Dedicated to spreading the fire, sowing green seeds

The 4th "Beloved Teacher" contest, 2024-2025, organized by Nguoi Lao Dong Newspaper, attracted many works from all over the country, creating a realistic, pure but extremely profound picture of the teaching profession and the tradition of "respecting teachers" of Vietnam.

Choosing teaching as a way of life

Listening to each page, we appreciate and love teachers more - those who have been and are making efforts to contribute to the country's education sector, for a bright future for the next generation.

The first highlight of this year’s contest is the articles about teachers working in remote areas. With tireless steps in places where sowing knowledge is as important and difficult as keeping the fire burning, they make us surprised and admired.

Cuộc thi viết — Contestants, teachers and students attended the award ceremony of the 3rd "Beloved Teacher" writing contest, held in November 2024. Photo: HOANG TRIEU

The article "Diligently sowing knowledge, diligently giving" by author Nguyen Tran Thanh Truc tells the story of teacher Thai Thi Xuan Thuy who not only carries books but also brings boundless love for her students. After many years, the boatman is still diligently pursuing her noble mission, occasionally supporting those in difficult circumstances who need to continue going to school. Never asking for anything in return, she gives selflessly with the only wish that her students reach their dreams and become useful people for society.

And there are countless teachers who do not hesitate to go through muddy roads, to empty roofs and stand in front of the blackboard under the eager eyes of students - children who consider class as the only joy of the day. In the rocky plateau with steep roads or remote border areas, harsh weather becomes a daily challenge, there are always people who choose to teach, sticking with the young people with all their perseverance.

Author Kieu Xuan Quynh's article "Firmly sticking to the class, teaching in the highlands" depicts the portrait of teacher Bui Thi Hong Van, who has devoted 20 years to carrying letters up the mountain. The highland school is her hometown, the house she has always built. Although there were times when she had to push her bike across the stream, covering her books under her shirt to keep them from getting wet, she never thought of leaving the class. In each word, readers feel a simple yet strong belief: as long as there is a teacher still in the class, the children will not be left behind.

Another article by this author is "Sowing the seeds of talent in the rocky plateau" about a teacher who not only teaches letters but also teaches students to dream. The handmade models, colored pictures, and small, pretty products from the hands of children become witnesses to change. She has inspired the creative spirit of the children in the midst of countless hardships.

It is clear that in places with unfavorable conditions, teaching is not just a job. It is a journey to keep the fire burning - a slow but strong flame that dispels the cold of winter and lights up hope for learners.

Many teachers teach not only through words, but also through actions, and the lessons they leave behind extend beyond the classroom. Teachers become life lessons - examples of compassion and responsibility.

"The teacher who donated blood 33 times" (author: Nguyen Van Nhat Thanh) is a typical example of a beautiful life. From his student days to his teaching days, he always considered donating blood as a way to help others. And the amazing thing is that many of his students later followed that action. Without needing long lectures, his example taught them the most profound humanistic lessons.

In the article "Diligently teaching a profession to disabled women" by author Trinh Thi Thu Van, the vocational teacher not only imparts skills but also acts as a sister, a friend, a companion. Each completed product is a time when the learner clearly feels the value of themselves.

Then there are teachers who choose to teach morality through concrete actions: mobilizing benefactors to repair roofs, giving warm winter clothes to poor students. Students see and learn in a natural, sustainable way.

Education is more than just textbooks; it is a journey of empowering those who are seemingly left behind.

"The Blind Teacher Sows Hope" by author Nguyen Thi Nga tells the story of a journey to overcome adversity. Despite being blind, she became the one who lit the light of knowledge for hundreds of students. The Braille lesson plans and the fumbling steps to class have created a beautiful symbol of perseverance.

Teacher of the new era

"Ho Chi Minh City teachers persistently carry books up the mountain" by Van Nhi is one of the stories that warms the hearts of readers. Each trip of the truck carrying books to the highlands is a reminder that knowledge should not stop in the urban areas. Some children hold a color book for the first time, others are fascinated by old science books. Those books become a bridge connecting the city and the mountains.

From the mountains to the cities, from small classrooms to mountain passes, from blind teachers to blood donors, all blend together to create a complete picture of the beauty of the Vietnamese teaching profession. What touches the reader's heart is the perseverance, the silence and the dedication that does not need recognition. The teachers do not seek rewards. They only choose to sow seeds. And those seeds will grow up and become a green season of knowledge for the society of the future.

In an era where knowledge changes every day, the image of a teacher is no longer associated with the podium and textbooks. It is impossible not to mention a new generation of teachers who are quietly making strong changes: bringing the real world into the classroom and opening the door for students to step into their own future. The article "Devoting oneself to supporting students' footsteps" by Hoang Thi Truc Thuy depicts a vivid story about teacher Ngo Tran Thinh, Head of Multimedia Department - HTV News Center, who is mentioned by students as a person who "brings profession into the classroom". With a background in Computer Science at Greenwich University (UK) and a master's degree in communication at Stirling University (Scotland), he brings international thinking to his teaching methods. There, students not only listen to theory but also directly work on real projects, handle real situations, and experience the pressure and real requirements of a professional media environment.

What makes Mr. Thinh unique is his philosophy: a teacher does not limit knowledge, but rather creates conditions for students to "operate on their own" when they enter the world. Coming from a family with a tradition of education, he inherited his parents' dedication but chose to express it through the spirit of technology, innovation and constant updating with the digital age. He considers himself a "great friend" of students - someone who is ready to help when they encounter difficulties, from studying to life. Many students find job opportunities, overcome incidents, or regain confidence from that silent companionship.

At the lecture hall of the University of Social Sciences and Humanities - VNU-HCM, Dr. Chu Duy Ly represents the model of a teacher who expands the range of knowledge and globalizes students' thinking. As a native of Buon Ma Thuot (Dak Lak), growing up in a multicultural environment of Kinh - Ede - Jrai, he soon formed a broad vision. From childhood passions such as collecting stamps, comics, international music to his academic journey with a joint Singapore - Harvard doctoral scholarship, he brings to the classroom a serious but friendly and youthful academic spirit.

Dr. Chu Duy Ly not only imparts information, he also raises questions, encourages students to research, debate and commit. Ha Vy's article titled "Opening the door for students to grow up on their own" shows that for Mr. Duy Ly, the classroom is the starting point, and true maturity comes from students discovering and finding the right path for themselves. Many generations of his students have entered international programs, received research scholarships or developed broader careers thanks to the spirit of "opening the door for students to move forward on their own" to step out into the world...

Afternoon of November 17, awarding prizes for 2 writing contests

At 2:00 p.m. on November 17, the Lao Dong Newspaper will hold an award ceremony for the writing contest "Beloved Teacher" and "Kindness Around Us" in 2024-2025. The jury has selected outstanding works from hundreds of entries to award prizes.

At the award ceremony, Nguoi Lao Dong Newspaper will also honor a number of outstanding groups and individuals who have emerged from the written pages. The program will be broadcast online at nld.com.vn and livestreamed on Nguoi Lao Dong Newspaper's digital platforms.

Strong inspiration

In the current educational flow, the teachers depicted in the contest entries become a valuable support not only for generations of students but also inspire the community. They not only impart knowledge but also pave the way, give wings and hand over the keys for the younger generation to step through the door of adulthood. It is from these silent journeys that the image of the teacher is being redefined day by day - closer, more realistic and more inspiring than ever.

Source: https://nld.com.vn/tan-tuy-truyen-lua-geo-mam-xanh-196251111204334717.htm