Born in 1988 in Duong Hoa commune, Quang Ninh province, Thu nurtured the dream of becoming a teacher from a young age. After graduating in 2008, she returned to her hometown with a deep love for the land where she was born and raised. For her, teaching is not only a career but also a way to give back to her community, sow seeds of knowledge, and contribute to positive change in local education.

Duong Hoa Primary School is a remote school with multiple scattered campuses, where 100% of students are of Dao ethnicity. Despite limited facilities and many challenges, Thu has persistently worked to bring the light of knowledge to her students, overcoming geographical, linguistic, and socioeconomic obstacles.

From the start of her career, Thu demonstrated tireless effort and professional excellence. From the 2011–2012 school year to 2023–2024, in roles as a teacher of academic subjects, homeroom teacher, and head of the subject team, she consistently performed outstandingly and was awarded the “Outstanding Educator” title 11 times.

Beyond teaching, she innovated methods tailored to ethnic students, sparking their interest in learning, improving academic results, and fostering qualities such as solidarity, honesty, and responsibility.

Thu is not only a teacher but also a second mother to vulnerable students. In 2014, she visited the home of a female student, Chiu Gi Linh, who had to drop out because her parents had left for work, leaving the children behind. Witnessing the hardships firsthand, Thu comforted and encouraged Linh to continue her studies. Today, Linh has grown up, started a family, and is raising a child of her own.

To bridge the cultural and language gap with her Dao students, Thu proactively learned basic Dao communication and studied Dao customs to build closer connections. In the classroom, she speaks slowly, using visual aids, gestures, and demonstrations to ensure understanding. Outside class, she visits students in their villages and communicates with parents to build trust and confidence in the children.

Thu is a passionate young teacher who not only imparts knowledge but also nurtures love, values, and character in her students, serving as an exemplary role model, says Bui Thi Thu Nga, Principal of Duong Hoa Primary School.

Her family has been a strong foundation, allowing her to focus fully on her work. Despite the long hours and additional responsibilities, her husband’s understanding and support enable her to dedicate herself wholeheartedly to teaching.

After 17 years devoted to the school and her hometown, Thu feels proud and fulfilled to have contributed, even in a small way, to education in the mountainous region, sowing seeds of knowledge for Dao students.

“Although many challenges lie ahead, my love for teaching and care for my students remain my motivation to strive, grow, and excel in the noble mission of nurturing young students,” confides the teacher.

Vietnamese Teachers’ Day: PM meets with outstanding education managers, teachers

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh met with outstanding education administrators, lecturers and teachers nationwide on November 15 on the occasion of the 43rd anniversary of Vietnamese Teachers’ Day (November 20, 1982 – 2025).