In a significant move to bolster the education sector, Vietnam’s Ministry of Education and Training has put forward a draft decree proposing substantial increases in professional allowances for teachers and school staff. The policy, aimed at addressing long-standing disparities and high attrition rates, could see allowances for preschool teachers in the most challenging regions rise to as much as 80 percent of their base salary. Announced on May 15, 2025, in Hanoi, this initiative reflects the government’s broader commitment to improving workforce retention and educational quality across the country.

A Push for Fairness and Retention

The proposed decree outlines a tiered increase in allowances tailored to the specific roles and conditions faced by educators. Preschool teachers, who currently receive a 35 percent allowance in favorable areas, would see this rise to 45 percent under the new framework. In regions with particularly difficult socio-economic conditions—often remote or underserved areas—the allowance could jump to 80 percent. This adjustment acknowledges the intense demands of their role, which includes caring for children as young as three months old for up to 10 hours a day.

For teachers at pre-university preparatory schools, the allowance would increase from 50 percent to 70 percent, aligning their compensation with that of educators at ethnic boarding schools. The ministry highlighted that both groups perform comparable duties, such as managing boarding students and preserving cultural heritage, yet have historically faced unequal benefits. This change aims to rectify that imbalance, fostering a sense of fairness among educators.

School support staff, previously excluded from occupational allowances, are also set to benefit. Librarians and clerical workers would receive a 15 percent allowance, while shared specialist roles like accountants and healthcare staff would be eligible for 20 percent. Positions requiring specialized expertise could see a 25 percent boost, recognizing their critical contributions to school operations.

Addressing Deep-Rooted Challenges

The ministry’s proposal comes in response to persistent issues within the education workforce, particularly the low income and high attrition rates among preschool teachers. Despite their demanding responsibilities, these educators earn the lowest salaries across all education levels. With a starting salary coefficient of 2.10 and a current allowance of 35 percent, their total monthly earnings average around VNĐ6.63 million (US$255). This financial strain has driven many to leave the profession, with 1,600 preschool teachers resigning between August 2023 and April 2024—a staggering 22 percent of all teacher resignations during that period.

“The issues have weakened motivation and professional retention, undermining the quality and stability of the education workforce” said a ministry spokesperson. The draft decree seeks to address these shortcomings by providing a more equitable framework that better reflects the pressures and complexities of teaching, especially in early childhood education.

Beyond preschool educators, the disparity in allowances for teachers at pre-university preparatory schools compared to their counterparts at ethnic boarding schools has long been a point of contention. Despite similar salary scales based on professional ranks, the differing allowance rates—50 percent versus 70 percent—have been seen as unfair. The proposed alignment is a step toward rectifying this, ensuring that compensation matches the nature of the work rather than arbitrary categorizations.

A Broader Commitment to Education

The draft decree also introduces detailed regulations to manage allowance eligibility in complex scenarios, such as secondment, overlapping entitlements, and assignments spanning multiple education levels or locations. In cases of overlapping benefits, only the highest applicable rate would be granted, ensuring clarity and consistency in implementation. These measures aim to create a robust legal framework that local authorities can follow, minimizing confusion and ensuring fair application across Vietnam’s diverse regions.

Under the government’s Decree No. 73/2024, the base salary for civil servants, including teachers, remains fixed at VNĐ2.34 million (US$90) per month in 2025. Teacher salaries are calculated by multiplying this base by a salary coefficient, resulting in a range from VNĐ4.9 million (US$188) at the lowest end to nearly VNĐ16 million (US$616) at the highest. These figures exclude additional allowances, which the new policy seeks to enhance significantly.

The ministry emphasized that the decree is not just a response to current deficiencies but a reflection of the Party and State’s strong commitment to supporting educators. By improving financial incentives, the government hopes to stabilize the education workforce, reduce turnover, and ultimately elevate the quality of education—a critical factor in Vietnam’s long-term development goals.

The proposed allowance hikes carry significant economic implications, both for the national budget and for local communities. While the ministry has not yet released detailed cost projections, implementing these increases will likely require substantial public funding. This could strain government resources, particularly in a year when the base salary remains unchanged. However, proponents argue that the investment is necessary to safeguard the future of Vietnam’s education system, which underpins economic growth and social mobility.

For teachers, especially those in rural or economically disadvantaged areas, the increased allowances could be transformative. An 80 percent allowance for preschool teachers in challenging regions would markedly improve their standard of living, potentially encouraging more educators to remain in or return to the profession. This is particularly crucial given Vietnam’s ongoing efforts to expand access to early childhood education as part of its sustainable development objectives.

Socially, the policy could help address regional disparities in education quality. Teachers in remote areas often face unique challenges, including limited resources and infrastructure, yet their role is vital in ensuring that children in these communities receive a strong foundational education. By offering higher allowances, the government aims to incentivize skilled educators to work in such areas, narrowing the gap between urban and rural schooling outcomes.

Public and Professional Reactions

Initial reactions to the draft decree have been cautiously optimistic. Educators’ unions and teacher advocacy groups have welcomed the proposed increases, though some express concern about the timeline and certainty of implementation. Past policy proposals in Vietnam’s education sector have sometimes faced delays or revisions during the legislative process, leading to skepticism about whether the full benefits will materialize as promised.

On social media platforms like X, sentiments among Vietnamese netizens range from hope to frustration. Many acknowledge the importance of supporting teachers but question whether the allowances will be sufficient to offset rising living costs, particularly in urban centers like Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City. Others highlight the need for broader reforms, such as reducing class sizes and improving working conditions, to complement financial incentives.

Education experts, meanwhile, see the decree as a step in the right direction but warn that it must be part of a comprehensive strategy. “Financial support is crucial, but so is professional development and mental health support for teachers” said Dr. Tran Minh, an education policy analyst based in Hanoi. “Without addressing burnout and workload issues, even higher allowances may not fully solve the retention crisis.”

Looking Ahead

As Vietnam moves toward finalizing this draft decree, the education sector stands at a critical juncture. If implemented effectively, the proposed allowance increases could mark a turning point in addressing longstanding workforce challenges, ensuring that teachers and school staff are adequately valued for their contributions. Yet, questions remain about funding, timelines, and the broader reforms needed to create a sustainable education system.

For now, educators across the country await further details, hoping that this policy will not only improve their livelihoods but also reaffirm Vietnam’s commitment to nurturing the next generation. In a nation where education is often seen as the cornerstone of progress, the stakes could not be higher.