Top 11 Educators with the Greatest Contributions in Vietnam's History

Educator Nguyen Binh Khiem, commonly known as Trạng Trình, was also regarded as one of Vietnam's greatest prophets. Born into a family with deep scholarly roots, he demonstrated extraordinary intelligence from a young age. However, like many other wise figures, Nguyen Binh Khiem showed little interest in a political career. It wasn't until the reign of Mạc Đăng Doanh that he passed the imperial exam and became the top scholar, dedicating himself to the service of the king and country. After the death of Mạc Thái Tông, with the political chaos and corruption that followed, Nguyen Binh Khiem submitted a petition to punish 18 corrupt officials, but his request was denied. In 1542, he retired to his hometown, becoming a scholar and opening a school in the village of Lý Học, Vĩnh Bảo, Hải Phòng. He taught and mentored several renowned students, including Nguyen Du and Phung Khac Khoan.

Nguyen Binh Khiem is widely recognized not only as an educator but also as a brilliant strategist and geopolitical visionary far ahead of his time. His counsel to the ruling Mạc, Lê - Trịnh, and Nguyễn dynasties had a profound impact on the course of Vietnamese history, influencing Southeast Asia's geopolitical landscape for centuries. Many historians believe that Nguyen Binh Khiem may have been the first to recognize Vietnam's sovereignty over the East Sea as early as the 16th century. He is also credited with being one of the first to use the term 'Vietnam' consciously as the national name, a concept immortalized in his poems and writings. As a result, he is regarded as Vietnam's greatest prophet, and his famous prophecies, known as 'Sấm Trạng Trình,' are still passed down today. Both the Đại Nam nhất thống chí and Đại Nam thực lục tiền biên historical records confirm his predictive abilities and his influence on the decision to move southward during the Nguyễn dynasty.

Le Quy Don (1726 - 1784) was a distinguished scholar, educator, and scientist during the Later Le Dynasty. From a young age, he gained fame for his exceptional intelligence, insatiable thirst for knowledge, and remarkable memory, earning him the title of a 'prodigy.' His vast knowledge in many fields earned the admiration of Korean envoys who praised him highly. In addition to his scholarly achievements, he was a respected and talented teacher whose students went on to hold important positions in the royal court, including figures like Bui Huy Bich and Bui Bich Tuu. Le Quy Don passed away in 1784, leaving behind a priceless legacy of scholarly works in various fields, including geography, literature, and history.

Le Quy Don is best known for his extensive works on Vietnam’s history, geography, and culture. His historical and geographical contributions include the renowned *Dai Viet Thong Su* (also known as *Le Trieu Thong Su*), a 30-volume record of over a century of the Later Le dynasty, from Le Thai To to Le Cung Hoang. Some of his other famous works include *Phu Bien Tap Luc* (6 volumes), which documents the social conditions of the central region of Vietnam in the 18th century, and *Van Dai Loai Ngu* (9 volumes), the most comprehensive encyclopedia of the time, covering topics from cosmology to philosophy, literature, language, and social customs. Additionally, he authored several books on classical texts, poetry, and historical research. In the preface to his work *Kien Van Tieu Luc*, Le Quy Don humbly stated that during his travels in public service, he took the time to observe, listen, and record everything he encountered, even adding his own commentary, which was later compiled by his assistants into his written works.

The hometown of “La Son Phu Tu” Nguyen Thiep (1723 - 1804), now known as Ha Tinh province, is famous for producing many extraordinary scholars and intellectuals. Growing up in this intellectually rich environment, Nguyen Thiep exhibited a deep passion for learning and expanding his knowledge. His keen understanding of geography, awareness of the political landscape, and ability to foresee historical developments set him apart. Driven by a desire to share wisdom and impart moral teachings, he chose to live a life of simplicity and devoted himself to traveling and teaching. Everywhere he went, he was revered and respected.

Admiring the wisdom and integrity of “La Son Phu Tu” Nguyen Thiep (1723 - 1804), King Nguyen Hue invited him three times to serve the royal cause. His contributions were crucial to the military victories of King Quang Trung, particularly during the battle against the Qing forces. In late 1791, he officially joined the Tây Sơn dynasty as the Director of the Sùng Chính Institute, where he played a pivotal role in advancing cultural and educational reforms. He was instrumental in establishing the Nôm script as the official writing system of Vietnam and worked alongside his colleagues to translate important classical Chinese texts into Nôm. Nguyen Thiep’s contributions cemented his place as a key figure in Vietnam’s educational and cultural history.

Nguyen Dinh Chieu is widely recognized for his renowned works such as 'Luc Van Tien', 'Duong Tu - Ha Mau', and 'Van Te Nghia Si Can Giuoc'. His literary style reveals a clear-cut stance on morality, advocating righteousness and justice. A devoted son, a respected teacher, and a compassionate healer, he dedicated his life to education and medicine, helping the people while also fighting for his country's independence. Through his writing, Nguyen Dinh Chieu used the pen as a weapon against foreign invaders, rejecting all temptations from the enemy. His reputation among the people is one of admiration and affection, and he is hailed as a pioneer of patriotic literature that resists foreign aggression.

Nguyen Dinh Chieu was a Confucian scholar with high moral integrity, living by the principles of righteousness, even in the face of personal hardships such as blindness and political turmoil. Despite these challenges, he maintained his dignity and became known not only for his filial piety and exemplary teaching but also for his poetry that expressed love for the nation. His poetic philosophy was consistent: he believed in using literature to uphold virtues and fight for the righteous cause. In other words, his poetry was a tool to 'guide morality, correct society, and educate people.' Thus, every line he wrote was a reflection of fairness, praise, and criticism, with a deep affection for the people and the nation. In works such as 'Chay Giac', 'Van Te Nghia Si Can Giuoc', and 'Luc Tinh Si Dan Tran Vong', he fiercely condemned the French colonial invaders, criticized the weak ruling dynasty, and celebrated the courage and heroism of the people in their resistance. This period marked the peak and brilliance of Nguyen Dinh Chieu's literary career.

Professor and Revolutionary Intellectual Dang Thai Mai was born and raised in a patriotic family, which inspired his profound love for his country from an early age. Throughout his life, from his school days to his active participation in the resistance against French colonialism, Dang Thai Mai was deeply involved in revolutionary movements while also dedicating himself to teaching. He was always focused on the development of education, nurturing cultural and artistic talents. A highly passionate and serious educator, he was born into a scholarly Confucian family in Luong Dien village, Thanh Chuong district, Nghe An province. He inherited a wealth of knowledge from both sides of his family, and had the potential to become an esteemed scholar had the country not been invaded. Despite the many responsibilities he took on throughout his life, Dang Thai Mai dedicated significant time and energy to teaching, research, and writing, leaving behind a legacy of invaluable works in social science, humanities, and cultural studies.

It can be said that the career, style, and persona of Dang Thai Mai represent a harmonious blend of various cultural influences—a fortunate intersection of ancient and modern, Eastern and Western, Northern and Southern traditions. He was well-versed in Chinese and Eastern culture, yet also deeply immersed in the “French essence” and Western intellectualism. His persona combined the deep, reflective nature of an experienced scholar with the youthful enthusiasm of a passionate learner. Those close to him recall his simplicity, accessibility, and openness in daily life, yet when engaged in any task, he was always thorough, serious, and dedicated. He embodied the depth of Eastern philosophy with a touch of Western humor. His daughter, Professor Dang Thi Hanh, who followed in his scholarly footsteps, shared that in both life and work, her father was always serious, caring, and attentive.

Nguyen Như Kon Tum was the first rector of Hanoi University of Science. In 1932, he earned a scholarship to study at the Sorbonne University in Paris. With his exceptional intelligence and dedication to learning, he obtained a Master’s degree in Physics and Chemistry with honors after six years. Upon returning to Vietnam in 1941, he began teaching at Bưởi School, helping establish the first Vietnamese-language higher education curriculum in the country. During the period of national resistance against French colonialism, he served as Director of the Secondary Education Department and dedicated himself to building the national secondary education system, including creating a set of Physics textbooks for schools across Vietnam.

In addition to his role as the founding rector of Hanoi University of Science, Professor Nguyen Như Kon Tum significantly contributed to the development of the university system in southern Vietnam after 1975. He remained committed to the cause of “educating the nation” throughout his life, continuing to contribute to educational projects well into his late years. At almost 80 years old, he was still involved in editing the Physics section of the Vietnamese Encyclopedia. Beyond education, Nguyen Như Kon Tum was an active public figure, serving as a member of the National Assembly in the II, III, and IV terms, as well as holding several positions within the Vietnam Fatherland Front, the Vietnam General Confederation of Labor, the Vietnam Education Union, the World Education Union, and the Vietnam-France Friendship Association.

Phan Bội Châu (1867–1940) was a renowned scholar and a revolutionary figure in Vietnam during the French colonial period.

Coming from a modest background, he supported himself by teaching and studying. In the 1897 imperial exams, he passed the secondary school level but was unjustly accused of smuggling forbidden books in his clothing by his friend, Trần Văn Lương. As a result, he was permanently banned from sitting for further exams.

After this setback, Phan Bội Châu moved to Huế to teach, where his talent was recognized. The local officials appealed to Emperor Thành Thái to pardon him, and as a result, he passed the provincial exam in 1900, coming first (Giải nguyên) in Nghệ An.

In response to the foreign invasion of Vietnam, Phan Bội Châu founded the Duy Tân Society and went to Japan seeking assistance to organize the Đông Du Movement, though it ended in failure. He passed away on December 29, 1940, in Huế.

Phan Bội Châu’s legacy is honored through the naming of numerous schools and streets across Vietnam, including a high school in Nghệ An and a major street in Hanoi and Hạ Long.

The late Prime Minister Phạm Văn Đồng once said: "Teacher Nguyễn Ngọc Ký represents extraordinary perseverance and determination, serving as an inspiring example for today’s youth, especially those with disabilities to follow."

Despite many challenges and hardships throughout his education and teaching career, on November 20, 1992, Nguyễn Ngọc Ký became the first teacher to receive the title of Excellent Teacher while writing with his foot. His life seemed to be on a steady path, but health issues continued to challenge him. In 1993, after receiving treatment for nephritis in Ho Chi Minh City, his health significantly deteriorated.

From 1994 to 2005, he was assigned to observe classes, take notes, summarize lessons, and offer feedback. His daily tasks included attending secondary school lessons, sitting at the back of the class, and taking notes on the teacher’s points. At home, he would write his observations, sometimes staying up all night. His insightful contributions became excellent theoretical papers based on real-world teaching experience.

Teacher Nguyễn Ngọc Ký became a beacon of hope and inspiration for countless generations of students. Many individuals have gone on to succeed in life, guided by the inspiration and ideals of this teacher with a disability.

Hồ Chí Minh is globally recognized as the respected leader of the Vietnamese people. Alongside his political role, he was also a renowned poet and a dedicated educator. As teacher Nguyễn Tất Thành, he was cherished by his students for his wholehearted commitment and his gentle, thoughtful teaching style. After the success of the August Revolution, as President of the newly independent Vietnam, Hồ Chí Minh continued to prioritize education, despite the many pressing tasks at hand. He firmly believed that "a nation that is illiterate is a weak nation," and therefore, upon independence, he called for a national literacy campaign and for people to learn the national language.

Throughout his presidency, Hồ Chí Minh was deeply invested in the education system and the future of Vietnam’s youth. On the first day of the school year, he sent a letter to students across the country, encouraging them to focus on their studies so that Vietnam could “stand shoulder to shoulder with the great powers of the world.” The words from his letter left a lasting impression on generations of students, guiding the nation’s path toward development through education.

Teacher Nguyễn Tất Thành - Hồ Chí Minh was not only a brilliant leader but also a great teacher, a revolutionary hero, and a prominent intellectual. His entire life was devoted to the service of the Vietnamese people. Throughout his life, he placed a high value on moral education for Party members, youth, and students. He embodied revolutionary morality and serves as a shining example for teachers and students to strive towards.

For Nguyễn Tất Thành, teaching was temporary, but his passion for instilling love for the country and a sense of national destiny in his students was permanent. He was deeply loved by his students for his compassion and his subtle yet impactful way of teaching. He often reminded them: "Literacy is like eyesight; without it, one is blind." Without education, a person is insignificant in the world, and those without it are destined to serve the powerful. He urged his students to reflect on their purpose: “Do you learn to become a person who serves the people, or simply for personal gain?”

Chu Văn An is revered as one of Vietnam's greatest educators and is widely recognized for his pivotal role in bringing Confucianism to the country. Despite being a highly educated man, having passed the imperial exams during the Tran dynasty, he chose not to seek a government post. Instead, he returned to his hometown in Thanh Đàm (now Thanh Trì, Hanoi), where he opened a school and began teaching the people. His deep knowledge, noble character, and passion for education attracted thousands of students, with many of them becoming renowned figures themselves, such as Phạm Sư Mạnh and Lê Quát. His fame spread far and wide, reaching the royal court, and he was appointed as the Vice-Principal of the Quốc Tử Giám (the first national university of Vietnam). There, he contributed greatly to the education of the young emperor Trần Hiến Tông and helped expand the university. He also authored the first curriculum for the institution, known as 'Tứ thư thuyết ước.'

In 1357, after the death of King Minh Tông, the political situation became unstable, and the country was plagued by corruption and misrule. Chu Văn An, in his frustration, presented a petition calling for the execution of seven corrupt officials, but his request was denied. Disheartened by the state of affairs, he retired to the mountains of Phượng Hoàng in Chí Linh, Hải Dương, where he lived a quiet life, devoting himself to teaching, poetry, and research. He passed away in these mountains, leaving behind a legacy as a timeless teacher and an outstanding figure in the history of Vietnamese education.

Chu Văn An’s educational philosophy was rooted in humanistic principles. He believed that education should be available to everyone, regardless of their social status, and that learning should go hand in hand with practical application. He emphasized the importance of lifelong learning, not only to acquire knowledge but also to contribute to society. His ideas influenced many generations of Vietnamese people and had a lasting impact on the development of humanistic values both in Vietnam and across the region. His progressive educational views were ahead of their time, aligning closely with contemporary global educational ideals.

Although General Võ Nguyên Giáp is internationally renowned for his military genius, he also holds a prominent place in the hearts of the Vietnamese people as an educator – a teacher of history. Having been a history teacher himself, General Giáp always maintained a deep interest in the education sector. For him, education was not only about improving the general public’s knowledge and training human resources, but also about elevating cultural values, promoting ethical standards, and driving social progress. As an educator, he made significant contributions to Vietnam’s education system, particularly in the field of history, with his invaluable teaching experience and methods.

During his lifetime, General Võ Nguyên Giáp authored numerous articles – hundreds of them. Central to his writing was his strategic vision for building a new socialist Vietnam, and his advocacy for the holistic development of individuals. His ideas focused on modernizing and reforming education, particularly in terms of content and methodology. General Giáp often shared with educators, leaders, students, and the public his belief that “Education and training have a dual mission: to increase people’s knowledge, train human resources, and foster talent, but also to create value-driven guidance in culture, ethics, aesthetics, and spirit, which are essential to the progress of society. Education is the purpose of life, for people, and for life itself.”