If the first two decades of the 21st century were a period of innovation in curriculum and teaching methods, then the period leading up to 2045 is a period of redefining the role of the teacher. The teacher is not only a transmitter of knowledge, but also a designer, an inspirer, and a companion to their students.
Teachers in the modern era must be "lifelong learners," not only to improve their professional skills but also to adapt to change.
PHOTO: DAO NGOC THACH
First and foremost, the teacher of the new era must be a "lifelong learner." Learning is not just about improving professional skills, but about adapting to change. They need to be proficient in technology, foreign languages, digital skills, and data-driven thinking; they need to know how to use AI, open educational resources, and global learning networks to enrich their lectures and inspire students.
In a learning society, teachers must be pioneers in a journey of continuous learning. As knowledge changes daily and educational technology develops rapidly, they cannot remain stuck with old lectures but must constantly learn to understand technology, innovate methods, master knowledge, and guide students to adapt to a changing world. Teachers in the 4.0 era need digital skills, foreign language proficiency, interdisciplinary thinking, and a proactive attitude.
Furthermore, the teacher is a "creator of creativity." Today's students don't need to be "crammed" with knowledge; instead, they need guidance on how to learn independently, think critically, dare to ask questions, and experiment. A good lesson is one where students can debate, make mistakes, and explore. The teacher helps students "learn to be creative," not just "learn to pass exams." The teacher needs to nurture open-minded thinking, encouraging experimentation, creativity, and change. Each classroom should become a small "laboratory" for educational innovation, where students are respected, listened to, and allowed to develop their individual abilities.
More importantly, teachers must be "sowers of human values." Technology can replace many tasks, but it cannot replace people in teaching how to live. In a world full of data but lacking in human kindness, teachers are the flame that nurtures character, morality, and love. Above all, teachers must maintain the flame of human values – because no matter how far technology advances, only love, compassion, and the beautiful example of a teacher can touch the hearts of their students.
And finally, Vietnamese teachers need "global courage and a Vietnamese heart" - teaching with modern methods and an international language, but still instilling in their students national pride and a desire to serve the Fatherland.
The Law on Teachers - the foundation for professional teachers.
The National Assembly passed the Law on Teachers on June 12, 2025, effective from January 1, 2026, marking a historic milestone for the sector. The law affirms the teaching profession as a unique and highly professional occupation, respected by society, with the State guaranteeing working conditions, income, and career development opportunities.
The Law on Teachers and Resolution 71 form two parallel policy pillars: on one hand, a legal framework to protect and develop teachers; on the other hand, a strategic vision for national education and improving the quality, prestige, and income of the teaching staff.
Both sides share a common goal: to bring teachers back to the center of educational innovation, and to recognize that investing in teachers is investing in the future.
The educational ecosystem supports the professional development of teachers.
To realize the 2045 vision, in addition to the efforts of each teacher, an educational ecosystem is needed to support the professional development of teachers:
Firstly, there should be a policy of adequate remuneration and appreciation for the contributions of teachers, especially those working in disadvantaged, remote, and rural areas.
Secondly, create a democratic and creative working environment so that teachers can freely express their creativity.
Thirdly, create opportunities for teachers to study, exchange ideas, conduct research, and undertake teaching internships in countries within the region and internationally.
Fourth, there should be a training and professional development system that meets international standards, especially the standards for teachers in advanced countries.
Source: https://thanhnien.vn/nguoi-thay-trong-tam-nhin-2045-185251115112025968.htm
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