Full Circle: Mr. Duong’s Path from Student to Cherished Teacher

Rosemead High School has always been a place where students can grow into their best selves, and for Mr. Ian Duong, it has also been the place where he returned to inspire the next generation. A proud RHS alumnus, Mr. Duong has come full circle, now teaching in the very classrooms where he once sat as a student. His journey back to Rosemead is one filled with passion, perseverance, and a deep commitment to education.

After graduating from RHS, Mr. Duong pursued higher education at UCLA, initially majoring in math-for-teaching. While his love for problem-solving was strong, he soon realized that history was his true calling. Switching majors, he earned a Bachelor’s in history before taking an unexpected detour into the corporate world. For five years, he climbed the ranks in a local bakery chain, rising from cashier to assistant director of marketing. Yet, despite his success, he craved a new challenge—one that led him back to academia. He earned his Master’s in Teaching from USC and began his teaching career at South El Monte High School before ultimately securing a position at his alma mater, Rosemead High School, in 2024.

Mr. Duong’s enthusiasm for history and government is infectious. When asked what first sparked his interest in teaching the subject, he explained that he views history not as a collection of names and dates but as a dynamic story of how and why societies evolve. He believes that understanding history fosters critical thinking, empathy, and a broader worldview. His goal is to help students see current events in a new light, connecting them to historical contexts and encouraging civic engagement.

With government being an ever-changing subject, Mr. Duong stays updated on current events by regularly reading a variety of news sources. He incorporates these events into his lessons by encouraging students to analyze sources, question biases, and consider multiple perspectives. He ensures students stay engaged with complex topics like constitutional law and federalism by breaking them down and showing how government decisions impact their daily lives. His goal is to foster a classroom culture where students feel excited to learn, question, and engage in meaningful discussions about their role in society.

Politics can be divisive, but many students say that Mr. Duong handles controversial topics with skill. He ensures that his classroom remains a space for constructive dialogue by reminding students that political ideologies exist on a spectrum and that no one fits neatly into one category. By encouraging open-minded discussions, fact-checking, and respectful exchanges of ideas, he helps students navigate difficult conversations with confidence and critical thinking. He also addresses common misconceptions students may have about politics by emphasizing that the government is not as simple as “good” or “bad” and that most policies come with both intended and unintended consequences.

Beyond the classroom, Mr. Duong wants his students to recognize their potential to influence their communities. He encourages them to stay informed, question misinformation, and actively participate in civic life. His hope is that by understanding government and history, students will realize the power of their voices in shaping the world around them.

As he embarks on his first year teaching AP Government, Mr. Duong is already thinking about improvements. He plans to gather student feedback and refine his teaching methods over the summer. His ultimate goal is to create a dynamic, engaging learning environment where students feel prepared for both exams and real-world civic engagement.

It’s important to note that Mr. Duong is currently on Temporary Status at RHS. This means that this year is a trial period, and the school has the option to invite him back for future years. Given his undeniable impact on students and the learning environment, we hope he will continue to be part of the Rosemead High School community for years to come.

For Mr. Duong, success is not just measured in test scores but in student growth. He finds fulfillment in watching his students develop critical thinking skills and gain confidence in their knowledge. Seeing his first class of seniors graduate at South El Monte High School was a proud moment, and he looks forward to witnessing the same at RHS.

Outside of work, Mr. Duong enjoys a variety of hobbies. When asked to share a fun or surprising fact about himself, he mentioned that he used to collect sneakers, at one point owning over 150 pairs, before transitioning to trading cards. In his free time, he enjoys working out, visiting boba shops, and spending time with his girlfriend exploring arcades and malls. If he had a free weekend with no plans, he would likely spend it catching up on basketball games or playing pickup basketball, as he is an avid LA Lakers fan. He also enjoys playing sports, both as a participant and as a fan.

One thing students frequently joke about is his strong dislike of the mobile game Brawl Stars. When asked where this stems from, he laughed and admitted that it’s mostly a joke, though he does find it frustrating when students are more invested in mobile games than in classroom discussions. He hopes students recognize that while games can wait, the lessons and experiences they gain at school are irreplaceable.

As Mr. Duong continues his teaching journey, his long-term goal is to make Rosemead High School one of the best high schools in the area. He is excited for the future and hopes to retire a Panther, giving back to the school that shaped him. His dedication to education, combined with his passion for history and government, makes him a valuable asset to RHS, inspiring students to think critically and engage with the world around them.

Welcome back to RHS, Mr. Duong! We can’t wait to see the impact you make in the years to come.