Sao Vue
Position: Hmong Immersion Kindergarten Teacher
School: Susan B. Anthony Elementary School
School District: Sacramento City Unified School District
City, State: Sacramento, CA
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Sao Vue was nominated by Kia Song, the parent of a student.
"It is with great pride and deep respect that I nominate Mr. Sao Vue, a kindergarten Hmong immersion teacher, for the LifeChanger of the Year award. Mr. Vue is not just a teacher; he is a role model, a cultural leader, and a LifeChanger for every student who walks through his classroom door," said Song.
As a bilingual educator, Mr. Vue is doing something truly extraordinary: preserving and uplifting the Hmong language and culture while laying a strong academic foundation for our youngest learners. In a time when heritage can easily be lost, Mr. Vue ensures that his students grow up not only learning how to read and write, but also knowing who they are and where they come from. His classroom is filled with more than just books, and lessons are filled with purpose, encouragement, and a deep belief in every child's potential.
Mr. Vue often tells his students, "My job is to help you become better than me," and he means it. That statement isn't just a motto, it's a mission. He empowers his students to dream big, lead with kindness, and believe that their future can be brighter than anything they've ever imagined.
Mr. Vue is the type of teacher who goes beyond the curriculum. He stays late preparing engaging lessons, connects with families, supports fellow staff members, and serves as a cultural anchor in the school community. His presence is powerful, yet humble, and his impact will last far beyond the kindergarten classroom.
"In every way, Mr. Sao Vue represents what the Life Changer of the Year award is all about. He's not just educating, but he's inspiring, empowering, and changing lives," said Song.
As an alumna of Susan B. Anthony Elementary School, I am deeply honored that my daughters now attend the same school. Mr. Vue was my teacher when I was a little girl. His presence had a profound impact on my life. At that time, I didn’t know much about education, but having a teacher who shared my cultural background and spoke my language gave me the confidence to dream bigger. He inspired me to pursue higher education, and I eventually became a first-generation college graduate and the only person in my family to earn degrees. I went on to receive my bachelor’s in Ethnic Studies with a concentration in Asian American Studies from Sacramento State and my master’s in Higher Education from the University of Pennsylvania.
I am especially excited for my daughter to be in Mr. Vue’s class next year because I know she will receive the same encouragement and inspiration that shaped my own journey. Every morning, Mr. Vue welcomes his students with high energy, joy, and unwavering dedication. Mr. Vue embodies the mission of the National Life LifeChanger of the Year program. He not only teaches but also uplifts families and the entire community to go above and beyond for our children.
Mr. Vue encourages students to “do good, be good, make good.” I know I am not the only one who has carried his lessons into adulthood. Many of his former students have gone on to earn college degrees. His legacy at Susan B. Anthony Elementary is undeniable, and I am thrilled to see him recognized with this nomination.
I support Mr. Vue. It’s a well deserved recognition!
Mr. Sao Vue is as my 9 year old daughter Kindergarten teacher and paved the way for her to learn our Native Language skills in writing, reading and speaking Hmong. He’s patient yet determined to ensure the scholars are pushed to their own level. Today he’s our 5 year old Son’s kindergarten teacher and we’re just as excited about his journey to learning with Mr. Vue. Mr. Vue is a solid candidate for life changer of the year because he just doesn’t encourage the scholars, he also encourages us parents to push for our own children to do their best.
Thanks for being such a great teacher!
Truly dedicated & passionate. Willing to go always go over & beyond his duties. He's unselfish in his time, wisdom, knowledge, and even financial assistance. Ask & he'll find a way to help you out. He's a huge asset to our team! We are grateful to have him & much thanks for seeing him shine!
Mr. Vue is a great bilingual teacher. I am a parent and I volunteer to help Tuesday and Thursday in the classroom. I saw how much dedication and commitment he pours into teaching and helping the students to learn new lessons. His passion for teaching shows through in his lively energetic interaction with all the students and parents.
Mr. Vue is a great role model for all the young students, especially for the Hmong students. It’s truly amazing for them to know that they can succeed and also to see what success looks like. A successful person look like them, a successful Hmong teacher.
Mr. Vue is the very definition of a LifeChanger. He invests deeply in early education because he sees both the promise of our children and the strength of our community. He is always alert and attentive, not only to our son’s needs, but to every single one of his students. Mr. Vue lives what he teaches: he leads with compassion, consistency, and vision. As both a teacher and community leader, he has given generations of children a sense of belonging and a deeper understanding of who they are.
As a college instructor myself, I now teach some of his former kindergarten students and they still speak with love and admiration about the impact he had on them. That kind of lasting impression is so meaningful, and it is a testament to the extraordinary educator and role model he is. We are profoundly grateful for the way Mr. Vue uplifts our children and builds such a strong foundation for their futures.
Thank you for all your hard work Mr.Vue!
I knew Sao when I used to teach at Susan B. Anthony elementary school. During that time, I found him to be a very dedicated teacher. He made sure his students learned and helped them succeed. Before Susan B. Anthony became a Hmong emergency school, Sao taught Hmong literacy in Saturday school to help Hmong students keep their language and culture. Sao put a lot of time and effort to help the students and community.
In my 10 years of working alongside Mr. Sao Vue, one thing has always stood out : his magnetic, high-energy presence that makes learning fun, engaging, and exciting for our students every single day.
He believes that even though they’re “kindergarteners,” they are capable of greatness. With his high expectations and creative approach, he inspires students to love learning and reach their full potential everyday.
He truly creates an environment where kids thrive, laugh, and grow!
I nominate Sao Vue for Lifechanger of the year. He is a very compassionate person he had help the communities and his students.
” The only way to do great work is to love what you do.” This quote illustrate one of Mr. Sao Vue characteristics.
Kindergarten is supposed to be fun and play but at Susan B. Anthony, Mr. Vue's class is by far the most challenging! Not only does he have the challenge of imprinting the fundamentals of two languages, he also pushes the limits of parental engagement -understanding that learning and support starts in the home. Sao Vue is not afraid to address what parents need to do, to see their children succeed. We are very much a part of the classroom, learning how to support our own children. His dedication to the success of each kindergarten class, the Hmong Immersion program, and solid discipline cannot be measured, but it will leave you in awe.
Sao Vue was one of my best students from the refugee camp in Thailand during 1987–1990. I am so glad to see how far he has come. After arriving in the United States, he showed incredible determination to integrate into the U.S. school system. He went on to graduate from college and is now a respected and prominent teacher.
His journey—from a young refugee boy to an inspiring educator in the Sacramento community—is a testament to his resilience and strength. Sao has become a role model for children everywhere, especially those facing challenges of their own.
I deeply admire him and would proudly vote for him as the Life Changer Award winner.
Thanks for all the support, dedication and hard work you have done to support the children and community.
I really proud of the work you do and your accomplishments. Keep doing the great job you have done.
I agree that Sao is such a positive influence wherever he goes, not only in the classroom but in all aspects of his life. He practice what he preach.
Sao is a dedicated teacher who makes a big impact in his students’ lives.
