About the Teacher

SCHOOL: Kennedy Middle School

CLASS: 6th grade - Room 12

SCHOOL PHONE: 408-253-1525 EXT 212, email: nguyen_viet@cusdk8.org

About The Teacher

I graduated from UC Davis in 1996 with a B.S. degree in Neurobiology, Physiology, and Behavior, and I received my multiple-subject teaching credentials from Santa Clara University in 2004. Before becoming a teacher, I worked in the biotech industry for about six and a half years at Incyte Pharmaceuticals. I wouldn't trade those years for anything, as that experience has benefited me in the teaching profession. Gaining knowledge of what it takes to be professional, troubleshooting skills in the production/research lab and technological side, being flexible, working closely with various departments, and always having a team mentality have been keys to my success in the classroom. This will be my 22nd year of teaching.

My Philosophy:

Students learn best through creativity, perseverance, positivity, personal connections, flexibility, and reflecting on daily learning. Learning is a lifelong adventure and journey, so I hope to help students understand that the process of learning is the true reward. Learning through all our experiences and having confidence and belief in ourselves and each other will be the key to our success. I take pride in giving students the utmost respect and will make my best effort to meet each student's individual needs, academically and socially. Each day, we will strive to get better as students and human beings. All it takes is a good attitude and effort.

Together, we stand. Together, we dream, believe, and succeed.

My Life:

I'm the youngest of five children growing up in San Jose. I felt fortunate to be the youngest because I always looked up to my older siblings and learned so much from all of them. Without my siblings and parents, I would not be the person I am today; I'm only the youngest by 4 minutes. I enjoy being creative, storytelling, making people laugh, being active (sports and especially being outdoors), helping others, and maintaining a positive attitude in everything I do. The best part of life is learning and experiencing new things. Life is an adventure, so I try to appreciate every moment.

I'm currently living in Santa Clara and am married to my beautiful wife, Natalie. We do not have any children, but we have many nieces and nephews (five nieces and three nephews) who are a joy to watch grow up. We also enjoy taking walks around the neighborhood, exploring the outdoors (our favorite trips thus far are hiking in Mount Rainier and Glacier National Park), and relaxing at home. This past summer, we returned to the State of Washington for a ten-day visit to explore the area and enjoy the outdoors; our fifth time back in the last ten years; I grew up in Washington until we moved to San Jose, CA midway through my kindergarten year. Other things I love include playing basketball and golf. I also coach basketball and volleyball at Kennedy Middle School. At the high school level, I'm an assistant coach for Boys' Junior Varsity Basketball at Monta Vista High School. 

I'm always excited to meet new students and their families and welcome them into our school community. Getting to know the students and making them feel comfortable and safe in our school community is very important. I'm always looking forward to the challenge of preparing students for their future.

Together and Forever

The time has come for us to share our class
As one
As one, we will share
Our dreams
Our hopes
Our faith
With one another
With one another, we will support each other
With our warmth
With our hearts
With our love
With our love, we will share
New lessons
New experiences
New memories
Together
Together and forever

As a class, we will help one another, care for one another, and guide one another. Your child will be given every opportunity for success and will receive the utmost respect from me and the other children. I will also give your child my best efforts. I’m looking forward to the new year and wish us all great success together!

Yours truly,
Mr. Viet Nguyen

Mission For The Class

Today I will do my best to be the best.

I will listen.

I will be responsible by following directions THE FIRST TIME THEY ARE GIVEN.

I will be honest.

I will respect the rights of others.

I will cooperate with others.

I can learn.

I will learn.

You see, I know it’s all up to me.

CLASS OATH:

I CAN LEARN

I WILL LEARN

I KNOW IT IS UP TO ME!

:)