Tin Ma Ma (Tess) Htet: Storytelling in the classroom

Full Frame

Tin Ma Ma (Tess) HtetMyanmar teacher Tin Ma Ma (Tess) Htet talks about using her storytelling passion in the classroom.

Tin Ma Ma Htet, or “Tess” as she’s known, is not only a teacher, but a leader, too. Most importantly, she’s a storyteller.

She utilizes unique and outside-the-box methods to promote student-centered learning, and train teachers, in schools across Myanmar.

“They don’t have a lot of experience with it, so that is why I’m trying to let them experience: what does it feel like to be in a child-centered classroom? What does it feel like to be in a classroom where they nurture participation of the students and the discussions?” explained Htet.

Tess is passionate about passing on traditional stories and uses them as a tool to promote critical thinking, academic skills and moral values.

Tin Ma Ma (Tess) Htet: Storytelling in the classroom

Myanmar teacher Tin Ma Ma (Tess) Htet talks about using storytelling in the classroom.


“One of the sad things for me is to see children who are not exposed to questioning of others, discussing with others or enjoying their lives trying to spend so many hours memorizing the text that they have been given from their teachers, and it’s really tough,” said Htet.

May Lee spoke with Tess at the annual meeting of the Clinton Global Initiative about her life story and what drives her storytelling passion.