Whether as a teacher or a TA, the path is filled with trials: adapting to new technologies, sharpening classroom management skills, and confronting personal barriers. Yet, it is precisely these challenges that forge growth, inspire others, and create meaningful marks in the lives of students.
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The journey of breaking limits to become an inspiring teacher
Every teacher starts out like a small seed, pushing through darkness, hard soil, and many storms before reaching the light. The journey of teaching is much the same: full of barriers to overcome and limits to break before one can truly share knowledge and build confidence in students.
The story of Ms. Thuy Trang at VUS Binh Minh is a true example of this journey. She grew up in the countryside with few chances to learn English and often faced hardship and self-doubt.
But with strong will and steady effort, Trang overcame it all and has been a dedicated VUS teacher since 2015. As she firmly believes: “Where you come from doesn’t say who you are, what matters is how and where you go from there.”
With her warm heart, she teaches not only English but also belief in oneself. Trang always holds true to the conviction: “What comes from the heart goes to the heart.”
Every challenge is a step forward in a TA’s journey
Stepping into the classroom, teaching assistants are like “silent companions”, keeping the rhythm of a multi-voiced symphony while also learning to find their own voice.
When young people begin their journey, they soon realize it is far from effortless. Every obstacle becomes a lesson in resilience, helping TAs develop patience, adaptability, and confidence.
For Thuy Duong at Quang Trung Campus, the greatest source of motivation comes directly from her students: “The love from VUS students is a priceless present and motivation for me to improve myself every day.”
At Nguyen Duy Trinh Campus, Hong Nhung sees her role as a teaching assistant as a lesson in balance: “Like any other job, teaching assistant has its ups and downs. But if you do the job with all your heart, the pros will outweigh all the cons.”
For Anh Khoa at Quang Trung Campus, the TA journey has been a path of personal growth and character building: “Teaching trains me to be a more patient and empathetic person. Learn to listen and listen to learn – that’s what I have gained from being a teaching assistant at VUS.”
Challenges are no longer obstacles; they become stepping stones that help TAs grow more confident, resilient, and open to new opportunities for both career and personal development.
Technology: A challenge or an opportunity for VUS teachers?
Under the adverse effects of the Covid-19 pandemic, online classrooms suddenly replaced traditional ones. Many teachers and students felt as if they had been “pulled out of their comfort zone.” The whiteboard was replaced by a computer screen, natural voices by microphones, and familiar faces became nothing more than tiny squares on the screen.
Disruptions in connection, difficulties in keeping students engaged, and the constant worry of technical glitches all turned into daily challenges.
Mr. Thanh Son said that: “One of the difficulties I often meet when teaching virtually is the learner’s unstable internet connection. To cope with this difficulty, patience is the key.”
Guided by the belief “Student at heart,” VUS teachers went beyond the challenges of teaching through a screen. They overcame these difficulties by learning to listen and respond to students’ loss of focus through even the smallest signs, such as a distracted look, a shy smile, or a sudden silence.
Mr. Anthony believed that: “It was challenging for keeping the students motivated and attentive; and the lessons as interactive and fun as in the class.”
Mr. Craig Coates thinks that: “Teachers need to either modify existing games to work online or develop activities that utilize technology in a way you couldn’t in the classroom.”
Do you see yourself on the journey of VUS teachers overcoming challenges?
At VUS, growth always comes with understanding and empowerment. Let VUS be the place where you grow and shine in an international environment!
