November 20th is legalized: honoring teachers by law

Article 32 of the 2025 Teachers' Law has only one short sentence: 'November 20th of every year is Vietnamese Teachers' Day'. Although simple, behind that line is a historical turning point.

For the first time in 43 years of existence, November 20th is officially recognized in specialized laws, no longer just an administrative decision but becoming a legal commitment of the State to the teaching staff.

For the first time in 43 years of existence, November 20 is officially recognized in specialized law.

PHOTO: DAO NGOC THACH

This story is not just about a holiday but about a beautiful custom of our nation, the tradition of respecting teachers, being elevated to an institutional responsibility, marking the transition from cultural custom to legal institution.

This means that gratitude is not only found in fresh flowers and greeting cards, but also exists in legal documents, specific policies and in the way society treats those who work in the "human cultivation" profession.

November 20 has been recognized and solemnly celebrated since 1982. The inclusion in the 2025 Teachers' Law demonstrates its binding nature and long-term vision. The 2025 Teachers' Law is the first time in history that a separate law has comprehensively regulated teachers from rights, obligations, salary and bonus regimes, training and development, to honoring and protecting. Article 32 places November 20 in the chapter Honoring, rewarding, disciplining and handling violations against teachers, not by chance, but sending a message that honoring teachers is not only an annual ritual but also a legal responsibility of the State and society.

When November 20 was enshrined in law, it became part of the institutional commitment to respect, protect and develop the teaching staff. The law not only stipulates the holiday but also sets out clear requirements. Management levels must ensure autonomy associated with accountability in managing and developing teachers. The State gives priority to salaries, benefits, and protection of the prestige, honor and dignity of teachers in their professional activities.

This is the core difference between a gratitude day and a legally guaranteed honor day. Gratitude is an emotion, a thank you. Legal honor is a commitment to action, fair wages, a safe working environment, training policies, respect from the community, and a protection mechanism when teachers are violated.

The 2025 Law on Teachers is a tool for teachers to protect their legitimate rights.

Photo: Dao Ngoc Thach

In fact, over the years, November 20th has sometimes been misinterpreted as "Gift Day" and then everything goes back to normal. Teachers still struggle with large classes, low salaries, and endless administrative pressure.

The 2025 Law on Teachers wants to change this. Article 34 affirms that in addition to the form of emulation and commendation according to the Law on Emulation and Commendation, localities and educational institutions are responsible for having forms of honoring and commending teachers that are appropriate to practical conditions. This is not a call but a legal responsibility, and management levels must review what they have done to honor teachers with substantive policies.

The Law on Teachers 2025 was issued in the context of the whole country reforming education, and society increasingly recognizing the role of teachers. Moreover, the law not only stipulates general principles but also requires the Government to specify many details, from salary regimes, support policies, to recruitment and training processes. This creates a clear responsibility mechanism for management levels.

For teachers themselves, the 2025 Teachers' Law is a tool for teachers to protect their legitimate rights.

For the first time, the traditional gratitude day of a profession has been elevated to a day of honor with legal guarantee. From now on, November 20 is not only a day of flowers and wishes but also a day to remind the responsibility of the State, of society, of each of us in respecting, protecting and developing the teaching staff.

Lawyer Hoang Ha (Ho Chi Minh City Bar Association)

Source: https://thanhnien.vn/ngay-2011-duoc-luat-hoa-ton-vinh-thay-co-bang-phap-ly-185251119231344362.htm