'Don't judge students by their scores alone'

Why did you choose to stay with such a young school after nearly half a century of education?

MSc. Dang Thanh: Nearly half a century has passed since my first day on the podium, and I still go to school with the mindset of someone who lives in love. For me, the teaching profession has never been a random choice, but a journey of attachment with a steadfast belief in human values.

From the position of Math teacher, then through many management roles at major high schools in Da Nang, held the position of Vice Principal of Phan Chau Trinh High School, Principal of Le Quy Don High School for the Gifted, Hoang Hoa Tham High School, then worked at the Department of Education and Training of Da Nang City, however, the last years of my career were associated with a young place: Viet Nhat Primary, Secondary and High School, where I did not come to receive achievements, but to sow seeds. A young school but with a very real desire for education, a place where I can start with all my heart.

For me, what is memorable is not only the achievement board or growth numbers. In my memory, school also appears through the mornings with the chirping greetings from primary school students, the innocent and emotional sentences like 'The principal is handsome', 'How old are you? You look like my grandfather!'...

It is this innocence that has contributed to shaping a school community, an environment without barriers, where students are not afraid or insecure when expressing their emotions, where teachers not only teach letters but also teach children how to live kindly and lovingly.

The school does not only have primary school students, with many new generations of students from gen Z and gen Alpha - at the secondary level, how can we accompany them?

If we only evaluate students by their scores, we will unintentionally miss out on a lot of their potential and opportunities to grow.

Throughout my journey in education, especially when working at Viet Nhat School, I have come to realize one thing more and more: if we only evaluate students by their scores, we will unintentionally miss out on a lot of their potential and opportunities to grow.

With older students in high school, I clearly feel the differences - both in the way of thinking, the way of expressing emotions and the path of development. Some students are good at Math, good at Literature, but there are also students who are very special in their ability in art, painting, music or sports. If we only look at them through their report cards, what is not on the test will forever be hidden. And thus, natural talents will never have the opportunity to speak up.

I do not place my expectations on competitive achievements or the race for grades, but rather trust in the natural growth process of each student. During meetings and conversations with them, I choose to observe and listen. Stories about passion for photography, unfinished poems, or sketches... are all valued as an important part of the journey of learning to be a human being.

To keep the passion for the profession, it is indispensable to have the presence of parents and especially the core team, teachers. Can you share more about this companionship?

After nearly 48 years in the profession, what keeps me going is not the title, but the faces of my students who grow older each day, both literally and figuratively. A greeting, a smile, a casual question - is enough to make my working day meaningful.

I do not forget to pay special respect to the teachers who have chosen to walk this path, those who are diligent with each word and lesson. Their patience and tolerance are the source of a humane education.

Even though I am a principal, I have never left my subject - especially Mathematics, a subject that I have been involved with since my early days of teaching. In professional groups, I still play the role of accompanying, giving advice, and supporting young teachers with both knowledge and experience accumulated over time.

I choose to be fully present: talking with teachers, having lunch with students, sharing with parents. For me, a manager is not someone who gives orders, but someone who creates trust. If you want others to trust you, you must first be honest with them.

One day, I opened an old notebook where I wrote down my feelings in short poems. One of them read:

I thought I would stop on the path of education after all this time, but this fire was lit once again under the roof of Viet Nhat School. Although times have changed, I am still a Teacher - and that makes me feel fulfilled.

What message do you want to send to students and generations of teachers?

When asked what message I want to give to my students, I do not mention achievements or success. I just gently tell them that no matter where they go in the future, start each day with kindness and gratitude. I believe that each small step forward of my students is worthy of a lifetime of dedication.

Source: https://thanhnien.vn/dung-chi-danh-gia-hoc-sinh-qua-diem-so-185250417115519791.htm