Ho Chi Minh's thoughts on the teaching profession

“Bathed in the radiant glory of the sunlight, no profession stands more noble than the vocation of teaching” (J. A. Comenius). Since antiquity, the teaching vocation has been regarded with the highest esteem - as the vocation that nurtures the future of the nation and yields the fruit of life. Given the immense significance of education in general and the teacher in particular, President Ho Chi Minh articulated his admiraion with eloquence, calling educators “unsung heroes”. He delineated the moral standards essential for teachers: a deep devotion to the profession; pedagogical and research creativity; mastery of subject ‑ matter; and upholding personal integrity, ethical conduct, and a respectful lifestyle. Teachers should show affection toward students, solidarity with colleagues, and respect for the people. Above all, Ho Chi Minh insisted that each educator must possess steadfast political conviction. In the contemporary era of rapid scientific and technological transformation, educators face multifaceted pressures. Thus, the study of Ho Chi Minh’s educational thought holds profound practical relevance in shaping Vietnam’s teaching workforce today.