The latest information from the Ministry of Education and Training (MOET) shows that 88% of teachers are ranking salaries lower than civil servants in other sectors and fields. This group can enjoy the highest salary coefficient of 6.78; while civil servants in other sectors can enjoy the highest salary coefficient of 8.0 (about 1.18 times higher). Meanwhile, teachers must have a training level that meets the prescribed standards.
100% of preschool teachers are currently ranked with the lowest salary in the administrative career salary scale system.
modest salaries are a reality that makes many teachers face financial pressure, while their work requires great responsibility and constant dedication. Although they are teaching, sowing knowledge, forming personality and inspiring the younger generation every day, many teachers still have to balance their monthly expenses to take care of their families, sometimes having to work at other jobs to make ends meet.
This situation not only directly affects the lives of teachers but also has a long-term impact on the quality of teaching and learning, when people who are committed to the profession are sometimes sluggish due to economic pressure.
In the draft Decree regulating salary and allowance policies for teachers, the Ministry of Education and Training proposed that all teachers will receive a special salary coefficient. In particular, the Ministry proposed to apply a rate of 1.25 to public preschool teachers and 1.15 to general education teachers. Specific coefficients are only calculated with salaries, not applied to allowances.
Sharing with reporters, Mr. Van Thong - a teacher at Vinh Loc Secondary and High School (An Giang) - said that one of the major difficulties for teachers today is salary.
"People's living standards are currently very high, goods are also expensive, teachers' salaries have increased but have not met the requirements of reality" - Mr. Thong said and expressed his hope that all teachers will enjoy a special salary coefficient.
Sharing the same view, Ms. Anh Nguyet - a teacher at C Quoc Thai Primary School (An Giang) looks forward to the regulation that "teacher salaries are ranked highest in the administrative career salary scale system". This is a worthy treatment for the role, position and responsibility of teachers.
"When the Law on Teachers takes effect from January 1, 2026, not only me but all my colleagues will be very happy when their salaries increase. This brings a work environment with lots of laughter, contributing to making life more stable" - Ms. Nguyet expressed.
Affirming the need for a special salary policy for teachers, Ms. Nguyen Thi Viet Nga - Member of the National Assembly's Committee on Culture and Society - said that the teaching staff, especially preschool teachers in disadvantaged areas... are falling into a serious shortage. Current income no longer meets the minimum living standard.
In addition, it is impossible to expect "basic and comprehensive innovation in education" if we do not start with proper investment in the teaching staff.
"The Law on Teachers has established a special position for teachers, assigning the Government to regulate the classification of teachers' salaries at the highest level. This is a policy that has been decided by the National Assembly and that government agencies must implement," Ms. Nga emphasized.
