A role model of morality and lifelong learning.

In the digital age and the age of artificial intelligence (AI), where national competitiveness is closely linked to the quality of human resources, the role of teachers has become more important than ever. This requires teachers to not only be highly skilled in their field but also to be role models of morality and lifelong learners.

Throughout every stage of the nation's development, teachers have always held a special position, not only for teaching literacy but also for building the nation's spiritual foundation. Resolution 71-NQ/TW of the Politburo sets the goal: High-quality human resources and scientific and technological talents will become the driving force and core competitive advantage of the country, contributing to making Vietnam a developed, high-income nation. However, to achieve this goal, a team of teachers with sufficient dedication, vision, and courage is needed to guide the younger generation.

The emergence of AI has not diminished the role of educators but has elevated them to a higher position – that of guides. AI can respond quickly, analyze big data, and write texts in seconds, but it cannot replace compassion, fairness, moral character, and the ability to inspire.

As knowledge evolves daily, educators are no longer merely "transmitters" but become "guides." More importantly, teachers must spark curiosity, foster critical thinking, and encourage self- discovery , so that students learn not just for grades but for their own personal development.

Today, society not only expects teachers to be highly skilled in their subject matter but also hopes they will help the younger generation develop core lifelong skills – qualities that are difficult for AI to replace: critical thinking, complex problem-solving, creativity, emotional intelligence, collaboration, and especially the capacity for lifelong learning. This is the foundation for students to stand firm in the future, avoid dependence on technology, and become masters, not passive observers.

Furthermore, educators play a crucial role in guiding students to develop digital competencies: understanding how AI works, recognizing the risks behind digital tools, avoiding data bias, protecting privacy, and distinguishing truth from falsehood in cyberspace. Knowledge of AI literacy—AI education, data, and digital ethics—is no longer solely the domain of engineers, but a vital civic skill for the digital age.

Resolution 71-NQ/TW also requires gradually making English the second language in schools. Therefore, teachers should not only be role models in ethics and digital literacy , but also proactively improve their English skills, fulfilling their role as "lifelong learners." Without teachers' guidance, the younger generation is likely to become passive users of technology, or even be controlled by it.

Meanwhile, the demand for radical innovation in teaching methods, building an open, flexible, and comprehensively digitized education model, requires teachers to shift from rote learning to designing activities, organizing projects, and assessing competencies instead of just testing knowledge. Teachers need to know how to use AI as a supporting tool, neither extreme prohibition nor laxity – but guiding students to use AI for the right purposes: summarizing materials, generating ideas, comparing information, detecting errors, and simulating situations. Only teachers can help students understand that AI does not replace thinking, but reflects the quality of the user's thinking.

But high expectations must be accompanied by safeguards. A civilized society cannot allow teachers to bear such heavy responsibilities without adequate protection and policies. These include sufficient income, a safe environment, clear codes of conduct, and mechanisms to support the enforcement of pedagogical discipline.

Where local authorities downplay education, disregard teachers, or subject them to unreasonable pressure, sustainable development is difficult to achieve. Conversely, in localities that respect and invest appropriately in the teaching staff, the workforce strengthens, the learning culture improves, and competitiveness is enhanced.

Under all circumstances, teachers remain the spiritual anchor for students, families, and society. They are the keepers of the flame of knowledge, uphold discipline and justice, and guide the younger generation into the age of AI with confidence and responsibility.

Dr. HOANG NGOC VINH

Source: https://www.sggp.org.vn/tam-guong-dao-duc-and-tu-hoc-suot-doi-post824409.html