Teaching goes beyond lessons and textbooks—it’s about the memorable moments that shape both teachers and students. At VUS, every class is filled with laughter, breakthroughs, and connections that remind us why teaching truly matters.
In this blog, we bring you real voices through VUS Teacher Stories—a collection of heartfelt experiences shared in the My VUS Teaching Journal contest.
From playful games that light up a classroom, to the pride of watching students grow over decades, to the gentle power of caring conversations, these stories capture what it truly means to be a teacher or teaching assistant at VUS.
Table of Contents
Creativity that sparks joy in the classroom
Some of the most unforgettable moments in teaching come from creativity—turning lessons into games that spark both fun and learning. Mr. Spencer, a young and dedicated teacher at VUS Nguyen Khac Vien, is known for bringing that kind of energy into his classes.
“It was a lesson about memory and I designed a memory game for students to play in groups. I would start by showing them pictures and they all had to try to remember what they saw or write down what they saw. They loved it and got very competitive, the whole class that day had so much fun. Every class afterwards they would keep asking me “Mr Spencer, can we do the memory game again?” It was so great to see how happy they were about it. When you make something like that and they enjoy it, there’s nothing else like it.”
His story shows how simple ideas, when delivered with passion, can bring joy and excitement to the classroom—making students eager to learn and return for more.
Two decades of dedication and pride
Teaching is also about patience and commitment over the long run. Few embody this more than Mr. Cong Hieu, who has been with VUS for over 20 years. During that time, he has taught countless students, many of whom have grown into successful individuals across different fields.
“It is an immense honor to observe the progress of my students. Beyond their daily advancements, I have witnessed remarkable strides among many individuals who were once under my guidance. Some have completed their studies and returned to my campus as teaching assistants or teachers. Others have ventured to the VUS headquarters, assuming positions as staff members. Notably, a few have achieved great success in diverse professions, including becoming flight attendants. I take immense pride in having played a role in sharing knowledge, inspiring them, and contributing to their future accomplishments.”
His words reflect not just professional pride, but also the lasting bond between teachers and their students—a bond that continues even long after the classroom lights are turned off.
Teaching with care and understanding
Sometimes, the biggest impact doesn’t come from academic lessons, but from empathy. Ms. Nhat Anh, from VUS Nguyen Duy Trinh, has learned that showing care is the most powerful way to help students grow more disciplined and motivated.
“If you set rules from the beginning, students will follow them. For those who are disruptive in the class, I am careful to not yell at them. I felt that yelling or criticizing would only make things worse, so I instead start a conversation and ask about their personal life. Even if they’re shy, students will be willing to share when asked. When connecting with each other’s life stories, they will confidently say the problem is “I was noisy because I want attention from the teacher.” Then I will say “Ok, you can get the teacher’s attention by raising your hand and contributing to the lesson. Just express your demand in a more positive way”. That’s how I solve most of the problems in my classes: on the basis of caring.”
Her approach reminds us that discipline built on kindness is far stronger than rules built on fear. By truly listening, she turns challenges into opportunities for connection and growth.
Student Showcase – celebrating teacher impact
These stories are just a glimpse into the many ways VUS teachers and teaching assistants make a difference. To honor their dedication, Student Showcase was created as an initiative that recognizes and celebrates the impact they have on students’ journeys of self-discovery.
Student Showcase is an initiative that aims to recognize and celebrate the remarkable impact you have on our students’ lives as they embark on a journey of self-discovery. It showcases how you bring out the best in our students, helping them move forward every day through your inspiring stories, innovative approaches, and personal experiences.
Through these VUS Teacher Stories, one thing is clear: creativity, dedication, and care are at the heart of every classroom. From exciting games to decades of mentorship and moments of true empathy, VUS teachers continue to bring out the best in their students every single day.
Discover more inspiring VUS Teacher Stories and explore teaching opportunities with us today:
