Teacher salaries ranked highest, removing the division of teachers into ranks I, II, III
From January 1, 2026, the Law on Teachers officially takes effect, stipulating the highest teacher salary ranking in the administrative and non-business salary scale. In addition to the basic salary, teachers also enjoy allowances according to the nature of work and regional conditions.
Regarding the allowance regime, the Ministry of Education and Training is proposing a roadmap to increase allowances for teachers in 2 phases:
Phase 1 (2026-2030): Preferential allowance increased by 15% compared to the present, i.e. 45-85%; An additional 5% preferential allowance for university lecturers and teachers of vocational education institutions (up to 30%); School staff for the first time enjoy a 20% preferential allowance.
Phase two is from 2031 onwards, the preferential allowance level as in Resolution 71 will be implemented.
In addition to salaries and preferential treatment, in the Draft Decree detailing a number of articles of the Law on Teachers, the Ministry of Education and Training proposes to shift from "promotion" to "professional advancement" (including sequential and unexpected promotion) associated with professional standards and actual achievements; update the spirit of the 2025 Law on Civil Servants to ensure modernity and legal unity.
Teachers hope the policy will be implemented soon
According to Ms. Nguyen Thi Huong Thuy, an English teacher at Viet Vinh High School (Tuyen Quang), the legalization of the position of teachers with priority salaries is a very practical source of encouragement.
This regulation shows the State's concern, helping us feel more secure in contributing" - Ms. Thuy shared.
However, in the waiting stage for detailed guidance, the issue that teachers are most concerned about is how to convert the old salary coefficient to the new salary scale.
Ms. Hoang Thi Hanh - a teacher at Nguyen Trai Elementary School (Tuyen Quang) said that the conversion criteria need to ensure inheritance and not reduce actual income. In addition, the new salary level needs to be commensurate with seniority and work experience.
A teacher who has been attached to the profession for 20 years will definitely have a salary position different from a newcomer. If the conversion is not clear and transparent, the teacher will easily feel disadvantaged" - Ms. Hanh analyzed.
In addition, seniority allowances and preferential allowances are a very important part of the monthly income of teachers in mountainous areas. Ms. Hanh hopes that when these amounts are included in the basic salary, the calculation method must be scientific to ensure that the total amount of actual money received does not decrease. Only when actual income increases, policies will truly create motivation for the teaching staff.
Another content that teachers are very interested in is the process of recognizing professional titles when there is no longer the concept of promotion. According to Ms. Hanh, instead of theoretical exams or certificates, assessment should be based on teaching quality and professional ethics.
Only when the assessment is real can there be truly good teachers. It is necessary to look at the quality of lectures and the trust of colleagues and parents. It is not advisable to implicitly rank high titles for people with master's degrees if the actual teaching efficiency does not meet requirements. In addition, publicizing standards and review results will help ensure transparency and avoid the situation of local review at the grassroots level" - Ms. Hanh expressed her opinion.
Sharing more, Ms. Hanh hopes that management agencies will soon issue a Circular specifically guiding salary ranking and title standards. The implementation roadmap should be implemented step by step, with detailed guidance so that schools are not confused.
What teachers desire most is still to be taught in the true sense and to be able to live stably with their own salary" - Ms. Hanh said.
Agreeing with this view, Ms. Nguyen Thi Bay - a teacher at Tay Tuu A Primary School (Hanoi) and colleagues also expect the policies to soon come into life.
The new policies on salaries and preferential treatment will promote and create motivation for us to work in the profession and be more assured of our profession" - Ms. Bay expressed.
