The Unexpected Honor: A Reflection on a Distinguished Teaching Award
It all started with a simple email. My principal had forwarded me the nomination form for the Princeton University Prize for Distinguished Secondary School Teaching, an honor reserved for just one educator per middle or high school in New Jersey. My first thought wasn't about winning; it was a conversation I'd had with a friend who had won a similar award. "The first step is to apply," she told me. That simple advice spurred me into action. I wasn't entirely sure my work was "innovative" enough to win such a prestigious award, but I knew I wanted to at least try. With that choice made, the rest of the process became a journey fueled by the incredible support I received from my principal, my colleagues, and my former students. Their belief in my work inspired me to see the process through, proving that the decision to apply was a step of faith.
Four outstanding N.J. secondary school teachers honored at Princeton Commencement (Courtesy of Princeton University)
The Journey
What followed was a six-month process that was both rigorous and deeply personal. I compiled a comprehensive dossier, a detailed snapshot of my teaching philosophy and its practical application. This wasn't just a list of my accomplishments; it was a narrative supported by the voices of those who know my work best. It included letters of recommendation from my principal, a colleague, and two students. After reviewing the submissions, ten finalists were selected for an on-campus visit from a Princeton representative. They observed my class and met with me, my administrators, and my students. It was a powerful experience to see my work through their eyes, and to hear their reflections. As one student shared, "Dr. Nguyen’s ability to foster growth and innovation in her students has had a profound ripple effect. She is shaping the future of the next generation of innovators.”
The Evolution of a Teaching Philosophy
My teaching journey is a series of steps, each one building on the last, that started with a key observation. When I first started teaching at the college level, I saw that many students were focused on memorization rather than true understanding. This led me to a significant decision: to return to high school education to inspire a different kind of learning. I began by teaching content-heavy courses like AP Biology and AP Chemistry, but with a twist. It wasn't about memorizing chemical equations or the phases of mitosis. Instead, it was about showing students that science is everywhere—like understanding how a pressure cooker works. I wanted them to see the world in a scientifically enlightened way.
My vision for hands-on, inquiry-based learning grew with each new opportunity. I was given the chance to tour other schools in our STEM ecosystem and study their programs, which eventually led to the opportunity to design and oversee the construction of our Innovation Lab. This makerspace became a home for passion projects and our new robotics program. The Robotics Program provided an outlet for students to challenge themselves beyond the confines of a textbook, fostering remarkable energy and passion. The Innovation Lab also gave students the tools to pursue their own interests, nurturing their creativity and curiosity.
Our school later adopted project-based learning school-wide. I offered to develop a Design Thinking course from scratch to train students to think differently and creatively, to succeed at PBL. With each of these new steps, not only did my students gain a deeper understanding of the world, but my own capabilities and vision as an educator grew too.
A Capstone Moment and a New Beginning
Being recognized as one of four recipients from across New Jersey at Princeton University's Commencement was an incredible capstone to this journey. But the award isn't just a personal honor; it's a testament to the power of a student-centered approach to education that will shape the next generation of leaders and thinkers. The reflection process also helped me see the value of my experience in a new light, giving me the confidence to step outside my comfort zone to grow my educational consulting venture.
Additional coverage:
Four outstanding N.J. secondary school teachers honored at Princeton Commencement by Rebekah Schroeder, Office of Communications, Princeton University
Dr. Nguyen Accepts Princeton Prize for Distinguished Secondary Teaching by Camden Catholic High School
Dr. Nguyen Honored with Princeton Prize for Distinguished Secondary School Teaching by Camden Catholic High School
