Vietnam Ministry of Education proposes increasing teaching quotas

The Ministry of Education and Training is seeking public opinion on a draft circular regarding working regimes for general education and university preparatory teachers. The proposal suggests increasing the average weekly teaching quota: from 23 to 24 periods for primary school teachers, from 19 to 20 periods for lower secondary teachers, and from 17 to 19 periods for upper secondary teachers.

This adjustment comes amid the implementation of the 2018 General Education Program, the expansion of two-session-per-day schooling, and increased digital transformation efforts. While some educators suggest the increase could address staffing shortages, others express concern regarding workload. Teachers noted that classroom hours only represent a portion of their duties, which include lesson planning, curriculum research, student assessment, and parent communication.

Under current regulations, principals are required to teach an average of 2 periods per week, while vice-principals must teach 4 periods per week. The draft circular is expected to take effect on April 22, 2025.