PennSchool Teachers’ Lifelong Learning Journey

Ahead of the academic year 2025 – 2026, all PennSchool teachers took part in the Professional Development (PD) Training Week – an initiative designed to provide academic orientation, update new educational trends, and ensure thorough preparation for the upcoming journey.

The PD Week began with a Kick-off event to welcome the new academic year, where teachers received an overview and directions aligned with the year’s theme “Eagle Ambition – 5 Years of Love & Leadership”. This academic year is especially significant as it marks PennSchool’s 5th anniversary – an occasion for teachers to reflect on a proud journey while sharing new plans and goals for the future.

To enhance teachers’ professional development, the training sessions focused on enhancing classroom management skills, effective lesson planning, and staying up to date with curriculum changes and modern educational trends. Beyond skills development, the sessions also encouraged teachers to exchange teaching methods and suggest practical improvements tailored to classroom realities.

At PennSchool, education is not only about delivering knowledge but also about fostering a psychologically safe learning environment – one where every student feels understood, respected, and supported. The workshop “Communication Skills with Students: Praising Without Discouraging – the Art of Nurturing Resilience”, led by Ms. Pham Thi Thuy, Doctor of Sociology, Master of Psychology, and lecturer at the National Academy of Public Administration, provided teachers with effective strategies for praising students. Through the workshop, teachers gained new approaches to encourage students to make continuous efforts in learning, sustain their passion without fostering complacency, and thereby nurture resilience and a proactive learning spirit.

This academic year, PennSchool continues to prioritize building students’ emotional self-regulation skills, enabling them to recognize, manage, and balance their emotions in both learning and life. Alongside the Student Counseling Department, teachers – who work closely with and understand each student – play a vital role in identifying early signs of emotional distress and providing timely support. This reflects a harmonious blend of pedagogical expertise and genuine care, ensuring that every student enjoys a fulfilling learning journey, both academically and emotionally.

In the era of Education 4.0, technology and Artificial Intelligence (AI) are not just supporting tools but also key elements shaping teaching methods and learning experiences. At PennSchool, we recognize that keeping pace with these rapid changes requires teachers to continuously update their skills and master classroom technology applications – from making full use of smart boards and selecting age-appropriate digital tools to managing classrooms effectively and fostering interactive learning. Moreover, guiding students to use AI intelligently and responsibly not only enhances their learning skills but also equips them with the adaptability needed for the future. This strategic approach empowers both teachers and students to become active global citizens in the digital age.

Our investment on organizing training sessions reflects a strong commitment to improving teaching quality and strengthening our professional team. In the ever-evolving field of education, teachers’ openness to learning and their constant pursuit of self-improvement serve as a powerful driving force – helping students grow holistically and fostering a culture of curiosity, positivity, and proactive learning.