From the early days of standing in front of the classroom amid countless hardships, to the period of leading Dong Nai’s education sector with numerous innovative milestones; from a dedicated National Assembly deputy deeply committed to education policy, to Vice Rector of Lac Hong University; and even now, in retirement, Dr. and Meritorious Teacher (Dr-MT) Nguyen Thi Thu Lan has not paused for a single day. She stands as a shining example of perseverance, dedication, and responsibility in the cause of nurturing future generations.
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| Dr. and Meritorious Teacher Nguyen Thi Thu Lan discusses professional matters with colleagues. Photo: H.Luong |
The first footsteps on the path of "sowing knowledge"
Nguyen Thi Thu Lan was born in 1953 into a family with a revolutionary tradition. From an early age, she was instilled with a strong sense of responsibility, compassion, and a commitment to serving the community. In 1974, she officially entered the teaching profession, a decision rooted in a simple belief: “To help the homeland innovate, one must start with education.”
During the country’s difficult years, the school where she worked had only a few temporary classrooms and lacked even the most basic resources. Yet it was in those challenging conditions that her determination to pursue teaching became even more steadfast. Students continued to attend class regularly, and the young teacher, Thu Lan, was always the first to arrive and the last to leave.
By 1986, teacher Nguyen Thi Thu Lan was entrusted with the critical role of Principal of Nam Ha High School in the former Bien Hoa City, Dong Nai province. At that time, the school was still facing many difficulties. With a leadership style that was both decisive and approachable, Thu Lan focused on building the teaching staff, renewing instructional methods, and mobilizing social resources to improve the school’s infrastructure.
Many teachers and students of the school still remember the image of the petite, agile principal, always present at all activities, from council meetings and observation lessons to wading through the rain to check temporary classrooms.
Thanks to her leadership, Nam Ha quickly became one of the high schools with stable and disciplined educational quality in Bien Hoa at that time.
Associate Professor, Dr. Nguyen Vu Quynh, Vice Rector of Lac Hong University, shared: “In the past, I was a student at Nam Ha High School, where teacher Thu Lan once taught and held a management role. Later on, I was fortunate to work alongside her. She consistently brought a source of positive energy, a deep passion for the profession, and an open working style. She consistently listened, shared with colleagues, and wholeheartedly supported students. To me, Thu Lan is a shining example of a responsible and dedicated educator committed to the cause of education.”
"Even though she is over 72 years old, Nguyen Thi Thu Lan still maintains remarkable enthusiasm. Not only does she lead professionally, but she also cares about building internal solidarity, creating motivation for each lecturer and student to strive for self-improvement. For us, Thu Lan is not only an exemplary educator but also a spiritual support, a great example of responsibility and dedication."
ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR DR. NGUYEN VU QUYNH, Vice Rector of Lac Hong University
Milestones in the era of educational reform
In 1991, Nguyen Thi Thu Lan was appointed Deputy Director of the Department of Education and Training in Dong Nai province, and by 1996, she had become Director of the department. Her 14 years of service at the Department of Education and Training marked 14 years in which Thu Lan left a strong impression as a bold, decisive, and highly creative administrator.
From 1996 to 2005, Dong Nai’s education sector consistently made its mark across various areas. The school network expanded rapidly, meeting the province’s industrialization needs. Both general education and gifted education ranked among the top in the region. Many pioneering models were implemented, including national standard schools, staff standardization, and the application of information technology in management. Dong Nai students achieved high distinctions in national competitions. With a straightforward and transparent working style, Thu Lan always prioritized the interests of students.
"As an education manager, the most important thing for me is to maintain discipline, but not to forget to create an environment for teachers and students to maximize their potential. Management is not just about checking or reminding, but about accompanying, resolving difficulties, inspiring, and providing proper guidance. When everyone is given the best conditions to work and study, the quality of education will naturally improve," shared Dr. and Meritorious Teacher Nguyen Thi Thu Lan.
Not only a manager, Dr. and Meritorious Teacher Nguyen Thi Thu Lan also served as a deputy to the 8th National Assembly, actively contributing her voice to education policy. In 2005, she was appointed Director of the Department of Foreign Affairs of Dong Nai province. Even in a completely new field, she demonstrated a strong sense of responsibility and professionalism. In 2008, she retired. Shortly afterward, she was invited by Lac Hong University to serve as Vice Rector, a position she has held to this day.
Friends and colleagues often joke, “Thu Lan hasn’t retired for a single day.” However, that also speaks to her deep love for the profession and her tireless commitment to contributing.
A lifetime dedicated to the cause of nurturing people
With more than 50 years devoted to the teaching profession, nearly half of that time in leadership roles, Meritorious Teacher, Dr. Nguyen Thi Thu Lan is a vivid example of the Vietnamese educator in the renewal era: dedicated – responsible – resilient – creative. And perhaps, what is most admirable about her is not only the accomplishments or positions she has held, but the way she has lived entirely for the profession, with love, perseverance, and compassion. At a venerable age, she continues to dedicate herself quietly, as if entrusting her entire life to the cause of nurturing people in Dong Nai province.
The story of Meritorious Teacher, Dr. Nguyen Thi Thu Lan, is not only a tribute to a devoted educator but also a reminder that every teacher, through their perseverance, helps shape the future of countless generations.
In addition to her work in teaching and management, Dr. and Meritorious Teacher Nguyen Thi Thu Lan also serves as Chairwoman of the Dong Nai Provincial Women Intellectuals Association. In every role and position, she has consistently approached her work with full dedication and a strong sense of responsibility, consistently demonstrating excellence, pioneering spirit, dynamism, and creativity in effectively carrying out her assigned duties.
By Hien Luong – Translated by Mai Nga, Minho
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