"I admire teacher Bui Van Phuc because he always has a way to face tough situations calmly. From him, I have learned a lot of skills not only in class but also in life. It is calmness, composure, and not being afraid of any difficulties that are the qualities of an ideal man I want to follow," said Tran Minh Duy, 12th grader of Physics Class 1 at Hanoi-Amsterdam High School for the Gifted.

"He is able to make lessons simple and understandable. Many of my classmates and I have come out of fear to love physics and science subjects," Mai Nhat Minh, an Amsterdam graduate, told The Hanoi Times when he learned that his respected teacher had been honored as an Outstanding Citizen of the Capital.

The teacher they are singing the praises of is outstanding teacher Bui Van Phuc, vice principal of Hanoi-Amsterdam High School for the Gifted, who is one of the ten excellent people to be named "Outstanding Citizens of the Capital in 2023" by the Hanoi People's Committee for their remarkable contributions to the city's development.

Outstanding teacher Bui Van Phuc teaches physics to 12th graders at Hanoi-Amsterdam High School for the Gifted. Photo: Thanh Tung

Born in 1962, Teacher Bui Van Phuc's professional qualifications and enthusiasm have convinced his colleagues and students and earned the trust of his superiors. From his position as a teacher, he was promoted to head of the physics department and vice principal in charge of the subject.

"Many people think science teachers are often stiff or reserved, but Bui Van Phuc has a poetic soul. His simplicity and caring always make colleagues and students feel that every problem is easier to solve, every exercise is more interesting". Teacher Tran Thuy Duong, Principal of Hanoi-Amsterdam High School for the Gifted, spoke about her respected colleague.

Phuc's passion for teaching and physics has spread to many generations of teachers and students at the school. Pham Bich Hang, Phuc's student and now his colleague at Hanoi-Amsterdam High School, told local media: "The title of Outstanding Citizens of the Capital is a worthy recognition of Phuc's efforts and contributions to the cause of education. This is not only a source of pride for the generations of students who have been fortunate to be his students, but also a motivation for us to continue to strive and learn from him".

Teacher Phuc, vice principal of the Hanoi-Amsterdam High School for the Gifted, shares his expertise with his colleagues. Photo: Minh Anh

With nearly 40 years of teaching experience, as a professional leader, Phuc and his staff have made many contributions to students winning prizes in national and international exams. From 2017 to 2023, Amsterdam students have won more than 500 national prizes and 72 international prizes. In the 2022-2023 school year alone, they pocketed 100 national prizes and seven prizes at the International Astronomy and Astrophysics Olympiad.

Phuc's colleagues and students' greatest achievement is the recognition of Amsterdam School's excellence in astronomy and physics. Although this is a subject not included in Vietnam's general education curriculum, it does not make it difficult for Phuc and his students.

Speaking to The Hanoi Times about being awarded the title of Outstanding Citizen, Phuc said: "This is an honor, pride and great joy for me after many years of effort and dedication to teaching. It is also a recognition of the contributions and dedication of not only myself but also the entire staff and teachers of Hanoi-Amsterdam High School for the Gifted to the capital's education sector. I always keep in mind how to be worthy of the trust of my students and their parents".

Exchange of experiences between teacher Phuc and his colleagues. Photo: Minh Anh

Phuc is always interested in preparing his successors, with many teachers winning high prizes in the Excellent Teacher exams at all levels. He and the leadership of Hanoi-Amsterdam High School for the Gifted have received the Vietnamese Government's Emulation Flag and many certificates of merit from the Ministry of Education and the Hanoi People's Committee.

For his contributions and dedication to the cause of education, Phuc was awarded the title of "Outstanding Teacher" by the President of Vietnam in 2017. He was twice awarded a Certificate of Merit by the Chairman of the Hanoi People's Committee, among many other titles and awards.

Many of Bui Van Phuc's initiatives and scientific research are highly valued by the Hanoi Department of Education and are applied in teaching in schools, such as Designing a Solid Mechanics Exercise System for the National Excellent Competition, Methods of Solving and Selecting Nonlinear Physics Exercises to Prepare for the National Excellent Examination, and others.

Respecting the differences and creativity of students

Referring to the principles and values when working as a teacher, Phuc confided: "For me, the two words are virtue and talent." He stressed that students must have good personality and knowledge. "I always respect creativity and students who want to be different," Phuc said.

Class time is full of fun for both teacher Phuc and his students. Photo: Thanh Tung

"Teachers must lead a life of virtue, and talent, and be respected by students, parents, colleagues, and society. They must be enthusiastic and have good professional skills to train talented and virtuous students," Phuc told The Hanoi Times.

At the age of retirement, Phuc wanted Hanoi-Amsterdam High School to successfully adapt to the trend of globalization, digital technology and digital transformation. "My students are not only excellent students who are outstanding citizens of the capital and the country, but also global citizens," he expressed his hope.

When asked why many of his teachers win excellent teacher awards at the city and district level, teacher Bui Van Phuc said: "I have always worked side by side with my colleagues with the desire to impart knowledge to my students and help them acquire comprehensive knowledge."