Are lower secondary school teachers in Vietnam required to have a master's degree?

Are lower secondary school teachers in Vietnam required to have a master's degree?

Pursuant to Clause 3, Article 3 of Circular 03/2021/TT-BGDDT (amended by Clause 2, Article 3 of Circular 08/2023/TT-BGDDT), the standards for lower secondary school teachers, Grade III - Code V.07.04.32 are as follows:

Lower secondary school Teachers, Grade III - Code V.07.04.32

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3. Standards for Educational Level and Training

a) Hold a bachelor's degree or higher in teacher training for lower secondary school teachers.

In cases where subjects lack teachers with a bachelor's degree in teacher training, the teachers must have a bachelor's degree in a relevant discipline and a certificate of pedagogical training for lower secondary school teachers in accordance with the program issued by the Minister of Education and Training;

b) Hold a certificate of professional development in accordance with the teacher's professional title standard for lower secondary school teachers.

Pursuant to Clause 3, Article 4 of Circular 03/2021/TT-BGDDT (amended by Clause 2, Article 3 of Circular 08/2023/TT-BGDDT) the standards for lower secondary school teachers, Grade II - Code V.07.04.31 are as follows:

Lower secondary school Teachers, Grade II - Code V.07.04.31

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3. Standards for Educational Level and Training

a) Hold a bachelor's degree or higher in teacher training for lower secondary school teachers.

In cases where subjects lack teachers with a bachelor's degree in teacher training, the teachers must have a bachelor's degree in a relevant discipline and a certificate of pedagogical training for lower secondary school teachers in accordance with the program issued by the Minister of Education and Training;

b) Hold a certificate of professional development in accordance with the teacher's professional title standard for lower secondary school teachers.

Pursuant to Clause 3, Article 5 of Circular 03/2021/TT-BGDDT (amended by Clauses 2 and 6, Article 3 of Circular 08/2023/TT-BGDDT) the standards for lower secondary school teachers, Grade I - Code V.07.04.30 are as follows:

Lower secondary school Teachers, Grade I - Code V.07.04.30

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a) Hold a bachelor's degree or higher in teacher training for lower secondary school teachers.

In cases where subjects lack teachers with a bachelor's degree in teacher training, the teachers must have a bachelor's degree in a relevant discipline and a certificate of pedagogical training for lower secondary school teachers in accordance with the program issued by the Minister of Education and Training.

b) Hold a certificate of professional development in accordance with the teacher's professional title standard for lower secondary school teachers.

Thus, lower secondary school teachers are only required to hold a bachelor's degree or higher. Therefore, it is not mandatory for lower secondary school teachers to have a master's degree.

Are lower secondary school teachers in Vietnam required to have a master's degree?​ (Image from the Internet)

What are rights of lower secondary school teachers in Vietnam?

Pursuant to Clause 1, Article 29 of the Charter for lower secondary schools, upper secondary schools, and schools with multiple levels of education issued with Circular 32/2020/TT-BGDDT, lower secondary school teachers have the following rights:

- The autonomy to perform professional tasks with the assignment and support of the specialized team and the school.

- Entitlement to salary, allowances, and preferential policies (if any) as stipulated; to change professional titles; and to enjoy material and spiritual benefits as prescribed.

- Conditions for studying and developing political, professional, and expertise levels, maintaining the original salary, allowances, and other policies when authorized to go for training or professional development.

- The right to engage in guest lectureships, scientific research at other schools, educational institutions, or research institutions provided they fulfill their duties at their primary workplace and have written approval from the principal.

- Respect, protection of dignity, honor, and physical safety.- Summer breaks and other holidays as stipulated by law.

- Other rights as stipulated by law.

Is participating in training and professional development a duty of lower secondary school teachers in Vietnam?

Pursuant to Article 27 of the Charter for lower secondary schools, upper secondary schools, and Schools with Multiple Levels of Education issued with Circular 32/2020/TT-BGDDT, the duties of teachers are as follows:

Duties of Teachers

1. To organize teaching and educational activities according to the school's educational plan and the specialized team's educational plan; to manage students in educational activities organized by the school; to participate in professional activities; to be responsible for the quality and effectiveness of education.

2. To cultivate ethics, enhance responsibility, maintain the dignity, honor, and reputation of teachers; to set an example for students; to love, treat fairly, and respect students' personalities; to protect students' legitimate rights and interests; and to support and help colleagues.

3. To study and train to improve health, political levels, professional skills, innovate teaching and educational methods.

4. To participate in professional training and development.

5. To participate in the dissemination of secondary education in the locality.

6. To fulfill civic duties, comply with legal regulations, and educational sector regulations, follow the principal's decisions; to perform tasks assigned by the principal, and be subject to inspection and evaluation by the principal and educational management agencies.

7. To coordinate with the Ho Chi Minh Young Pioneer Organization, Ho Chi Minh Communist Youth Union, Vietnam Youth Union, students' families, and related social organizations to organize educational activities.

8. To perform other tasks as stipulated by law.

Thus, participation in training and professional development is a duty of lower secondary school teachers.