In an environment typically associated with female teachers, the perseverance of a male nursery teacher stands out as something special.

At Dong Mai Kindergarten (Dong Mai ward, Quang Ninh province), Minh (born in 1974) has dedicated over 30 years to early childhood education.

Recalling his early days starting in 1994, when he first joined Dong Mai Kindergarten, Minh entered the profession amidst challenging conditions and widespread shortages.

Back then, Dong Mai Kindergarten was a modest facility with just eight classrooms, managed by the local commune. Teachers’ salaries were paid in rice, with Minh receiving 30 kg per month.

Minh was one of the first male kindergarten teachers in the country.

Many were surprised and even advised him to switch to a less demanding career. Yet, driven by his love for children and unwavering determination, Minh stayed committed to his school and classroom.

Today, Dong Mai Kindergarten is much more modern, with 18 classrooms. Minh teaches a class of 35 five-year-olds, the largest in the school.

"At the start of each school year, my class always has a flood of parents registering their children, but under current regulations, each class must not have more than 35 students. Many parents, some of whom I taught when they were in kindergarten, trust me deeply," Minh shared.

Minh said that being a kindergarten teacher requires patience, a love for the job, and a love for children. With working hours from 6.30am to 5.30pm, preschool teachers must be meticulous and tireless, guiding children step-by-step in everything from eating and sleeping to personal hygiene and shaping their speech.

Having no children of his own, Minh sees each student not just as a pupil but as a beloved child. To him, the 35 innocent faces in his class are like family members, bringing him daily joy.

Remarkably, throughout his years working with young children, Minh has continually sought creative ways to provide them with a lively and warm learning environment. He crafts toys from simple, child-friendly materials. Instead of resting during summer breaks, he searches for safe materials to make additional toys for the new school year.

In 2024, Minh spent VND34 million of his personal savings to buy new toys and redecorate his classroom, transforming it into a vibrant, colorful space filled with children’s laughter. His class for five-year-olds boasts a rich and diverse array of learning and play materials, captivating the children’s interest. After use, Minh and his students neatly organize the toys.

"I don’t have children of my own, so I see the kids here as my own family. Beyond teaching, I care for them, braiding hair, feeding them, putting them to sleep, and guiding their play. I treat the classroom as my second home and the children as my own, so spending my own money to enhance their learning space and buy toys brings me joy without hesitation," Minh said.

His quiet dedication and sacrifice have earned him numerous prestigious awards in the education sector.

In kindergarten teacher competitions at the school, district, and provincial levels, Minh consistently achieves high results. The Ministry of Education and Training has recognized him for outstanding contributions to educating children with disabilities.

Caring for children is demanding, but teaching children with disabilities or autism is even more challenging. Yet, with his love, patience, and professional training, Minh has helped these children make significant progress, becoming more independent in personal hygiene, connecting with peers, and engaging with the world around them.

Ultimately, the greatest reward Minh receives is the affection and trust of his students, and the respect of their parents.

Currently, Minh is one of only two male kindergarten teachers in Quang Ninh. Across the country, there are more than 400 male preschool teachers.

Pham Thi Hien, the principal of Dong Mai Kindergarten, noted that Minh is highly skilled, loves children, and is deeply dedicated to his work. “Each year, the school provides sufficient materials and toys for the children as per regulations, but Minh always uses his own salary to buy more, wanting the children to have everything they need. At the start of each school year, his classroom is like a freshly painted canvas because he prioritizes improving the children’s learning and play environment,” Hien said.

Pham Cong