The Dewey Schools Tây Hồ Tây is home to more than 70 international teachers from around the world, many of whom have dedicated years to growing alongside the school. Choosing Vietnam as their second home and overcoming differences in culture and language, educators such as Mr. Daniel, Mr. Colin, Ms. Hannah, and Ms. Zaica—despite their diverse backgrounds—share a common passion for teaching, a deep care for students, and a strong belief in experiential education.
Their journeys at Dewey began during an extraordinary period—the COVID-19 pandemic. While they initially faced challenges in connecting with students and adapting to a new environment through online teaching, the school’s timely support and genuine care fostered a sense of trust and appreciation for a collaborative and positive educational community. Over the years, what has inspired them to stay is not stability, but the continuous opportunity to challenge themselves, develop professionally, and nurture each student’s growth journey.
As the driving force behind the success of multiple Winter Musical productions, Mr. Daniel brings a strong background in drama and performance. Few know that he began his career at Dewey as a primary English teacher. What he values most about his time at the school is the opportunity to teach Performing Arts and pursue a long-held passion. Through his experience, he has come to realize that education is not about selecting ready made talent, but about recognizing the hidden potential within each student and giving them the opportunity to shine. Embracing lifelong learning in his teaching, Mr. Daniel continuously innovates his methods, creating space for creativity, encouraging students to experiment with new roles, and empowering them to push beyond their limits.
For Dewey educators, student growth is both a source of pride and a powerful motivation. As the homeroom teacher of an IB class—home to some of the school’s most accomplished students – Mr. Colin believes that grades and achievements are not the sole measures of success. What matters more is that students maintain an open mindset, remain curious, and continue learning. Understanding the pressures of an internationally benchmarked curriculum, he prioritizes building close connections so that students feel comfortable taking risks, making mistakes, and growing through the process. Ms. Hannah shares a similar perspective, believing that learning is most effective when students are actively engaged in hands-on exploration. She continually adapts her teaching methods, nurturing students’ love for science through practical activities. For her, the true joy lies not in outcomes, but in the spark of excitement in students’ eyes when they take initiative—whether by asking questions, exploring new ideas, or simply arriving early in anticipation of an engaging lesson.
Beyond the fulfillment of working with students, Dewey’s international teachers are also deeply connected by a strong sense of community and collaboration. Ms. Zaica, who was once accustomed to working independently, shares that Dewey has provided her with valuable opportunities to learn from and exchange expertise with colleagues through professional development sessions, collectively enhancing teaching practices. She brings this spirit into her classroom by encouraging discussion, teamwork, and mutual support among students. To her, learning is not an individual pursuit, but a shared journey of growth.
Five or six years of dedication represent far more than a span of time—they reflect trust, commitment, and a shared vision. By choosing Dewey as a place to contribute and grow, these international educators bring global perspectives, humanistic values, and a passion for learning that empowers Vietnamese students to adapt, integrate, and thrive in an ever-changing world. Their quiet yet steadfast contributions have become an integral part of the school’s development, extending meaningful impact across the broader educational community.
