You can't grow a tree in a place without light, you can't nurture a child with little enthusiasm

10 Years Never "Moving Up a Grade"

Graduating from Hanoi Pedagogical University, majoring in Elementary Education, like other young female teachers, Ms. Vu Hue also cherished many dreams and ambitions about the journey of educating the future generation. With the mindset of a young person, she had years of trying herself in many different environments until she decided to associated at Greenfield School.

The first days of working at the new school for Vu Hue were unforgettable experiences in her life. "At the time when I and the first teachers came to the school, everything was still messy, and transportation was not as convenient as it is now. My house is 40km from the school. Whether it's sunny or rainy, I have to schedule so that I can be at class by 7:15 at the latest. The 80km journey a day is far, but young teachers like us at that time were still energetic. Perhaps it was all because of a common goal: to bring the best things to the students."

Coming to Greenfield School, Ms. Vu Hue began her journey of having an affinity with with 1st grade students. And until now, after 10 years of teaching at Greenfield School, many colleagues often jokingly call Vu Hue "the teacher who never "moves up a grade"", because her entire career has only taught one grade. Working as a 1st grade teacher, Ms. Vu Hue has many opportunities to accompany young children, and to learn and "grow up" together. For Vu Hue, a 1st grade teacher needs to become a big friend of the child before being their teacher; lessons for 1st grade students are not only numbers and letters but also passion, curiosity, and the discovery of knowledge.

"A 1st grade teacher is the one who lays the first brick in the lifelong learning journey of each student, if not careful, it will make them lose interest in exploring knowledge and close all paths to learning. Almost every year when welcoming young 1st graders, I encounter a situation where a child refuses to enter the class. To soothe the child's emotions, I went to the child, held their hand, whispered and led them into the class like other friends. Because they feel safe when they are with me, in the early days, wherever I sat, they would sit there. Of course, I don't find it a nuisance, but truly happy to be trusted by the child. For me, every day of teaching young 1st graders is a time of experiencing many meanings."

Students are the Motivation to associated with the Profession 

Many years of teaching, Ms. Vu Hue never applies punishment, and that method is never included in her teaching methods. She confided: "Harsh discipline has never been an effective educational method for children. Only love and patience can help them feel safe and promote their full potential. For me, every child is like a seedling. You can't grow a tree in a place without light, and you can't nurture a child with little enthusiasm.

During the teaching process, I always remind myself to be "patient", "accepting" and "accompanying" to find the good points, even very small ones, of students, to give them a motivation, a belief in themselves. And conversely, coming to the teaching profession, I not only "teach" but also "learn". 1st grade students are extremely lovely! They may be sad because they were reminded by the teacher, but during recess, they will rush to hug the teacher. It is those innocent and pure little girls and boys who teach me about love, about patience, tolerance, helping me to be more confident in the path I have chosen."

Along with the love of the students is the trust of the Parents. "Thank you, Ms. Vu Hue, for accompanying my child in the first year of their student life. When their pen strokes were not yet familiar, their letters had never been learned, but by the end of the school year, they had acquired initial skills in learning," said Ms. Pham Huyen - Parent of Nam Son - a student of class 1A1 taught by Ms. Vu Hue. The parent also said that she feels very secure when her child is taught and cared for by a caring and thoughtful "gentle mother" like that.

Until now, the 10-year journey of teaching at Greenfield School is also 10 years full of memories for Ms. Vu Hue. Through each school year, the children grow up, become more confident and achieve good results in both their studies and extracurricular activities. "7/10 of the 1st grade classes that I was in charge of, the children all had prizes in football tournaments. There were 2 years when the children even got the gold cup. At such times, both the teacher and the students were as happy as going to a festival. Even more touching is that there are students I taught from 1st grade, who are now high school students, every time they meet me at school, they politely greet and ask if I still remember them? I am truly proud to always be remembered by the children and become a part of their childhood." - Ms. Vu Hue said happily.

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