With Tet approaching, are teachers no longer... 'poor'?

While in previous years, teachers complaining about poverty and hardship during Tet (Lunar New Year) was quite common in public opinion, this situation seems to have eased in recent years.

This change stems not only from the slight increase in teachers' incomes but also from a gradually improving professional mindset. However, behind this bright picture, there are still some darker aspects that need to be thoroughly understood.

Kindergarten teachers joyfully welcome the Lunar New Year. The photo shows teachers from Phu Ngoc Kindergarten, Dinh Quan Commune, Dong Nai Province, celebrating the 2026 Lunar New Year.

Photo: Provided by the interviewee

First and foremost, it must be acknowledged that the material living conditions of teachers have improved significantly in recent years. Adjusted salary policies, increased attention to professional allowances, and the introduction of year-end bonuses in some localities (especially in large cities) have helped many teachers have a less difficult Lunar New Year. With less financial burden, teachers can dedicate more effort to their profession and their families. This change has also alleviated the long-standing feeling of disadvantage experienced by many teachers, especially during the Lunar New Year season.

However, saying that teachers' difficulties have ended is not entirely accurate. Income improvement still shows disparities between regions, between tenured and contract teachers, and between schools with greater autonomy and those still lacking resources.

While teachers receive relatively stable Tet bonuses in some places, the support remains very modest, or even non-existent in others. Furthermore, increasing professional pressure due to demands for innovative teaching methods, paperwork, and responsibilities to parents and society means that even with less financial worry, teachers cannot truly relax mentally.

The good news is that instead of just complaining about poverty, teachers today are gradually shifting to a calmer, more professional, and persistent approach to their chosen profession. Many teachers find joy in their students' growth, in educational innovations, and in the increasing recognition from society. As a PhD in educational psychology said during a teacher training session at a school in Ho Chi Minh City previously: "When professional self-esteem is boosted, the lack of enthusiasm and sighs of frustration naturally diminish."

Teachers' Day is not a sad holiday because of the joy shared with students. A teacher in Ho Chi Minh City gifted calligraphy to her students.

Photo: Provided by the interviewee

Teachers often comfort each other during Tet (Lunar New Year) with the saying, "If you eat wisely, you'll be full; if you save wisely, you'll be warm," so they don't place too much emphasis on material things. However, it must also be acknowledged that "you can't uphold morality without sustenance," so Tet is not only a time for family reunions but also a time to reflect on the position of teachers in society. A spring will be warmer for teachers and their families when society shows consistent, fair, and long-term concern for the teaching profession.

Nowadays, teachers' lives are "less difficult than before," especially compared to the time when our generation was in elementary school. Teachers themselves don't demand or strive for perfection, but every Lunar New Year, their simple wishes are expressed. It's a gentle reminder of society's responsibility towards those who are silently keeping the flame alive for future springs.

Source: https://thanhnien.vn/tet-den-nha-giao-da-het-ngheo-185260211165246658.htm