I understand that the world is vast while I am small, so I must always strive to learn and develop every day. With a strong foundation in English, I hope that Students can confidently “open the door of opportunity” to explore the world beyond. This is the guiding principle for the educational journey of Ms. Nguyen Duong Minh Anh, Deputy Director of the English Program at The Dewey Schools Ocean Park.
“English is not just vocabulary and grammar but also a cultural experience through language
Returning to Vietnam after 4 years of studying and working in Japan marked a significant transformation for Ms. Minh Anh, as it provided her with the opportunity to discover her passion for educating children after teaching English in Japan. Having held positions such as English teacher, head of department, and English program director at reputable schools, Ms. Minh Anh increasingly believes in the path she has chosen.
Recognizing herself as someone inspired by the educational philosophy of John Dewey, a reformer in education who said, “Education is not preparation for life; education is life itself,” Ms. Minh Anh chose The Dewey Schools as her destination in Vietnam. She always emphasizes that learning is not confined to classrooms but a lifelong process of living, feeling, and experiencing.
“Understanding John Dewey’s philosophy means understanding the importance of two things: first, that life without a passion for acquiring knowledge in any form is not truly living; second, that education focused solely on memorizing textbooks without experiential learning is not genuine education. Therefore, The Dewey Schools’ philosophy guides educational activities towards experiential learning, practical application, and individualized development.“
“Especially in the subject of English, practical experience and application are indispensable, as language is intertwined with life, culture, communication, and personal expression. Hence, English teachers not only aim to teach vocabulary and grammar for exams but also create an environment for Students to experience a new culture through language. Furthermore, teachers aim to enhance Students’ confidence, communication skills, stimulate curiosity, and foster critical thinking about society and the world,” Ms. Minh Anh emphasized.
Choosing education is not just about “doing” but also about “learning.
Recognized by colleagues as an exemplar of lifelong learning, Ms. Minh Anh believes that “learning” is not merely the accumulation of knowledge, but rather a process where learners themselves realize that education is for personal development.
“I always aspire to enhance and self-nurture to elevate my professional expertise. To develop my work capabilities and accumulate knowledge from advanced educational systems, I am currently pursuing an Educational Management program at Lehigh University (USA). I believe that through this learning journey, I will gain essential lessons and knowledge to be ready to assume the role of Deputy Director of the English Program at Dewey Ocean Park,” shared Ms. Minh Anh.
In particular, Ms. Minh Anh acknowledges that every effort in learning today can pave the way for significant success in the future. “In each teaching phase, I encounter Students with diverse learning styles and personalities. Some Students require flexible teaching methods or daily communication. The initial period was a major challenge for me, but my passion for the profession gave me the strength to explore and experiment with various teaching approaches. Especially after my time in Japan, I learned life values such as responsibility, meticulousness, respect for individuals, and positive communication, applying these values in my teaching. Fortunately, each effort to connect with Students has brought me ‘one step closer,’ and some have positively changed after each school year. This helps me realize that every Student possesses unique potential for development and success along their individual paths.“
Continuing the educational achievements from existing “challenges”
With 8 years of experience in developing American standard education for Students in Vietnam within The Dewey Schools system, Dewey Ocean Park is trusted to uphold the quality and consistent educational philosophy of the system.
“In my role as Deputy Director of the English Program at Dewey Ocean Park, I feel fortunate to learn and work with experienced colleagues who have previously served at Dewey Tay Ho Tay and Dewey Cau Giay. Despite being a new opportunity, I am aware of the significant challenges ahead to enhance the existing educational quality and showcase the distinctive identity of Dewey Ocean Park. I believe these challenges are opportunities for the school’s leadership to innovate and meet the increasing demands for quality and English teaching methods from parents and Students. With a clear development direction and a strong partnership with Mount Vernon School (USA), I am confident that my team and I will overcome these challenges and achieve new successes, enriching children’s English learning journey with even more value and diversity.” confidently shared Ms. Minh Anh.
To best prepare for the first school year at Dewey Ocean Park, Ms. Minh Anh herself, along with the school’s pedagogical team, actively participates in specialized training sessions led by the Educational Research and Pedagogical Council (ERPC). This initiative serves as a stepping stone for educators to become “leaders” at the forefront of educational innovation, thereby creating an advanced learning environment for Students.
