Across Việt Nam, the growing movement to integrate STEM into early childhood education is being shaped and advanced by the dedication of thousands of female preschool teachers. A recent feature by Thanh Niên highlights how these educators – who make up the vast majority of preschool teaching staff—are not only adapting to new methods but are also pioneering creative approaches that bring STEM learning to life for young children.
Their stories reflect a broader national shift: early childhood teachers are now playing a central role in preparing the next generation with foundational skills in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics, beginning from the very first years of learning.
Empowering Children Through Exploration and Hands-On Learning
One of the teachers featured in the article, Ms. Nguyễn Thị Thu Hiền , has become a representative example of how STEM can be applied successfully in preschool settings. With more than a decade of teaching experience, she shared that introducing STEM activities has transformed the way children learn—helping them become more confident, curious, and engaged.
In her classroom, everyday materials such as paper, water, sand, bottles, or simple household tools become resources for children to experiment with. Ms. Hiền emphasizes that preschool STEM does not require high-cost equipment; instead, it focuses on guiding children to observe, ask questions, predict outcomes, test ideas, and reflect on what they discover. This approach nurtures early scientific thinking and strengthens problem-solving skills in a natural, age-appropriate way.
The Crucial Role of Female Educators in Advancing STEM
The Thanh Niên report highlights that women account for over 95% of Việt Nam’s preschool workforce. This means that female teachers—not policymakers or curriculum experts—are the ones directly transforming STEM concepts into real learning experiences for children.
Their commitment is evident in the way they continuously improve their teaching methods, adapt lessons for different age groups, and design hands-on activities that encourage exploration. Many teachers voluntarily join training programs, workshops, and online communities to deepen their understanding of STEM and share best practices with colleagues nationwide.
These efforts have become an essential part of the larger mission to ensure that Vietnamese children receive an early foundation in creativity, critical thinking, collaboration, and communication—skills that are increasingly vital in today’s rapidly changing world.
STEM Helps Children Build Foundations for Future Competencies
As highlighted in the article, preschool STEM activities help children:
- Develop curiosity and a desire to explore
- Strengthen observation and reasoning skills
- Learn to collaborate and communicate with peers
- Gain confidence through self-directed discovery
- Apply knowledge to everyday situations
For young learners, these are not abstract skills—they form the foundation for future academic growth and life-long learning. Teachers like Ms. Hiền report that children participating in regular STEM activities often show stronger concentration, better problem-solving abilities, and more active participation in class.
Challenges That Teachers Continue to Overcome
Despite their success, many preschool teachers face real challenges. STEM is still relatively new in early childhood education, and not all schools have access to training or materials. Teachers often spend additional time learning new activities, preparing resources, and designing experiential lessons.
Even so, the passion for children’s development drives these educators to persevere. They believe that investing effort in STEM today will give children stronger foundations for tomorrow—especially as Việt Nam continues to prioritize innovation, digital transformation, and high-quality human-capital development.
VANPPE’s Commitment to Supporting Teachers
As the national association representing non-public preschools, The Vietnam Association for Non-public Preschool Education (VANPPE) recognizes the extraordinary contribution of female teachers in advancing STEM education. Their dedication demonstrates that effective STEM integration does not rely solely on technology or equipment but on the creativity, skill, and heart of the teacher.
VANPPE remains committed to:
- Supporting teacher training and professional development
- Promoting the sharing of STEM teaching models and resources
- Encouraging collaboration among non-public preschool institutions
- Creating opportunities for educators to showcase innovation and excellence
Honoring the Educators Who Inspire a New Learning Culture
The rise of STEM in Việt Nam’s preschools is, at its core, a story about teachers – especially women – who are quietly but powerfully shaping the future. Through their daily work, they spark curiosity, nurture confidence, and open doors to new possibilities for every child.
Their contributions form an essential part of Việt Nam’s broader educational progress, and they deserve recognition not only as teachers but as pioneers of early STEM education.
>> Source: Thanh Niên Newspaper
