Recently, during the 9th session, the 15th National Assembly officially enacted the Law on Teachers. This legislation comprises 9 chapters and 42 articles, set to take effect on January 1, 2026, and is anticipated to facilitate significant advancements in the care, recognition, and development of the teaching workforce.
Safeguard educators' rights
The recently enacted Law on Teachers by the National Assembly represents a significant advancement in institutionalizing the Party and State's commitment to honoring, supporting, safeguarding, and enhancing the teaching profession. This development is the culmination of extensive research and the incorporation of feedback from educational practices; concurrently, it serves to robustly reaffirm the pivotal role of teachers in the nation's development efforts.
The significant aspect of the Law on Teachers is its affirmation of the legal status and protection of teachers' honor, as it establishes the legal position of educators within both public and private systems for the first time. More importantly, the law explicitly delineates the right to respect and safeguards the honor and dignity of teachers, along with a mechanism for the stringent handling of actions that insult educators. This includes prohibiting individuals and organizations from disseminating information that accuses teachers without an official determination from the relevant authority. This provision is a crucial measure to shield teachers from unwarranted social pressure and to uphold a safe and civilized educational environment.
With 451 out of 460 delegates present in favor, achieving 94.35%, the National Assembly has officially enacted the Law on Teachers, which will take effect on January 1, 2026. This legislation not only holds legal significance but also serves as a robust affirmation by the Party, State, and citizens of the vital role teachers play in the nation's development. |
One of the most significant aspects of the Law on Teachers that garners public interest is the regulations concerning salaries and allowances for educators. Teachers' salaries are positioned at the top of the administrative career salary scale system. Furthermore, in accordance with the law, educators are eligible for various additional allowances, including special allowances, responsibility incentives, allowances for disadvantaged areas, support for inclusive education, seniority, and mobility, all of which enhance their overall income.
The Law on Teachers explicitly states that it does not prohibit supplementary teaching and learning; it merely stipulates that teachers are not permitted to compel additional learning in any form, aiming to mitigate and address the pervasive issue of supplementary teaching and learning and the commercialization of such activities.
Concerning the stipulation that teachers are prohibited from conducting additional classes for students they are currently instructing, this is explicitly outlined in the Ministry of Education and Training's (MOET) circular on supplementary teaching and learning. Addressing the matter of supplementary education, Mr. Nguyen Van Phong, Deputy Director of the Department of Education and Training, noted that prior to the enactment of the Law on Teachers, the MOET had issued Circular 29, which clearly delineates the regulations surrounding supplementary teaching and learning. The education sector in Binh Duong has adhered to the principles set forth in this circular, with all schools and teaching personnel in the province strictly complying.
Furthermore, the Law on Teachers outlines policies designed to support and attract high-quality human resources, standardize the profession, and enhance the quality of the teaching staff, while also granting autonomy to the education sector. The Law addresses several significant issues, including teacher recruitment policies and salary structures, which have long been anticipated by the teaching community.
Disseminate happiness, instill motivation
With over 12 years of experience in the teaching profession, Ms. Doan Thi Thom, a secondary school educator in Thuan An City, expressed her satisfaction: “I have been in this profession for more than 12 years, and I have never witnessed such solemn and proud recognition of teaching as I do now. The National Assembly's enactment of the Teachers' Law is a clear indication of the attention and acknowledgment of the often-overlooked contributions of educators. This is something we have long desired. Now, with the Teachers' Law, the rights and responsibilities of teachers are clearly articulated, allowing us to dedicate ourselves with peace of mind.”
In a conversation with us, Mr. Pham Van Gioi, Principal of Vinh Hoa Secondary School in Phu Giao District, conveyed his joy and enthusiasm regarding the recent passage of the Law on Teachers by the National Assembly. “This represents a historic milestone not only for myself but for the entire teaching profession across the nation. Throughout our tenure in the education sector, we have consistently aspired to establish a legal framework that safeguards and affirms the professional standing of educators. The law will introduce specific and comprehensive regulations aimed at protecting the honor, dignity, and safety of teachers within the educational environment. It is imperative to implement clear sanctions to safeguard the teaching staff, who not only impart knowledge but also uphold moral values for students,” Mr. Gioi remarked.
Meanwhile, Ms. Nguyen Thi Thai, a teacher at Hoa Cuc 6 Kindergarten in Thuan An City, remarked: “Preschool educators have long encountered numerous challenges and adversities. Now, with the law clearly outlining policies regarding remuneration and a secure working environment, I feel a renewed confidence in my profession and a deeper connection to the children. Notably, the Law on Teachers allows preschool educators the option to retire earlier than the standard age under normal conditions. This provision aligns with the desires and aspirations of preschool teachers over recent years. We all hope that following its implementation on January 1, 2026, the law will swiftly take effect and demonstrate its efficacy and value in practice.”
The Law on Teachers holds not only legal significance but also serves as a robust affirmation by the Party, the State, and the populace regarding the pivotal role of educators in national development. The enactment of this legislation is not merely a source of joy but also a profound motivation for teachers nationwide, including those in Binh Duong, to persist in their contributions, innovations, and creativity. When educators receive appropriate care and recognition, the quality of education will enhance, allowing students to learn in a humane and progressive environment, thereby contributing to the establishment of a comprehensively developed educational system.
Reported by Hong Phuong – Translated by Vi Bao
