Dr. Pham Hoang Manh Ha: An educator fostering love for the profession from his own sense of mission
WVR - Keeping the flame of the profession alive means maintaining a spirit of continuous learning. Each change of the era demands educators to renew themselves: embracing technology to diversify lectures, supplementing psychological knowledge to understand, love, and be more compassionate with students.
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| Dr. Pham Hoang Manh Ha believes that educators need to harmoniously combine knowledge and life values in teaching. (Photo courtesy of NVCC) |
This is the perspective of Dr. Pham Hoang Manh Ha, lecturer at Thanh Hoa University of Culture, Sports, and Tourism, shared with The World & Vietnam Report on the occasion of Vietnamese Teachers' Day (November 20).
Starting with oneself
In the context of a modern society full of upheavals and professional pressures, what challenges do you think the teacher's character faces, and what is the most important measure to evaluate a teacher today?
Indeed, in a modern society full of upheavals, the character of a teacher faces profound challenges in terms of ethics, psychology, and professional roles. In the past, teachers were revered as symbols of knowledge and moral excellence. However, in the context of globalization, digital technology, and changing social values, this image is being tested by new pressures.
The first challenge comes from the shift in social values. As pragmatism, achievement, and personal interests increasingly dominate life, "respecting teachers" is no longer a default standard. Teachers must assert their value through competence and character, rather than relying solely on traditional social status. Additionally, the pressures of heavy workloads, constant innovation demands, and comprehensive educational responsibilities lead many teachers to experience stress, even losing their passion.
Another challenge is the technological and digital media environment. In the online space, every action and statement of a teacher can be publicized and easily judged by the online community. Thus, a teacher's character is not only demonstrated in the classroom but also through attitudes and behaviors in everyday life and on social media. Moreover, the teacher-student relationship has shifted from "one-sided reverence" to "equal dialogue," requiring teachers to become guides and inspirers, not just knowledge transmitters.
In this context, the most important measure of a teacher is not only professional expertise but also character. Ethical qualities and compassion form the foundation, helping teachers become vivid role models, teaching students how to be human. Next is creative pedagogical ability and adaptability, as knowledge constantly evolves, and only lifelong learning teachers can lead students. Ultimately, the deepest "thermometer" is the positive influence, the ability to inspire trust, motivation, and aspirations in students, which fuels the teacher's passion.
"Teachers not only teach knowledge but also teach how to be human." How can teachers both impart knowledge and be role models of character and cultural behavior for students?
I believe the saying "Teachers not only teach knowledge but also teach how to be human" embodies the core philosophy of humanistic education: Teaching knowledge is a duty, nurturing character is a teacher's mission. In the era of open knowledge, when students can learn through phones and technology, a teacher's role is defined not only by "words" but also by "human quality"; demonstrated through living examples, behavior, and the ability to inspire. The question is how to impart scientific knowledge while nurturing the soul and character of students?
| "In today's digital classroom, knowledge can come from many places, but only the humanistic flame from a teacher's heart can help students become people who know how to learn, love, and live responsibly with life." |
First, teachers must lead by example, matching actions with words. No ethical theory is as convincing as their way of living. Honesty, compassion, humility, responsibility, and humane behavior in everyday life are the most vivid and living proofs for students. When teachers listen, respect differences, and engage with students with love and reason, they silently sow the seeds of character for the younger generation.
Additionally, there needs to be a harmonious combination of knowledge and life values in teaching. Each lesson should not stop at conveying information but be an opportunity for students to realize the significance of knowledge in life. Teaching literature is not just about language but about emotions; teaching history is not just about events but about pride and responsibility; teaching science is not just about formulas but about honest and creative thinking... In other words, knowledge should become a means to shape character, not just a pure learning goal.
Moreover, educators should build a pedagogical environment with standard cultural behavior. A classroom with culture is where students feel respected, encouraged, and heard. When teachers use dialogue (instead of imposition), they are teaching students the art, communication skills, empathy, and how to be cultured individuals.
Finally, even in the position of teaching, teachers must be lifelong learners. Character is not a ready-made product but a process of training, self-reflection, self-correction, and self-improvement. Each day in the classroom is an opportunity for teachers to teach others while perfecting themselves.
Thus, for teaching knowledge and teaching humanity to become a unified whole, teachers need to possess three qualities: solid knowledge, a bright heart, and exemplary behavior. When knowledge is illuminated by character, and character is nurtured by love for the profession, teachers will become a persistent flame that not only ignites knowledge but also enlightens the human soul.
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| Teachers need to be aware that every personal action is a vivid lesson in ethics and character. (Photo: Minh Hien Vu) |
Keeping the flame of the profession alive means continuous learning
In today's educational environment, where students can easily access knowledge from the Internet, the role of teachers as inspirers becomes even more special. Could you share how teachers can keep the "flame of the profession" alive and spread the spirit of compassion and tolerance in digital classrooms?
Undeniably, in the current educational context, where students can easily access knowledge with just a "click," the role of teachers is not just to hold knowledge but to inspire learning and nurture character. Everyone knows that in the era of knowledge digitization, people can become "cold," and the teacher's professional flame will become a torch guiding students to rediscover the humanistic meaning in learning.
To keep that flame alive, first, teachers must nurture their love for the profession through self-awareness of their mission. Teaching is not just about imparting knowledge but a journey of sowing seeds of trust and compassion. When teachers realize that each lesson is an opportunity to touch students' souls, to ignite enthusiasm and creativity, it is this belief in value that keeps them from falling into the fatigue, mechanics, and indifference of the job.
At the same time, in the digital educational environment, teachers need to know how to combine technology with human emotions. Technology can support effective teaching but cannot replace empathy and understanding. An online class can still be warm if teachers know how to listen, encourage, and transmit positive energy through every word and action. In other words, the professional flame can be measured by the emotional temperature that teachers bring to students.
Moreover, to spread the spirit of compassion and tolerance, teachers need to build a culture of understanding and respect even in "digital classrooms." Instead of imposing, teachers should become guides, helping students learn to listen, accept differences, and behave culturally in the online space. In the virtual world, compassion becomes even more precious, and teachers are the vivid examples and guides for traditional values.
Thus, keeping the flame of the profession alive means maintaining a spirit of continuous learning. Each change of the era demands educators to renew themselves: embracing technology to diversify lectures, supplementing psychological knowledge to understand, love, and be more compassionate.
Like a candle, a teacher burns not to shine for themselves but to illuminate others. In today's digital classrooms, knowledge can come from many places, but only the humanistic flame from a teacher's heart can help students become people who know how to learn, love, and live responsibly with life.
Today's teachers not only need knowledge but also "cultural behavior." What are the necessary limits in a teacher's actions, words, and behavior to avoid harming students and maintain professional integrity?
If knowledge is the foundation of teaching, then cultural behavior is the "wind" that keeps the "flame of the profession" shining. Students, though still young, are independent beings with emotions. Teachers must absolutely avoid using offensive language, ridicule, or comparing students in a way that lowers their dignity. A seemingly casual remark or a stern look can leave a "psychological scar" on students.
A teacher with cultural behavior knows how to replace orders with persuasion, replace punishment with dialogue, and create a mutual respect atmosphere in the classroom. Only equality in character, though not in role, can help students trust and open up.
Teachers cannot avoid moments of fatigue, hurt, or pressure. However, when in the educational environment, teachers must have the courage to control their emotions, not letting annoyance or bias influence their actions. Pedagogical cultural behavior requires teachers to be alert, compassionate, and know when to "stop," as sometimes, silence is also a form of humane education.
Finally, teachers need to be aware that every personal action is a vivid lesson in ethics and character. Maintaining limits is not a constraint but an expression of professional courage and responsible love. When teachers speak appropriately, behave fairly, know how to restrain, and empathize... they are not only a support for students but can also uphold their own integrity as a sower, not a judge.
In summary, cultural behavior is the "character boundary" of a teacher, where knowledge is illuminated by ethics and expressed through subtlety in every word and action.
Do you have any message for young teachers, those beginning their journey of sowing knowledge, to always be aware of nurturing, preserving, and developing the teacher's character as a vital value of the teaching profession?
If I could send a message to young teachers, those on the journey of sowing knowledge and nurturing people, I would say: Consider the teacher's character as the soul and lifeline of the teaching profession. Knowledge can make a good teacher, but only character can create the image of a true teacher.
When you step into the profession, you carry within you the excitement, the desire to contribute, and the dream of changing students' lives. But from that moment, you begin a challenging journey where knowledge, skills, especially heart and ethical courage, will be tested every day.
Today's students are early independent and sensitive. They need not only a knowledge transmitter but also a vivid example of behavior, love, and how to be human. Therefore, teachers should keep for themselves: A pure heart, a compassionate soul, and a spirit of continuous learning; strive to love and be tolerant because that is the language of education.
Teachers often remind themselves: "Teachers' salaries are lower than the ground," "if you want to be rich, don't apply for teaching"… but having "taken the profession upon yourself," please don't let the professional flame extinguish due to pressure, mechanisms, or daily struggles. Maintaining character is maintaining the profession's courage, keeping the teaching profession as "the noblest of noble professions." Lifelong learning is not just to teach better but to stand firm in the mindset of a teacher.
Always believe that every class hour, every student soul you touch is an opportunity for the younger generation to become more humanistic. The teacher's character is an eternal lamp, lighting the way for students and illuminating the path you are on.
