Numerous shortcomings in the method of calculating teachers' salaries.

Along with proposing that all teachers be entitled to a special salary coefficient, the Ministry of Education and Training also pointed out a series of shortcomings in the current salary policy for teachers.

The Ministry of Education and Training highlighted these shortcomings in the submission accompanying the draft Decree regulating salary policies and allowances for teachers, seeking broad feedback from agencies, organizations, and individuals.

The first shortcoming mentioned by the Ministry of Education and Training is the failure to implement the policy of prioritizing teachers' salaries to be ranked highest in the administrative and public service salary scale.

The Ministry of Education and Training has pointed out a series of shortcomings in the current salary policy for teachers.

PHOTO: TUYET MAI

The Ministry of Education and Training cited: "The salary scale applied to civil servants in general includes 10 salary scales (from civil servant category C3 to A3.1) with levels from 1 to 12 (the number of levels depends on the civil servant category). However, in reality, the salary classification for teaching positions currently only applies the salary of civil servant category A3: senior university lecturers (including professors and associate professors), senior vocational education lecturers, and senior vocational education teachers, accounting for approximately 1.17%." compared to the total number of teachers. While other sectors and fields have around 10% each. "The civil servant is subject to the salary of civil servant category A3."

The Ministry of Education and Training also pointed out that the salaries of most teachers are lower than those of civil servants in other sectors.

Civil servants in other sectors are classified into 3-4 grades (from grade IV to grade I), receiving salaries from A1 - A2.1 - A3.1 (corresponding to salary scales 6 - 8 - 10). Except for healthcare and science and technology, other sectors only require a university degree for civil servants from grade III to grade I.

Excluding university and college lecturers and vocational education teachers, educators are also classified into 3-4 grades (from grade IV to grade I), most of whom receive salaries from A0 - A1 - A2.2 - A2.1 (corresponding to salary scales 5 - 6 - 7 - 8). These are preschool, primary, secondary, pre-university, and continuing education teachers (accounting for approximately 88% of the total number of educators).

Furthermore, there are even vocational education teachers currently ranked at salary scale 4, with a starting salary coefficient of 1.86, meaning the salary for newly hired vocational education teachers is only 4,352,400 VND.

Preschool teachers' salaries are among the lowest compared to other professions and fields.

The Ministry of Education and Training cites point c, clause 1, article 23 of the Law on Teachers, which stipulates that preschool teachers are entitled to higher salaries and allowances than teachers working under normal conditions. However, currently, the salaries of preschool teachers are ranked lowest compared to other teacher positions (A0 - A1 - A2) and almost the lowest compared to civil servants in other sectors and fields.

Meanwhile, according to the scientific research topic "Current status of working conditions of preschool teachers as a basis for proposing classification of arduous, hazardous, and dangerous occupations" by the Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (Vietnam General Confederation of Labor), the study assessed the working conditions of preschool teachers at 3.69 (falling within the range of jobs with working conditions category IV), classifying them as arduous, hazardous, and dangerous occupations.

The current salary system has not motivated teachers.

The Ministry of Education and Training stated: The regulations on salaries are applied uniformly to all civil servants in all sectors/fields, leading to a failure to reflect the complexity of different industries and professions.

The difference in salary coefficients between the salary tables of civil servants is not consistent; some salary tables have very little difference between the starting salary coefficients, while others have a significant difference between the starting salary coefficients. For example, the difference between category A0 (2.10) and A1 (2.34) and between A2.2 (4.0) and A2.1 (4.4) is very small. Therefore, it does not create motivation for teachers to study to improve their professional skills and advance in their careers.

According to the Ministry of Education and Training, the current salary system, based on salary scales, categories, and grades, is determined by the appointed position, educational qualifications, and years of service, rather than by the performance of officials, civil servants, and public employees, and the source of funding.

There is a significant salary gap between newly hired and long-serving teachers (higher coefficient, higher seniority allowance, and although the professional incentive allowance is the same, it is calculated based on the salary coefficient, thus widening the gap) while performing essentially the same tasks.

According to the draft Decree regulating salary policies and allowances for teachers, which is open for public comment from agencies, organizations, and individuals, all teachers will receive a special salary coefficient. Specifically, preschool teachers will receive a special salary coefficient of 1.25 compared to their current salary coefficient; other teacher positions will receive a special salary coefficient of 1.15 compared to their current salary coefficient.

Source: https://thanhnien.vn/hang-loat-bat-cap-trong-cach-tinh-luong-nha-giao-185251103161054158.htm