New salary policy adds motivation to teachers

Vocational allowances increase to a minimum of 70%

According to the Resolution recently passed by the National Assembly, specific mechanisms and policies to create momentum for the development of education and training will be applied from January 1, 2026. In particular, vocational preferential allowances are increased to a minimum of 70% for teachers; 30% for employees and 100% for teachers working in disadvantaged areas, ethnic minorities, border areas, and islands.

In parallel with this Resolution, the Law on Teachers will also take effect, affirming the principle that teachers' salaries are ranked at the highest position in the administrative and career salary scale system. These changes are considered an important step forward, bringing great encouragement to those who have been and are steadfastly attached to the teaching profession.

Teacher Lo Thi Nga (Na Meo 2 Kindergarten, Na Meo commune, Thanh Hoa province) said that her income has increased over time, but the increase is not much. Currently, with the nature of working in a difficult area, her total income is about more than 10 million VND per month. However, when the period of enjoying the attraction policy according to regulations expires, this income will be significantly reduced.

According to Ms. Nga, the work of preschool teachers is not just limited to teaching. In addition to caring for and educating children, teachers also have to complete many types of records, books, and textbooks; often bring work home at night, almost no more time for the family.

"We go to school very early in the morning to pick up the children, take care of them for dinner and sleep at noon, and wait for their parents to pick them up in the afternoon before finishing class. The work takes a long time all day, so it is quite difficult, she said.

Therefore, before the news that from 2026, the State will officially adjust salary policies, apply special salary coefficients and new allowances for teachers, Ms. Nga expressed her joy and hope. The new policy is about to be implemented, I feel very excited. When income is more stable, teachers will have less economic pressure, and their spirit will be more stable to focus on caring for and educating children" - Ms. Nga shared.

Career motivation from the new salary policy

The expectations of border teachers like Lo Thi Nga are also the common wish of many teachers across the country when the new salary policy is prepared to be applied from 2026.

Ms. Du Thi Vanh - a teacher at Hoa Dao Kindergarten (Long Phieng commune, Son La) - has been involved in education in the highlands for nearly 8 years. She said that the current income of preschool teachers is still limited compared to the daily workload.

"Child care and education takes up most of the day, from early morning until late afternoon before returning home. Despite my best efforts, my salary is sometimes not enough to cover the increasingly high living expenses" - Ms. Vanh shared.

According to her, the biggest pressure comes from balancing spending in the family. From travel, eating, taking care of children to sudden expenses, everything has to be carefully calculated. "Every weekend, I also take advantage of growing vegetables and corn to earn some extra income. Living in a highland area, many goods have to be transported from the lowlands, the price is high so we have to be even more cautious" - she said.

When hearing the news that the new salary and allowance regime will be officially applied from 2026, Ms. Vanh could not hide her joy and excitement. Not only me, but many colleagues also feel encouraged, adding confidence in the profession - she said.

Ms. Vanh expressed that adding a specific salary coefficient and allowances is not only economically meaningful, but also a great source of spiritual motivation. She also hopes that with the new policy, teachers will reduce financial worries, thereby focusing on building the best learning environment for children.

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