Sinh Nguyen is a proud alum of City Teaching Alliance and Uplift Mighty Primary School’s Teacher of the Year for the second time. Sinh describes earning this honor at the very school where he began his teaching journey as a full-circle moment.
“When the announcement went out across our K–12 buildings, I was flooded with messages from former students: ‘Congratulations,’ ‘He was my teacher,’ and even, ‘He’s still here?!’” he shares.
Though honored, Sinh humbly turns the spotlight from this achievement to his students and colleagues who helped make the recognition possible.
“Being recognized in this way wasn’t just about me,” he says. “It was a chance for students to witness the challenges, milestones, and community effort that carry us through the school year.”
A Lifelong Learner and Leader
As an International Baccalaureate (IB) educator, Sinh is driven by its mission to empower students to reach their highest potential while fostering a lifelong love of learning and a commitment to service. In 2019, he represented his campus at the Global IB Conference in Hong Kong, collaborating with educators from around the world to refine instructional models that integrate service learning. “I brought that experience back to our team planning sessions and used it to enhance community engagement,” he says, referencing his time as a Beta Club sponsor where he led students in meaningful service projects.
This summer, he plans to continue representing his school at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) Teacher at Sea Program. He will join a research cruise with marine scientists to study sea life, to promote STEM literacy and ocean stewardship. “I’m excited to bring real-world scientific findings back to our classrooms,” he says. “And to inspire our students and school community with a deeper understanding of—and connection to—our oceans.”
Sinh’s Path to Teaching
“City Teaching Alliance didn’t just prepare me to be an effective teacher,” Sinh reflects. “It cultivated in me the drive to remain, to lead, and to reinvest in the community that shaped me.”
Sinh started his teaching journey with City Teaching Alliance in 2016 as part of the Dallas region’s inaugural cohort. As an alum, Sinh shares three standouts from our program that have defined his path as an educator: resilience, community, and continuity.
Resilience came early. As a Fellow, Sinh had to adapt quickly, face challenges, and grow through discomfort. “CTA didn’t shy away from the realities of urban education,” he says. “Instead, it equipped me with the tools and mindset to meet those realities head-on.”
Community became the cornerstone of his professional identity. “From my cohort peers to professors and coaches…the relationships built through CTA have helped me find belonging in a profession that can often feel isolating,” he shares. Over the years, he’s leaned on his network for collaboration, encouragement, and continued learning. Now as a mentor, he offers the same.
Continuity is the value Sinh speaks about the most. It is common for schools to have various staff and leadership changes over the years, so Sinh prioritizes remaining a steady presence for students.
“Starting and continuing my career at the same school has allowed me to witness the long-term growth of our students, families, and school culture,” he says. “It’s not just about returning year after year. It’s about showing students that they are worth committing to, that their stories matter, and that we’re in this together for the long haul.”
Congratulations, Sinh! Your commitment to your students, your school, and your craft continues to inspire everyone around you. From Fellow to two-time Teacher of the Year, you’ve shown what it means to lead with purpose, stay rooted in community, and grow alongside your students. We’re proud to celebrate this milestone with you and to have you as part of the Alliance.
