(VOVWORLD) - Phan Thi Do Uyen, a teacher from Dong Nai province, has been honored as a National Outstanding Teacher of 2024 for transforming English lessons into hands-on, real-world experiences for her students. Constantly researching and applying new teaching methods, she has inspired innovation, creativity, and a deep passion for education among both colleagues and students.
 At a class of Ms. Uyen (Photo: Duy Phuong) |
In the lively atmosphere of an English class at Nguyen Binh Khiem Secondary School, the sound of students and their teacher eagerly discussing and practicing fills the room. For Ms. Phan Thi Do Uyen, the greatest reward comes from seeing the excitement and concentration in her students’ eyes.
Starting her teaching career in 2004 at Thong Nhat A Primary School, then at Tan Phong Secondary School, and now at Nguyen Binh Khiem Secondary School, Ms. Uyen has never stopped learning, innovating, and dedicating herself to her profession.
As early as 2011, when many teachers were still unfamiliar with digital tools, she began experimenting with technology to improve classroom engagement and management. Today, having mastered applications such as PowerPoint, Canva, and Quizizz, she turns English lessons into exciting interactive experiences. Her pioneering work has been recognized as an innovative model for using digital tools to help students practice both at school and at home.
 The students are active in interacting with the teacher during the lesson. (Photo: Duy Phuong) |
To help students adapt to these new methods, Ms. Uyen said she provides detailed guidance and ensures that they always feel comfortable, never pressured. “For example, I guide students on how to prepare assignments, upload them online, and post them on websites. If they need help, they can call me directly. I encourage them by giving bonus points for submissions, but it’s optional,” Ms. Uyen told VOV.
To spark students’ curiosity and self-motivation, Ms. Uyen assigns projects where they record videos speaking English at tourist attractions, markets, and historical sites. Thanks to this approach, her classes have become favorites of the students.
Tran Nguyen Nha Truc, a student at Nguyen Binh Khiem School, shared their thoughts, “The way she explains is easy to understand, so we grasp the lessons very well. She doesn’t teach rigidly but connects lessons with real-life situations. Her classes are always fun and relaxing.”
Another student, Tran Minh Khang, said, “Her lessons are enjoyable, and she’s very friendly and humorous. The class is always full of energy, and we all work together with her. She makes learning English easy to understand.”
 Ms. Uyen is dedicated to innovating her teaching methods. (Photo: Duy Phuong) |
Ms. Uyen has taken students on field trips, conducted interviews, and created bilingual media projects to introduce their hometown to international friends. The projects “Dong Nai–My Pride” and “Dong Nai–Our Community” have been well received by the public.
Ms. Uyen has received dozens of awards at school, city, provincial, and national level, including 4 Certificates of Merit from the Ministry of Education and Training and 4 from the Dong Nai People’s Committee, and recognition as an outstanding teacher following President Ho Chi Minh’s moral example from 2016 to 2025. In the 2024-2025 school year, she was named one of her school’s exemplary individuals.
“I believe teachers must lead by example. When students see their teacher actively participating in movements and competitions, they feel inspired and strive harder out of admiration and love,” said Ms. Uyen.
 Mr. Tran Anh Vu – Vice Principal of Nguyen Binh Khiem Secondary School (Photo: Duy Phuong) |
Vice Principal Tran Anh Vu of Nguyen Binh Khiem Secondary School said, “Ms. Uyen is a role model, inspiring young teachers to be more confident in following President Ho Chi Minh’s example.”
Teacher Phan Thi Do Uyen is spreading the spirit of learning — not just through words, but through action in every lesson and every class.