Conversation with the champion of “Talented Teachers” contest

For the Education sector, Vietnamese Teacher’s Day on November 20 is a significant occasion to honor and receive heartfelt appreciation from students, Parents, and loved ones for all teachers. On this occasion, RT Holdings has organized numerous engaging activities to recognize and celebrate the talents and dedication of the teaching staff within the Group. Among them, the “Talented Teachers” contest stands out, providing teachers with the opportunity to showcase their abilities and effectively utilize creative teaching aids, thereby innovating teaching methods and enhancing the spirit of creativity within the educational programs of the Group.

After three weeks of announcing the competition, the Organizing Committee received over 60 entries from teachers of WASS, PennSchool, and SISS with excellently produced and dedicated video productions. After the voting and scoring period, the competition identified its outstanding winner deserving of the first prize – Mr. John Amalio Umahag II. He also received the “Most Loved Video at PennSchool” award.

Readers are invited to meet and listen to the insights and sharing from Mr. John!

1. Could you please share your thoughts upon winning first place in this contest?

Hello Teachers and staff! First and foremost, I would like to express my deepest gratitude to my beloved colleagues for their constant encouragement and support. Winning this competition has truly filled me with overwhelming joy. It is not only a notable achievement in my educational career but also a significant source of motivation that empowers me to maintain confidence and further expand my creative capabilities.

2. Could you share the talents you presented in the “Talented Teachers” contest?

I created a painting that explores the theme of embracing your inner light and having faith in yourself. 

At times, we may feel discouraged and overwhelmed by the challenges and hardships we face, which can cast a shadow over our lives. However, it is during these difficult moments that we have the opportunity to grow and develop resilience. It is important to recognize that we are the source of our own light, capable of bringing brightness to the lives of those around us. It is crucial to remember that the path to success is not always straightforward, but with determination and perseverance, we can overcome any obstacles and fulfill our dreams.

3. How do you feel about the enthusiastic support and votes from teachers and colleagues for your performance?

Winning both the Most Popular Video Award at Pennschool and the overall competition has been an incredible honor, and I couldn’t have achieved it without the cheers and votes of my fellow teachers. It truly warms my heart to receive such recognition and support. I am overjoyed and humbled by the outcome, and I wanted to personally thank you for taking the time to cast your vote in my favor. Your belief in me and your willingness to support my work means a lot to me.

4. If you were to use three words to describe this contest, which three words would you choose and why?

 If I were to use 3 words to describe this competition, I would choose these 3 words: 

• Cherish: because this is one of the great events the company held this school year to honor and cherish the talents of our beloved teachers.

• Appreciated: because all the participating teachers’ hard work is well appreciated.

• Magical: because it gives sparks to all teachers to show their talents.

5. What are your perceptions of the professional contest that the Group organized for the teaching staff?

Not only myself, but many teachers within the Group really appreciate competitions like “Talented Teachers.” Through events and activities like this year’s, I can see the Group’s recognition of the contributions of its members. All participants demonstrated thorough preparation, aligning their content with the spirit of the competition. I would like to express my gratitude to RT Holdings for providing us, teachers, the opportunity to showcase our talents and passions. Competitions like these not only boost our confidence in pursuing our passions but also serve as occasions for teachers to learn from each other and further develop professionally.

6. Do you have any words for the teachers who participated in the competition as well as for all the members of RT Holdings?

To all the teachers who joined the competition, Congratulations to all of us! This only shows that we teachers are passionate and talented educators. To my PennSchool family, thank you very much for cheering me up and showing your full effort in supporting me in this competition. To all members under the shared roof of RT Holdings, thank you so much for your warmth towards the video I created. I hope the message I intended to convey in the video brings valuable insights into life for everyone. Your encouragement and support have contributed to creating special moments in my life, and I feel fortunate for your presence on this knowledge-building journey. Finally, I would like to send my gratitude to all my beloved teachers. Thank you for bringing magical moments that help the future generation grow and conquer big dreams. Congratulations on Vietnamese Teacher’s Day!