A young teacher swaps engineering for primary education in Ho Chi Minh City

Trần Tấn Kha, a teacher at Nguyễn Thái Học Primary School in Bến Thành, Ho Chi Minh City, transitioned from an engineering path to become a primary school educator.

Kha originally enrolled in an environmental engineering program at the University of Resources and Environment in Ho Chi Minh City to follow his family's wishes. However, after participating in volunteer work at the District 7 Children's House, he decided to change his major to primary education.

He kept his decision private until he received his admission notice. Kha began his teaching career during the COVID-19 pandemic and has spent five years at his current school. He manages the responsibilities of a homeroom teacher for class 5/2, including academic guidance and student care. When parents initially criticized him for not being thorough enough with homework checks, he adjusted his methods by creating individual study plans for each student.

This proactive approach earned the trust of parents, who noted his dedication and late-night preparation. Beyond academic instruction, Kha builds relationships with his 35 students through daily routines. He arrives early to eat breakfast with the children at a small table outside the classroom, where they discuss their personal lives and school experiences. He also works with school caretakers to learn how to support students during lunch, even bringing his own food to encourage a student who disliked eating fish.

Kha continues to study for a master's degree and plans to implement bilingual lessons to further his professional development.