“Giving students the freedom to choose what they love awakens their curiosity and passion for learning. Instead of imposing, I aim to inspire them to explore the world with wonder. In debates, I always emphasize that no argument is wrong; we just need to delve deeper to substantiate it convincingly. I encourage students to read, not just to fill 40 minutes of class time, but to discover something meaningful,” said Mr. Nicholas Steven, a Humanities teacher at Tay Ho Tay. His dedication reflects the collective efforts of Dewey teachers to shape future generations—by instilling trust and providing opportunities for students to truly shine.
If you were to stay at school until 8 p.m., you might still see silhouettes of teachers diligently preparing lesson plans. Walk through the hallways during recess, and you can’t miss the radiant faces of teachers chatting with students as if they were friends. After classes, in quiet corners of the school, a teacher and a student might be found together in a tutoring session. Even at noon, through the glass windows of primary classrooms, teachers can be seen cutting and crafting costumes for performances.
Every day at The Dewey Schools is a whirlwind of activity for teachers, yet their smiles never seem to fade. “There are days when we stay at school until 11 p.m. decorating classrooms or setting up the stage. But at those moments, all we think about is how to give students the best experience possible for their performance day. Seeing the kids enthusiastically practicing after school and imagining the moment they confidently shine on stage makes our late nights feel completely worthwhile,” shared Ms.Vu Thi Ha, homeroom teacher of 3Mumbai at The Dewey Schools Tay Ho Tay campus.
With youthful energy, passion, and a wholehearted commitment to their craft, Dewey teachers go above and beyond in their mission to educate. Concerned about insufficient classroom time to fully convey the curriculum, Mr. Mac Dang Long, a Vietnamese Language and Literature teacher at Tây Hồ Tây, launched free online evening classes for 7th graders. “The class runs from 8 to 10 p.m., but often ends later. Sometimes I lose my voice from teaching, but seeing the students’ enthusiasm and even parents eagerly joining the sessions gives me the motivation to keep going,” he shared.
While they work tirelessly, their greatest aspirations are not high grades or awards for their students. “My only wish is for my students to learn to greet their teachers with respect, to show love and empathy, and to grow into responsible, kind-hearted individuals. To me, that’s the most valuable gift a teacher can receive. After all, the ultimate goal of literature is humanity, and our true ‘product’ is the individual,” reflected Mr. Long.
At Dewey, every student is seen as a unique personality, a distinct hue in a vibrant spectrum. Uncovering each child’s potential requires patience, daily nurturing, and deep understanding. Ms. Pham Thi Thuy, who devoted her heart to guiding Dewey’s first graduating class at Duong Kinh campus, exemplifies this. Despite the challenges, such as students initially rejecting her support, she persisted, recognizing and valuing even the smallest progress. Knowing how stressful the final year can be, she created “safe learning spaces” where students could openly share their feelings and build resilience for their graduation exams. Similarly, Ms. Nguyen Thi Thuy, Head of Natural Sciences at the Cau Giay campus, spent four months encouraging an introverted student to step out of their shell and confidently express themselves.
“Giving students the freedom to choose what they love awakens their curiosity and passion for learning. Instead of imposing, I aim to inspire them to explore the world with wonder. In debates, I always emphasize that no argument is wrong; we just need to delve deeper to substantiate it convincingly. I encourage students to read, not just to fill 40 minutes of class time, but to discover something meaningful,” said Mr. Nicholas Steven, a Humanities teacher at Tay Ho Tay. His dedication reflects the collective efforts of Dewey teachers to shape future generations—by instilling trust and providing opportunities for students to truly shine.
Unfazed by late nights, long commutes, or staying up until 2 a.m. to prepare lessons, these quiet sacrifices stem from a profound love for teaching and for their students. Their joys are often simple yet deeply fulfilling. “In my three years in this profession, my happiness comes from moments like seeing a student solve a difficult math problem or hearing a heartfelt ‘Are you feeling better, Miss?’ After I returned to class from being ill or having little hands insisting on carrying my bag because they’re worried I’m tired. Watching my students grow into kind, well-rounded individuals strengthens my belief in the path I’ve chosen,” shared Ms. Nguyen Thi Luyen, a primary math teacher at Ocean Park campus.
Her words echo the sentiment of all Dewey teachers who dedicate themselves to the noble cause of education, finding happiness in seeing their “seedlings” bloom and thrive, ready to face any challenges and shine brightly wherever they go.
