Top 20 Best Poems of Gratitude for Teachers

Author: Trần Đăng Khoa
Written in: 1967
Published in: Trần Đăng Khoa, Góc sân và khoảng trời, Nxb Văn hoá dân tộc, 1999

I personally have a deep admiration for the poetry of Trần Đăng Khoa, whose words, though simple, touch the deepest emotions of the reader. This poem is no different. With just a few short lines, it beautifully conveys the lovely lessons taught by the teacher—teaching us to love the sun, the trees, our homeland, the distant sound of paddles, the love of grandmothers, and a deep affection for poetry itself...

Poem:
I listen to the teacher read each day

His poetry brightens the sunshine, the trees, and the home

The sound of paddles echoes from afar

Gentle like the voice of my grandmother long ago
I hear the moonlight as the coconut trees sway
The soft rustling of the rain through the sky
I grow to love the sound of my mother's song, her laughter
I see the world, the land, and the sky in a whole new light…

Author: Nguyễn Quốc Đạt
"The teacher silently comes and goes, morning and night." This poem reminds us of the devoted teachers, who spend their lives "rowing the boat", bringing young minds across the river of knowledge, year after year. As the cycles of education continue, we begin to realize how quietly these teachers serve, with only the boat's hull and the gentle flow of the river as their constant companions.

Poem:
Time flows quietly, year after year
The boat tells stories of a distant past
The one who rows, who welcomes and bids farewell
Unconcerned by the falling dust at noon

Soaring like a kite in the sky
The students of yesterday have mostly forgotten
They’ve left the shore, forgotten the names
Now the river is silent, and laughter is gone

Dew falls bitter on this life
The teacher’s hair is white in the cold winter sky
His eyes weary from longing afar
A lonely tree stands amidst the river of time…

Author: Updating
This poem is a tribute to the early days of schooling.

Poem:
I still often remember autumn's glow
The golden daisies, soft as childhood's flow
The reading lessons from years gone by
Even now, I write poetry, reaching for the sky

The letter 'O', the teacher said, shape your lips just right
And oh, how hard it was, try as I might!
The fault lay with the dragonfly's red wings
Lost in play, I couldn’t recall a thing

Just that one wrong 'O' I couldn’t pronounce
It seemed to age my teacher by an ounce
When at last I understood this simple lesson
Teacher, your hair is white, a silent confession!

I understand, each strand of silver hair
Marks a generation that has learned to care
The earth feels like a dreamy sky above
The golden daisies reflect a carefree love

It marks the start of a long journey ahead
The old school path, where sweet scents spread
The first reading lessons of the dawn
For all my life, teacher, you’ve walked with me on and on...

Author: Updating
This poem is not just about what the teacher imparts, but also about the virtue of respecting and honoring those who lead us through the journey of knowledge. The gratitude towards those who have "rowed the boat of wisdom" across the river remains eternal.

Poem:
A lifetime—like a flowing river…
How many stand watching the shore?
"To cross the river, you must rely on the boat"
In life’s journey, we depend on those who guide us

Through years of sunshine and rain
The boat of knowledge carried many, through pain
Crossing the river, leaving behind smiles
A love for the teacher, lasting for miles

The wooden boat—hair touched by dew
Follows me through endless journeys anew
The riverbank still remains the same
While the teacher guides others across, in his name

Author: Updating
This poem captures the reunion between teacher and student, a serendipitous encounter that reveals how much both have changed. The lingering feeling of nostalgia stays with us long after we leave school.

The Poem:
We stop beneath the trees
A sense of longing as we see the teacher from long ago
The school remains the same, the memories unaltered
Yet, the teacher's figure stands tall, slender as ever

Still, the embrace feels infinite
Welcoming me as if no time has passed
Holding back tears, I hear the teacher’s warm voice, “Is that you, my child?”

The teacher’s call of my name still echoes in my mind
Even now, it feels as fresh as ever
My only wish is never to forget
“Stay true to yourself and never stray from the right path,” the teacher advised

Glory and fame will eventually fade
The lessons imparted by the teacher will remain forever etched in the heart
Though the teacher's hair is streaked with grey
His wisdom continues to guide me silently

Who could forget the boat crossing?
How could one forget the boatman who guided us to life’s shores?

Author: Doan Vi Thuong
As we are born, we are cradled by the lullabies of our mothers; as we grow, we are shaped by the lullabies of our teachers. This poem is the teacher’s lullaby, a melody that accompanies us from our first lessons to adulthood. Every profession has its own lullaby—some soft and soothing, others deep and reflective. Teaching is no different; this poem takes us from our earliest learning days to the present, passing on timeless values with every verse.

The Poem:
Every profession carries a lullaby
Whether gentle or rough, the teacher sings this tune
The lullaby of wind and clouds
The river of our mothers, the furrows of our fathers

Starting at the age of three
The teacher hums the familiar lullaby of our homeland
Love grows, and with it, longing
Love has no end, no final step!

The teacher's lullaby can’t be completed in a thousand verses
For learning to read is only a part of life’s journey
Your childhood was filled with dreams so vast
Wider than the sky, longer than the ages

Like a lullaby that kindles the soul
Like a flower within a leaf, a seed within a tree
The teacher's lullaby fills you with passion
Hoping your dreams will be fulfilled to the fullest.

Your mother sings you to sleep at night
But the teacher hums you awake with the dawn
In you, the seeds of knowledge grow
Never forget, your mother still works tirelessly for each grain of rice

From beneath the cool shade of the school’s roof
Let the lullaby guide you along your path
(The teacher may not always see it clearly
But your childhood always rolls forward like a spinning top!)

Yes, the teacher will grow old too
But will live on in every student’s life
For the teacher’s wisdom and chalk-dusted hands
Are the luggage that will always accompany him.

Author: Pham Minh Dung

This poem is a reflection of a student who, after ‘thousands of days’ without seeing their teacher, remembers the lessons learned and the words of encouragement that continue to echo in their mind. It speaks of how these teachings stay with us in moments of success and failure, guiding us through the ups and downs of life.

The Poem:
Me and my teacher
Two strangers, yet connected
Me and my teacher
Separated by generations

So many times I’ve asked myself
What has changed in these countless days apart?
The teachers who taught me in my youth
Remain with me, guiding me on this journey
Their words of encouragement follow me
Every time I stumble
Their reminders resonate with me

Through joy and sorrow, through highs and lows
The answer shines bright before me
For my teacher entrusted me with so much
Imparting the hopes of a father
The road ahead is long and winding
Yet my old teacher continues to guide me step by step!

Step by step, I move forward
With the memories of my teacher in my heart...

This poem expresses the deep feelings of a student who reunites with their teacher after many years. The words are simple, yet filled with sincere longing and affection.

The Poem: Oh Teacher!
(Dedicated to my former teacher at Nam Dinh Teacher’s College)

My whole life, I have been immersed in work
From dawn to dusk, never finding rest

My sorrow, carefully contained
My personal struggles, quietly set aside, yet filled with gratitude

Alone, I reflect
As the years pass by, like the drifting clouds

The frost and dew rustle the leaves
My once black hair now shows traces of hardship

Through countless trials and difficulties
Wrinkles and tired eyes reveal the weight of time

But I smile, ever hopeful
Embracing life with peace, finding joy in quiet moments

Translating beautiful verses, full of meaning
In serenity, I dip my brush, feeling life’s joy

Where has time gone?
I wish you peace, health, and fulfillment of your dreams

Poem by Nguyễn Hường
6/8/2019

Gratitude to the Teacher
Duoc Do
(Dedicated to Teacher Quynh Cu, my high school teacher - 1964)

This year, my teacher reaches ninety
Yet to me, you remain as vibrant as ever
Beside you, I find calm and tranquility
And I continue to learn more from your wisdom

We, your humble students,
Have succeeded by following your guidance
"The old school, its roof covered in moss..."
But nothing can obscure the enduring bond we share

Life brings both sun and rain
There are moments when I feel unsatisfied
But through both joy and hardship, love remains
Even in everyday moments, affection thrives

Only the bond between teacher and student
Remains as pure as water in a mountain lake

Your work and dedication
Will forever be remembered by society

The phrase "Teacher - Father - Mentor" will always stay
In my heart, etched for all eternity.

Vinh Yen, Spring of the Year of the Dog

Teacher!
Author: Nguyễn Đức Phúc.
(Dedicated to: Teacher Nguyễn Đình Hoàng Hiệp)

Throughout a lifetime of teaching
Retiring, leaving only memories behind
All that remains is a simple wooden desk
And the teacher sitting there, composing beautiful poetry
The words take flight on wings
Landing gently on the eyes of leaves, grass, and into the world.

Written again on 10/11/2018

Teacher-Student Bond

Dear teacher, I have grown up!
After so many years since leaving school.
I still remember every word you taught,
That being human means we must love and care.

Dear teacher, I have grown up!
Though today my hair is touched with grey.
Your words are forever engraved in my heart,
They continue to guide me on every path I take.

The bond between teacher and student, after all these years,
Feels as if we just met yesterday.
Still chirping in the warmth of your embrace,
Time’s mirror reflects that nothing has faded.

My wish is that you remain happy and healthy forever,
So that, no matter how far we roam,
We can always feel as though we are still children,
Hearing you teach us in class once again.

Author: Nghiêm Mẫn

My Teacher

(Dedicated to my homeroom teacher, Đinh Việt Hưng)

So many years have passed since then,
But today I meet my teacher again.
I recall the red blossoms of the phoenix tree,
And the distant memories it brings.

The school is still standing here,
The classroom where we learned with care.
Chirping birds gather from far and wide,
Returning from every corner of our homeland.

Back then, you were so young,
Your first time as our class leader.
The playful children with innocent mischief,
You kindly called out each of our names.

You taught us to love beauty,
Through every stroke and sentence written.
You taught us manners, respect, and grace,
Shaping our every gesture and word.

The river of life flows in all directions,
Through triumphs and trials alike.
The memories of you continue to flow,
In my heart, like an underground spring.

Decades have passed... in the blink of an eye,
We've moved away from the classroom and from you.
But we never forget the memories,
The childhood days that remain in our hearts.

Forever in the journey of our memories,
The call of “Teacher!” still echoes.
The beloved classroom of those days,
Will stay with me for all my life.

Phan Thu Hà

Wishing You Good Health, Teacher!
Poem by: Hoàng Minh Tuấn

Who gathered the wind, I do not know,
To send it through the streets at dawn and dusk,
Who hides the sun, making the world so faint,
Chasing autumn away, summoning the cold winter!

November rushed away too soon,
Bringing back memories of youthful days,
Years have passed since we parted ways,
The old school still holds memories that remain unchanged...

This November, I feel a tug at my heart,
Missing teachers, friends from near and far,
You taught me in my youth, I recall so clearly,
Now my hair too is turning grey!

How beautiful was that innocent childhood,
The bond between teacher and student, so profound!
All the joys, sorrows, and hardships of those days,
Still follow me and fill me with longing!

This November, as winter chills the streets,
No matter where you are, teacher, I will find you!
Collecting all the love from these years gone by,
I hope to send it all to you!

I wish you, dear teacher, endless good health,
So that in the years to come, we may return,
To share our dreams and passions with you,
And relive the days of childhood once again!

Hà Nội, 10/11/2018

Grateful to Teachers!
Poem by: Nguyễn Thị Khánh Hà

Halfway through life, I glance back and realize,
The innocent days, carrying books to school.
All those years, the figure of my beloved teachers
Remains deeply etched in my heart from those times.

Standing here in the schoolyard, I still hear
Your teachings, forever engraved as reminders.
These lessons were the tools that helped me face life,
And I can never forget the very first lesson you gave.

With nostalgia, I remember that childhood year,
So carefree, not fully grasping your teachings.
Then life swept me into its frantic pace,
And now I stop to reflect on all that has passed...

Your words, so profound and wise,
The seeds you planted have now grown tall.
This spring, like a fresh page in a book,
My heart feels warm, now that I too, am a teacher.

Grateful to Teachers
By: Phạm Hồng Soi

The love of parents, the kindness of teachers
Nothing compares to the fullness of their care.
Parents endure the sun and rain,
Sharing their meals and clothes, paving the way for their children.

Teachers shape and refine their students,
Hoping that each will shine when it’s time to recite.
They tirelessly guide us toward the future,
Planting seeds of hope and dreams that grow ever longer.

We pity the young who still struggle,
Many lost children left wandering the streets.
They miss out on the gift of schooling,
Surviving by selling their numbers, which is truly sad.

What you taught us, dear teachers,
Now resonates deeply within me as time passes.
We are forever indebted to you,
Your wisdom engraved in our hearts, echoing for eternity!
16.11.2018

Remembering the Teachers' Sacrifices
By: Hoàng Minh Tuấn

(Song thất lục bát traditional style)

From that day on, childhood memories linger,
Our school, a place of love and devotion.
I remember the farewell, so full of emotion,
And the friends and teachers, whom I miss so much!

How could I forget the kindness they gave?
My first dreams were nurtured by their hands.
Their teachings remain in my heart so brave,
And the school, the classroom, the mentors—those are my life’s stands!

The vast sky cannot compare to their boundless love,
The oceans wide with the depths of their care.
As a student, I vow to be true and loyal,
To cherish, to remember, with a heart so full and fair!

Forever etched in my heart is the desire to repay,
The dreams they ignited, I’ll carry every day.
Though far from school, I still remember their grace,
And the endless debt I owe, which time cannot erase!

Hà Nội, 12/11/2018

Let’s Visit the Teacher Together

Poem by: Hoàng Minh Tuấn

I return to visit the old school grounds,
Where memories come flooding back with nostalgia,
My heart keeps beating fast, feeling so emotional,
The school days filled with love, long ago!

I return to the place where dreams once grew,
The sweet aspirations of the school years,
Old days appear, haunting me as I go,
How could I forget the memories of youth!

The old school, the classrooms still remain,
The roof shelters us from sun and rain,
In the back of the school, the dormitory area,
I used to stay there... for so long, I swear!

Let me relive those childhood days once more,
Find the old place where time seemed to pause,
Hear again the bell ringing loud and clear,
Sing the national anthem in the morning haze!

The day we left, saying goodbye to youth,
We never knew how long the separation would be,
Now we return to where we were once so full of life,
Our once-blue hair now touched by age and time!

I dream of those distant, bygone years,
Turning back the pages of life’s first chapter,
I want to reignite the years full of energy,
Rekindling hopes and dreams from the beginning...

November is here... I miss the teacher so much, my friend!
Come back with me, let’s visit the teacher,
To relive the old days, our childhood so dear,
With the teacher, we’ll laugh and smile again!

Come with me to visit the teacher!

Hà Nội, 12/11/2018

Author: Ngân Hoàng
This poem is a heartfelt tribute from the author, as well as from countless generations of students, to their teacher. Many have come and gone, but the teacher remains, his hair turning silver with the passage of time, evoking a deep, bittersweet feeling—a mix of sorrow and reverence.

Poem:
A gust of wind blew fiercely this morning,
I noticed the teacher’s hair, now white as snow.
I told myself it must be chalk dust,
Yet my heart stirred, restless and unquiet.

How many years have passed? How many years, teacher?
Generations of students have gone, but you stay,
The chalk is your paddle, guiding our way,
Steering us towards the future, tirelessly.

Time, please halt, don’t rush away,
Let us bow once again, heads lowered in respect,
Calling your name with all our love and trust...

Author: Lê Ngọc
This poem is a heartfelt reflection from the author, a former student, who recalls his beloved teacher. It reflects on the memories of the lessons learned during school years, from vector expressions, binary systems, and geometry to inequalities in trigonometry...

Poem:
Friend, do you hear the sound of autumn’s arrival?
The yellow leaves fall gently, cool on the schoolyard.
The weak sunlight enters the classroom,
And autumn’s here, the chalk dust drifts in the air.

The teacher’s desk this afternoon, filled with fluctuating light and wind,
The classroom is cold, silent, and alone.
Has autumn passed again, only to return?
The years of our youth come, and then they go.

Friend, do you remember that autumn long ago?
Chalk dust fell, and our teacher’s hair grew whiter.
It seemed like autumn had passed on the teacher’s desk,
But under the classroom, students experienced the beauty of spring.

Teacher, I remember that autumn afternoon
When you taught us the angelic function.
I still remember that lovely function,
The small angel you taught us about.

Teacher, I remember the space distance formulas,
Geometry and trigonometry, so deep and wonderful.
The lesson that day filled with enthusiasm,
In your words, we learned Integrals and Derivatives.

I remember your familiar figure,
The sketch of the Circumscribed Sphere,
And the little bridge of Perpendicular lines,
Connecting two hearts with a straight line.

Teacher, do you know how much we love you?
Through all the lessons on coordinate geometry,
With rotations in three-dimensional space,
The truth of life in the OXY geometry.

Teacher, I remember the first lesson,
The lovely trigonometric equations,
The angle bisector problem symmetrical and precise,
Oh, how wonderful was that Cosine law.

Now I understand the combinations and probabilities,
The Binomial Theorem and continuous functions,
The limits, the logarithmic equations,
And the sunset on the curve of the graph.

Do you remember, my friend, our teacher,
Who introduced us to characteristic functions?
The high-level equations split and divided,
With perfect methods, and complementing combinations.

Autumn passes, and so do the lessons,
Yet those moments remain in our hearts,
With the teacher’s use of functions to solve Max-Min problems,
Tomorrow, the tangent derivative will shine brightly.

You taught us the lessons of life,
Like the Sun with its three Conic sections,
The deep, mysterious irrational equations,
Where we use substitution to reduce it to quadratic form.

The belief in us grows every day,
Like the exponential growth of e-lips,
And the longing for you increases today,
Like the arithmetic progression that never stops.

The bridge of knowledge, like the midline,
Ta-let in space, the theorem of similarity,
Teacher, today we understand the knowledge,
Not just rotation, translation, and the coordinate axis.

Although you’re gone, our hearts remain the same,
Hidden in the lessons of that autumn day.
Your faith, rooted at the coordinate origin,
The directional vector that guides us into life.

The road ahead, though filled with obstacles,
Friend, do not fear, for there is a vector path.
The complex number will break through the exam,
And the dual-plane wings will lift our knowledge higher.

Friend, do you remember that autumn so long ago?
The drizzling rain, the north wind, and the leaking classroom,
Yet the teacher remained absorbed in analytical geometry,
Spreading the wings of our dreams, solving the mathematical puzzles.

This evening’s rain passes by the window,
My heart tightens as I think of you, teacher,
Forever grateful, I vow to learn endlessly,
Striving for a better tomorrow to build our nation.

Our class is full of powers and exponents,
With exponential growth, we will build our country.
Even as we grow endlessly, or decrease infinitely,
In our hearts, there remains the warmth of a cube.

Forever etched in our hearts, the moments of our youth,
Innocent and bright, full of faith and hope.
The sun of our lives, the sun at the teacher’s desk,
The years at school, the image that never fades.
_----------- Lê Ngọc -----------_

Author: Tạ Nghi Lễ

Dear teacher, this afternoon's lesson
I left it outside the classroom door
Under the old phoenix tree, I lay listening to birds sing
I transformed into a butterfly and a flower

Dear teacher, the homework from yesterday
I locked it away in a drawer
Lost in the whirl of life’s passing moments
I swirled around in graceful circles, skating through the day

Dear teacher, beside a cup of black coffee
I waste time with smoke curling in the air
I live for myself, never dreaming
Who will I become? Who will I be?

Dear teacher, tonight as I pass by your house
I still see the warm glow of the moon
You sit at the desk, so still
Preparing lessons with a faint cough

Dear teacher, to give and receive: such a simple truth
Why do I keep forgetting this lesson?
Now that I finally understand
How can I apologize to you?