Mr. Cao

The world today is so much different than it was just a few years ago.  I strongly believe that teachers have become even more important today.  Here at Bolsa Grande High School, I teach AP Macroeconomics, U.S. History, and ES: Vietnamese American History. These courses aren't just subjects to me; they're windows into understanding our interconnected past, present, and future, helping students navigate economics, democracy, and cultural resilience in today's complex landscape. In alignment with GGUSD's District Goals; Academic Skills (Goal 1), Personal Skills (Goal 2), and Lifelong Success (Goal 3);my instruction builds rigorous knowledge, fosters emotional intelligence and collaboration, and prepares learners for thriving in dynamic careers.

Much of what has shaped my approach to my career was my childhood.  My family is from the war-torn former Republic of Vietnam.  Our family escaped Vietnam after the war ended and although that is a long story in and of itself; more importantly, my family decided to go back to Vietnam after gaining American citizenship to help those affected by the war.  I spent most of my formative years traveling from one refugee camp to another throughout Southeast Asia with my family.  My parents taught me many things about life during those years, but two of the main things they taught me was that 1) it is our job to help those who are in need and 2) life is not easy and you must be able to adapt to any circumstance, no matter how difficult.  These values fuel my teaching, reminding me and my students that education is about more than fact; it's about building resilience and compassion. 

It has now more than ever been advantageous to be digitally literate as, before teaching, I previously worked in a more technologically reliant field which has allowed me to support my students in an ever-changing world where AI is transforming how we learn, work, and think. In the classroom, I look to bridge innovative tools like AI-assisted analysis with timeless pedagogy, empowering students to harness these technologies ethically while sharpening critical thinking.

Whether you're a student, parent, colleague, or curious visitor, I'm thrilled you've landed here. Feel free to reach out if you have any questions, comments or concerns.

 

Paul Cao

 

AP Macroeconomics, U.S. History & ES: Vietnamese American History Teacher