There’s something fascinating about popcorn. You don’t hear the first pop the moment the heat is turned on. Everything seems unchanged—until the temperature is just right. Then, one by one, the kernels begin to burst open.
At The Dewey Schools Hai Phong, every new academic year begins with a similar moment of “reaching the right temperature”—a time for our team to pause, reflect, listen to one another, and embrace change. This is the very purpose of Audit, our annual professional development program held before students return to campus. After all, a fresh perspective, a renewed commitment, or even a small action practiced consistently each day can become the starting point for meaningful transformation.
Over the course of 29–30 July, 140 teachers and staff members from The Dewey Schools Hai Phong came together with principals, CEOs, language center directors, educators, parents, and individuals who share a passion for Dewey’s culture. Through a series of discussions, collaborative activities, and immersive experiences, the program became more than just a professional development event. It created a space where people from diverse roles connected through shared perspectives, experiences, and aspirations to build an even stronger learning community.
Two days may not be enough to create dramatic change, but they are enough to plant the seeds of transformation—within each individual, across every team, and ultimately throughout the entire school community.
For Ms. Hoang Thi Huong, a Primary Mathematics Teacher at Dewey Hai Phong, the journey inspired a simple yet meaningful commitment:
“I hope to become someone who consistently lives with Integrity—both toward myself and my team. It starts with the little things, like looking back at the promises I’ve left unfinished and following through on them.”
As one of the program’s guest participants, Mr. Nguyen Trung Thanh, Principal of Cat Ba High School, also shared his reflections after two days of learning alongside the Dewey community:
“What I value most is the opportunity to experience an educational environment that truly embraces dialogue, active listening, Integrity, and the growth of every individual within the collective. We leave not only with fresh perspectives on team development and school culture, but also with renewed inspiration to bring these positive values back to our own school community.”
Being “warm enough” to embrace change. Being understanding enough to walk alongside one another. That is not only the spirit of the Audit journey—it is also the foundation that enables The Dewey Schools Hai Phong to enter the new academic year with a more connected team, stronger collaboration, and a shared commitment to continuous growth. Because behind every inspiring lesson is a teacher who never stops learning, and behind every happy school is a community that listens, supports one another, and works together toward shared values.
