A Passion for Teaching, Nurtured Through Everyday Moments with Students
Mr. Daniel’s teaching journey began in the United Kingdom, where he completed his teacher training and discovered his passion for supporting learners. Nearly 15 years later, what still excites him every time he steps into a classroom is the unique energy his students bring, especially those in primary school.
For Mr. Daniel, every class brings something unexpected and different. It could be the excitement of playing a vocabulary game together, or the laughter that fills the classroom after an innocent, amusing remark from a student. Their curiosity, vivid imagination, and natural ways of expressing emotions make every school day a source of new discoveries.
Reflecting on what makes working with primary school students so special, he shares:
“Working with young children has made me realise that they have such a wonderfully fresh perspective on the world. Their curiosity extends beyond language to how things work and the new discoveries around them. They can experience very big emotions, even when their English vocabulary is not yet sufficient to express everything they feel. I have come to see young children as remarkable ’emotional barometers’. When you bring warmth, kindness, and a little humour into the classroom, they respond with even greater energy.”
Perhaps that is why seemingly ordinary moments become such a special source of inspiration for him: when students excitedly draw funny portraits on the board, or when previously shy students find the courage to raise their hands and share their ideas with the class. These small changes are the clearest signs of students’ growth, and at the same time, meaningful gifts that make him love his profession even more.
Helping Students Build Confidence Begins with Understanding Them
As an international teacher, Mr. Daniel also experienced a period of adjustment when he first began working in Vietnam, as he familiarised himself with a new environment and learning culture. He observed that Vietnamese students are often polite, disciplined, and show great respect for their teachers. However, this careful and respectful nature can sometimes make them hesitant to express their thoughts, particularly when communicating in a new language.
Through these observations, Daniel came to understand that carefully prepared lessons alone are not enough to build genuine connections with students. Beyond introducing new knowledge, he makes time to listen, observe their emotions, and actively create a welcoming classroom atmosphere where every student feels comfortable expressing themselves.
He is never afraid to crack a joke, enthusiastically join in playful moments, or even laugh at himself when he makes a mistake. For Daniel, an effective classroom is not one where students always provide perfect answers, but one where they feel confident enough to give things a try, embrace mistakes, and keep learning.
In particular, he always encourages students to see mistakes as a natural part of the language-learning process. When they no longer feel overly worried about mispronunciation or inaccurate sentence structures, they become more willing to communicate, express their thoughts, and use English in real-life situations.
He shares: “I have always believed that when students are enthusiastic, engaged, and enjoying themselves, they absorb language more naturally. The key is to help them understand that making mistakes is nothing to be afraid of; it is simply part of the learning process.”
His openness and patience have gradually bridged the gap between a teacher from the United Kingdom and his Vietnamese students. From hesitant greetings to natural conversations, from initial reserve to the joy of proactively using English to communicate, every change brings him a tremendous sense of happiness and pride. For Daniel, witnessing his students become increasingly confident, independent, and willing to express themselves is one of the most meaningful rewards of being an educator.
Continuously Learning to Make Every Lesson a Better Opportunity
His love for students also motivates Mr. Daniel to constantly reflect on and refresh his teaching approaches. After nearly 15 years in education, he understands that experience is a valuable foundation, but it should never mean that a teacher can stop learning. As learning methods continue to evolve and each generation of students brings increasingly diverse needs and ways of absorbing knowledge, teachers must remain open to new approaches, experiment with different methods, and adapt their practice to make every lesson truly meaningful for students.
Outside the classroom, Daniel regularly explores new educational approaches, researches task-based learning activities, makes use of visual learning materials, and incorporates games into his lessons.
For Mr. Daniel, innovation is not simply about introducing more modern tools into the classroom. It is an ongoing process of asking himself questions: How can I make lessons more engaging for students? Which activities will help them remember and apply knowledge more effectively? How can I ensure that even the quieter students have opportunities to express themselves?
That is why, in Daniel’s classroom, vocabulary and grammatical structures are not confined to textbook pages or memorisation exercises. Instead, they are brought to life through a variety of activities, from movement-based games and role-playing to storytelling and familiar everyday conversations. As students actively use the language, English gradually becomes a means for them to explore, share, and connect with others, rather than simply another subject to complete.
Behind every interactive lesson lies the teacher’s careful preparation, observation, and ongoing adjustments. Daniel continuously seeks better approaches to ensure that every student, regardless of their personality or learning pace, has the opportunity to participate and make progress. This is also how he demonstrates his sense of responsibility as an educator: not simply by delivering a lesson, but by always striving to make the next one even more meaningful for his students.
On the occasion of Vietnamese Teachers’ Day on November 20, Daniel would like to express his gratitude to his colleagues at H.A.S, who dedicate so much care and commitment to every lesson and every step of their students’ growth. For him, working alongside such a passionate and responsible team of educators at Hanoi Adelaide School is also a source of inspiration that encourages him to remain devoted to his profession.
And to his beloved students, he has a special message:
“Always stay curious, never stop asking questions, and never be afraid of making mistakes. They are signs that you are trying and growing. English is not just a school subject or a test; it is also a tool that allows you to connect with the world, share your stories, and meet new friends.”
The journey of education has never been simply about a teacher passing on knowledge. It is a two-way journey, where a teacher’s dedication opens up new possibilities for learners, while students’ growth, in turn, nurtures their teacher’s passion for the profession and inspires them to keep learning and moving forward.
Pioneering Competency-Based Education in Vietnam
