Although the new academic year has yet to begin, teachers across The Dewey Schools have already returned to the classroom—this time, as learners themselves.
At the beginning of every school year, The Dewey Schools conducts an annual professional learning programme spanning nearly two months. Designed to ensure consistent teaching quality across all campuses, the programme equips every educator with a shared understanding of the school’s educational philosophy, curriculum, instructional approaches, and core teaching competencies.
One of the programme’s key focus areas is The Dewey Schools’ three foundational Pedagogical Statements: High-Quality Teaching & Learning, Global Citizenship & Intercultural Learning, and Digital Citizenship. These statements provide a common framework that guides lesson design, instructional decisions, and daily classroom practice. For newly appointed teachers in particular, developing a deep understanding of these principles helps ensure that every Dewey classroom—regardless of campus—delivers a consistent, high-quality learning experience for students.
Led by Ms. Vu Phuong Nhi, Executive Director of the English Programme and the Dewey Scientific & Pedagogical Council, teachers participated in a series of collaborative discussions, group activities, and reflective exercises centred on authentic classroom scenarios. Together, they explored how to translate the school’s pedagogical principles into meaningful learning experiences that encourage students to inquire, experiment, collaborate, and develop competencies across all subject areas.
Reflecting on the training, Ms. Nguyen Thi Khanh Ly, an English Teacher at Dewey Cau Giay, shared: “This training helped me realise that the teaching values I have always believed in are clearly reflected in Dewey’s educational philosophy and pedagogical statements. It has given me a much deeper understanding of how to translate those principles into concrete classroom practices, enabling students not only to acquire knowledge but also to explore, experience, and develop the competencies they need for lifelong learning.”
Her reflections echoed the sentiments of many teachers who participated in the programme. The training transformed the educational values they are passionate about into a coherent pedagogical framework, ensuring that teaching is guided not only by individual experience but also by a shared vision and common standards across the entire school system.
As a result, students at every Dewey campus benefit from a consistently high-quality educational experience. Every lesson is designed with the same purpose: to encourage students to ask questions, explore independently, collaborate with others, reflect on their learning, and apply knowledge in authentic contexts—nurturing the competencies, character, and mindset of future global citizens.
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The Dewey Schools’ Foundational Pedagogical Statements
High-Quality Teaching & Learning
At The Dewey Schools, we are committed to delivering high-quality teaching and learning by applying experiential teaching and learning approaches within a safe and supportive learning environment. Through purposeful experiences and thoughtful reflection, students deepen their knowledge, develop essential skills, cultivate lifelong learning competencies, and strengthen their capacity to make meaningful contributions to their communities.
Global Citizenship & Intercultural Learning
The Dewey Schools provides multicultural learning experiences and opportunities for students to engage with global issues. We empower students to develop strong communication and collaboration skills, become confident and empathetic leaders, think critically, interact with respect, and act responsibly in an interconnected world.
Digital Citizenship
The Dewey Schools provides students with meaningful learning opportunities and experiences that develop the competencies of responsible digital citizens. We support students in using technology safely, ethically, and responsibly for learning, creativity, collaboration, and innovation.
