Vietnamese Teacher’s Day, celebrated annually on November 20th, is a significant occasion for both students and educators in Vietnam. It is a day of respect, gratitude, and admiration, where students take time to honor the hard work and dedication of their teachers. The day has deep cultural and historical roots, reflecting the immense value placed on education in Vietnamese society. On this day, schools and educational institutions across the country host ceremonies, give gifts, and organize special activities to express appreciation for the contributions teachers make to the development of society. In this blog, we will explore the meaning, history, and traditions surrounding Vietnamese Teacher’s Day, as well as how institutions like Vietnamese Language Studies (VLS) celebrate this day with creative initiatives such as contests.
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The Meaning of Vietnamese Teacher’s Day
Teacher’s Day in Vietnam is more than just a celebration of those who teach in the classroom; it is a recognition of the role that educators play in shaping the moral character and intellectual future of the nation. Teachers are viewed as revered mentors, imparting not only knowledge but also life lessons that transcend textbooks. On November 20th, students express their gratitude for their teachers’ guidance, patience, and commitment to helping them succeed.
The celebration is deeply intertwined with Vietnamese cultural values, particularly respect for elders and authority figures. In a society that prioritizes respect for education, Teacher’s Day serves as a reminder of the importance of lifelong learning and the influence that teachers have on the nation’s future. It is a day to acknowledge their tireless efforts and to reinforce the notion that education is the foundation of personal and national progress.
The History of Teacher’s Day in Vietnam
The origins of Teacher’s Day in Vietnam can be traced to the mid-20th century, during the resistance against French colonial rule and the post-independence period. In 1946, an international organization called the Fédération Internationale Syndicale des Enseignants (FISE), or the International Federation of Education Trade Unions, was founded in Paris. This organization aimed to promote progressive educational systems and protect the rights of teachers worldwide. In 1949, FISE adopted a Charter of Teachers, which focused on building a progressive education system and denouncing the feudal and capitalist structures of education.
During Vietnam’s war for independence against French colonial forces, the Vietnam Education Trade Union became an active member of FISE, using the platform to denounce imperialism and showcase the achievements of Vietnam’s revolutionary education system. In the spring of 1953, the Vietnam Education Trade Union, under the guidance of Deputy Minister of National Education Nguyen Khanh Toan, participated in a FISE conference in Vienna, Austria, and officially became a member of the international organization.
FISE’s efforts culminated in a landmark decision at the 1957 conference in Warsaw, where representatives from 57 countries, including Vietnam, chose November 20th as International Charter Day for Teachers. This day was intended to honor teachers around the world and raise awareness about the importance of education in the fight for social and political progress.
The first celebration of this International Teachers’ Day took place in North Vietnam on November 20, 1958, with a focus on recognizing and honoring the contributions of educators in the country’s ongoing development. In 1982, with the approval of the Vietnamese government, Teacher’s Day was officially institutionalized, and November 20th was recognized as Vietnamese Teachers’ Day by the Council of Ministers (now the Government of Vietnam). Since then, November 20th has become a traditional day to honor and express gratitude to those who work in the education sector, marking an important moment to reflect on the vital role of teachers in the nation’s progress.
How Vietnamese People Celebrate Teacher’s Day
Vietnamese Teacher’s Day is celebrated with much enthusiasm and devotion throughout the country. The observance varies across different regions, but certain elements remain constant. Schools, from elementary to university levels, organize special events to show their appreciation for teachers.
- Ceremonies and Festivals Schools and universities typically hold formal ceremonies on Teacher’s Day. These may include speeches, performances by students, and special awards for exceptional educators. Students often take the stage to recite poems or sing songs dedicated to their teachers, reflecting the deep respect and admiration they hold for them.
- Gifts and Flowers One of the most common ways students show appreciation on this day is by presenting gifts or flowers to their teachers. The most popular flowers given are chrysanthemums, a symbol of admiration and respect in Vietnamese culture. Students also write heartfelt cards and notes of thanks, expressing their gratitude for the lessons they have learned.
- Visiting Former Teachers Many students, both young and adult, take the opportunity to visit their former teachers on this day. It is common for alumni to return to their old schools to pay respects to teachers who played a formative role in their education and personal development.
How Vietnamese Language Studies (VLS) Celebrates Teacher’s Day
At Vietnamese Language Studies (VLS), Teacher’s Day is not just about giving thanks to our dedicated educators but also about celebrating the joy of learning in creative and engaging ways. To honor the spirit of education and express gratitude for the hard work of our teachers and staff, VLS organizes a series of exciting contests and activities. These events bring together students, staff, and teachers for a day of fun, learning, and collaboration. This year, VLS launched a range of interactive and innovative contests to mark the occasion, allowing everyone in the VLS community to participate, showcase their talents, and engage with the Vietnamese language and culture in unique ways.
- Lucky Wheel – On Campus and Online:
To kick off the celebrations, VLS set up a fun Lucky Wheel on campus and also offered an online version for virtual participants. This interactive game gave students, staff, and teachers the chance to win exciting prizes, ranging from discounts on language courses to small gifts that made the day even more memorable. The Lucky Wheel created an atmosphere of excitement and camaraderie, with everyone eagerly anticipating their turn to spin for a surprise.
- So You Think You Can Teach?
In the spirit of recognizing the diverse talents of our students, VLS introduced the So You Think You Can Teach? challenge. This contest invited participants to deliver a 30-minute (maximum) lesson to a small group of VLS teachers, staff, and students. The catch? The lesson could be about anything – as long as it was relevant, creative, and appropriate! Participants got to choose the topic, design the lesson format, and share their passion for teaching, whether it was language, culture, or any subject of their choosing. This contest not only allowed participants to showcase their teaching skills but also encouraged the exchange of knowledge in an informal yet educational setting.
- Creative Writing Contest
Another exciting way VLS celebrated Teacher’s Day was through the Creative Writing contest. This contest invited students to reflect on the profound impact that a teacher or mentor has had on their life. Participants were asked to write a story or essay about a teacher who left a lasting impression, whether through wisdom, inspiration, or personal guidance. The contest highlighted the importance of mentorship and the power of education to shape individuals, and it allowed students to honor their teachers in a deeply personal and meaningful way.
- Daily Vlog Contest
In this digital age, vlogging has become a fun and creative way to share experiences. For Teacher’s Day, VLS launched the Daily Vlog contest, encouraging participants to create a compelling travel guide for a destination in Vietnam or to take viewers on a virtual tour of their day as they immerse themselves in the Vietnamese language. Whether showcasing hidden gems in Vietnam or sharing language learning experiences, the vlogs offered a dynamic and engaging way to learn about Vietnamese culture, cuisine, and daily life. The contest allowed students to combine their love for travel, storytelling, and language, all while celebrating the spirit of education.
- Speech Contest
For those who enjoy public speaking, the Speech Contest was a fantastic opportunity to dive into the rich cultural heritage of Vietnam. Participants were invited to create a speech that took the audience on a journey through Vietnamese culture, uncovering its beautiful traditions, culinary delights, art forms, and timeless traditional costumes. The contest aimed to highlight the diversity and beauty of Vietnam, while also encouraging participants to practice their speaking and presentation skills in Vietnamese.
- Golden Bell Challenge
The Golden Bell Challenge was another exciting way for students to test their knowledge of Vietnamese language and culture. This trivia-based game featured a series of questions about daily life, Vietnamese customs, traditions, and more. With a format similar to the popular TV game shows, the Golden Bell Challenge was an entertaining and educational way to learn about the nuances of Vietnamese culture while having fun with fellow participants.
- Duet with VLS
In line with VLS’s goal of making learning fun and interactive, the Duet with VLS contest invited students to participate in a social media challenge by remixing one of two topics on Instagram:
- Read Out Loud a “Flight Attendant Notification”
- Conversation Practice: Restaurant Scenario
Participants had to create a short, engaging video of themselves performing either of these scenarios, practicing their Vietnamese speaking skills while having fun. This challenge was designed to encourage practical language use in everyday situations, and the Instagram format allowed students to connect with the broader VLS community online.
>>> Read more: 2024 Contests to Celebrate Vietnamese Teachers’ Day
The response from our students has been overwhelmingly positive. From the Lucky Wheel spins to the contests, students have eagerly embraced the chance to showcase their skills, share their stories, and dive deeper into Vietnamese language and culture. The enthusiasm and creativity on display have made this Teacher’s Day celebration truly special, with students excited to participate in every activity.
Conclusion
Vietnamese Teacher’s Day, celebrated on November 20th, is a heartfelt expression of gratitude to those who dedicate their lives to the noble profession of teaching. It is a day when students, parents, and communities come together to acknowledge the invaluable role teachers play in shaping the future of the nation. From formal ceremonies to creative contests like those at Vietnamese Language Studies, the celebration of Teacher’s Day is a time to honor educators and remind ourselves of the profound impact education has on our lives. Through these observances, Vietnamese society reaffirms its commitment to fostering a culture of respect for knowledge, mentorship, and lifelong learning.
