The Government has just issued Decree No. 182/2026/ND-CP stipulating the professional preferential allowance regime for teachers, educational institution managers and educational support personnel working in public educational institutions.
The Decree takes effect from July 7, 2026, but preferential allowances are implemented from January 1, 2026.
Accordingly, preschool and primary school teachers are entitled to a 45% preferential allowance, an increase of 10% compared to the current level.
Having been attached to the teaching profession for many years, Ms. Cao Thi My Tien (teacher at a kindergarten in Thoi Lai, Can Tho City) said that every day she is busy from early morning to late afternoon taking care of and teaching children.
In addition to teaching hours, teachers also have to prepare lesson plans, make records and participate in many other activities of the school.
With 18 years of seniority, Ms. Tien said that income from salaries and allowances is still difficult if only based on one source of income: "Teachers' salaries are basically not enough to live on, fortunately there are additional allowances to support them. Although it does not increase much each year, I also have an additional amount to take care of my family. This is an encouragement for us to continue to stick with the profession.
Also expressing her joy at the new policy, Ms. Nguyen Thi Kim Ngan (teacher at a kindergarten in O Mon ward, Can Tho city) said that kindergarten teachers often start work very early and only finish when children are fully picked up by parents: "The job of kindergarten teachers is not only teaching but also taking care of each meal, sleep, monitoring health and ensuring safety for children throughout their time at school. The pressure of responsibility is very high, but for many years the income has been still modest.
According to her, many young colleagues have wondered about long-term attachment to the profession due to the large workload while the income level is not really commensurate.
When I heard the information that the professional preferential allowance was increased by 10%, I was very happy. Although the increase cannot solve all difficulties, this is a practical encouragement for preschool teachers. We feel the State's concern for those who directly care for and educate young children" - Ms. Ngan shared.
The female teacher said that what makes many colleagues excited is the policy applied from the beginning of 2026. This means that teachers will be entitled to the difference according to regulations, contributing to reducing spending pressure in the context of increasing living costs.
“Preschool teachers often spend most of their time on work. Many people both take care of young children and complete their tasks at school, so it is quite hard. Increasing allowances not only supports income but also gives us more motivation to continue to stick with the profession,” Ms. Ngan shared.
Teachers also expect that along with increasing professional preferential allowances, in the coming time there will be more policies to improve income, reduce administrative pressure and improve working conditions.
According to them, these will be important solutions for teachers, especially preschool teachers, to feel secure in their work and continue to contribute to the cause of education.
