Minister Nguyen Kim Son: Teachers are the Core Factor in Vietnam’s Educational Reform

In a profound discussion marking the 40th anniversary of Vietnamese Teacher's Day (November 20), Minister of Education and Training Nguyen Kim Son emphasized that teachers are the most critical resource for the success of the nation's educational overhaul. Looking back at a challenging period marked by the COVID-19 pandemic, the Minister noted that the reopening of schools in 2022 was a pivotal moment that highlighted both the resilience of the education sector and the urgent need for investment. The celebration of four decades of honoring educators served as a powerful reminder of the society's deep-rooted respect for the teaching profession, with leaders from the Party, State, and Government all expressing their commitment to supporting the teaching force.

Minister Son articulated a clear vision: for fundamental and comprehensive reform to succeed—specifically the 2018 General Education Program—the teaching staff must be the breakthrough element. This involves not only improving the quality of teaching but also ensuring an adequate quantity of teachers across all subjects. To address the recent issues of teacher shortages and the phenomenon of educators leaving the profession, the Ministry is focusing on several key solutions. A major highlight is the planned increase in the base salary and professional allowances scheduled for mid-2023. Given that teachers make up 70% of the public service workforce, this is a significant step by the State to improve their living standards and morale.

Beyond financial incentives, the Minister highlighted the importance of creating a healthy, democratic, and transparent working environment. Digital transformation is also a top priority, aimed at reducing the administrative burden on teachers and enhancing the learning experience for students. Furthermore, the Ministry is currently drafting the 'Law on Teachers' to provide a solid legal framework for the long-term development of the profession. Minister Son concluded that while financial investment and infrastructure are essential, they are merely the platform; the teachers themselves are the heart of the system. Investing in teachers is, therefore, the most fundamental investment for the future of Vietnam. This comprehensive approach aims to empower educators to innovate and lead the country toward a high-quality human resource era in the age of Industry 4.0.

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