Youth at the lectern

Each level of education has its own distinct characteristics. Yet, the outstanding young teachers recently honored by the Dong Nai Provincial Youth Union share a common spirit of dedication and have made meaningful contributions to the mission of educating future generations. They have also been actively involved in activities organized by the Youth Union and the Ho Chi Minh Young Pioneer Organization, helping to spread positive values among the younger generation.

They serve as vivid examples of young educators who constantly innovate, remain devoted to the community, and inspire their students through a positive outlook.

Keeping passion for the profession

Coming from a family with a long tradition in education, Huynh Nguyen Nhat Ha, a teacher at Nguyen Binh Khiem Secondary School (Tran Bien Ward), has dreamed since childhood of standing at the lectern to carry on her family's legacy.

Huynh Nguyen Nhat Ha, a teacher at Nguyen Binh Khiem Secondary School (Tran Bien Ward), guides students in exploring a periodic table of chemical elements (electronic display). Photo: Nga Son

Nhat Ha shared that after graduating from high school, she applied to and was admitted into the Physics Education Faculty (now the Faculty of Natural Sciences Education) at Dong Nai University. Upon completing her degree, she was recruited as a physics teacher at Nguyen Binh Khiem Secondary School.

According to Ha, Nguyen Binh Khiem Secondary School was, at the time, one of the leading institutions in Bien Hoa City in terms of teaching and learning quality. Becoming part of this environment, she set a personal goal to teach well and contribute to the school’s overall achievements. Since Physics, Chemistry, and Biology were combined into the integrated subject of Natural Sciences, Ha has continuously pursued self-study and independent research, proactively seeking training courses in Chemistry and Biology to better fulfill her teaching responsibilities.

Each year, Ha introduces new initiatives in both homeroom and subject teaching. One of these is an electronic periodic table she developed using programming templates and microchip circuits. With just a few button presses, students can easily explore and retain information about chemical element names, valence, properties, and periodic trends.

With over 10 years of dedication, Nguyen Thi Ngoc Anh, a teacher at Dak A Primary School (Bu Gia Map Commune), has overcome numerous challenges to help many students achieve academic success. Ngoc Anh shared that she was born and raised in Bu Gia Map and once attended Dak A Primary School herself. After completing college, she was fortunate to return to teach at the very school where she once studied.

Outstanding young teachers take part in a thematic exchange titled “Proud to be teachers – Silent boat rowers on the river of knowledge” during the 2025 Outstanding Young Teachers Commendation Ceremony held by the Provincial Youth Union. Photo: Nga Son

At Dak A Primary School, over 80% of students are from ethnic minority communities with limited Vietnamese skills, making teaching particularly challenging. This challenge requires her to continually explore new, simple, and accessible teaching methods.

“I designed learning cards for Math. The front displays the exercise, and the back outlines the steps to solve it. When students forget a method, they can flip the card to recall the steps. This initiative helps them remember how to solve specific types of exercises,” Anh explained. As a former student of the school, she also shares her own journey of effort and perseverance with her pupils, encouraging them to pursue learning and aim for a better future.

Nucleus of school activities

Beyond their professional dedication, the outstanding young teachers honored by the Provincial Youth Union are also key drivers of youth activities in schools, creating opportunities for students to grow holistically.

Delegates present certificates of merit and trophies to individuals honored as Outstanding Young Teachers of Dong Nai Province 2025. Photo: Nga Son

Born in Binh Long Ward and raised in Quang Tri Province, Nguyen Binh Khanh Hai, Secretary of the Youth Union at Binh Long High School for the Gifted, aspired to return and contribute to his birthplace after graduating from Da Nang University of Physical Education and Sports. That wish came true when he was recruited as a teacher at Binh Long High School for the Gifted. Hai shared that beyond teaching, his passion for youth activities runs deep. Shortly after joining the school, he became actively involved in Youth Union work and was elected Secretary of the Teachers’ Youth Union Branch, Deputy Secretary of the school’s Youth Union, and has since 2021 served as Secretary of the school’s Youth Union.

According to Hai, gifted schools have their own distinct characteristics: students are academically strong, so youth activities must meet high expectations; and since nearly all students live in dormitories, life skills education becomes essential. The school’s Youth Union has organized numerous activities that integrate life skills, including various clubs that build soft skills through event management, teamwork, communication, critical thinking, and leadership.

The “Outstanding Young Teacher of Dong Nai Province” award is a prestigious annual honor that recognizes young lecturers and teachers with exceptional achievements, innovation in teaching, and active involvement in Youth Union, Student Association, and Young Pioneer activities. The award serves as a source of motivation, encouraging young educators to deepen their passion for the profession, continually strive for self-improvement, and contribute more effectively to education and youth development.

Vo Thi Ngoc Bich, Deputy Secretary of the Youth Union at Hoang Dieu High School (Long Khanh Ward), said that to attract students to youth activities, school Youth Union organizations must help them recognize the need, enjoyment, and personal growth that come with each activity. At Hoang Dieu High School, the Youth Union consistently listens to students’ concerns and aspirations, organizes activities that meet their needs, regularly refreshes its programs to sustain engagement, and, importantly, allows students to take on challenges. In her role as Deputy Secretary, Bich proposed that the Youth Union encourage students to contribute ideas, develop plans, and take part in organizing activities. This approach helps students become more confident, mature, and responsible in their participation in Youth Union and youth movement activities at school.

Youthfulness at the lectern is not only measured by a passion for teaching but also by the ability to inspire, nurture knowledge, and help students realize their dreams, contributing to the development of a modern and humanistic education system.

By Nga Son – Translated by Thuc Oanh, Minho