A tentative decree by Vietnam’s education ministry has highlighted administrative fines for actions that are considered insulting and offensive toward teachers and students.

The Ministry of Education and Training is expected to collect feedback on the draft decree, regarding specific administrative penalties within the education sector, until November 25.

According to the provisional regulations, behaviors that offend the dignity and honor of teachers and staff members of educational facilities will be subject to a VND10 million (US$429) to VND20 million ($859) fine.

Physical abuse toward this group of people will result in a fine worth VND20 million to VND30 million ($1,287).

Similar penalties will be imposed upon violators if the victims are students and learners in general.

Teachers who commit such wrongdoings also face an additional one to six month suspension from work.

The entrance of an elementary school in the central province of Thua Thien-Hue. Photo: Tuoi Tre

In addition, teachers who discipline learners against procedures and regulations are also subject to a fine of VND2 million ($86) to VND10 million.

Other actions that violate students’ rights and interests will be fined VND8 million ($343) to up to VND15 million ($644).

“This rule focuses on deterring abusive behaviors in education,” said Nguyen Huy Bang, chief inspector of the education ministry.

Previous promulgations did not point out specific penalties for certain offenses in education, thus punishment was not stern enough, Bang elaborated.

Meanwhile, some teachers are concerned that the new regulations will take away their power in the classroom.

“How are we going to discipline stubborn and mischievous students in our class?” a teacher in Ho Chi Minh City questioned. 

Students walk out from a tutoring center in Ho Chi Minh City. Photo: Tuoi Tre

Penalties for violations regarding extra classes, or after-school tutoring, are also detailed in the draft decree, the official from the education ministry continued.

In Vietnam, students are often sent to private tutoring classes aside from their official school hours in order to better understand their lessons and thus obtain higher results.

This type of class can be offered by private tutoring centers or the students’ very own teachers of their school.

The draft rules show that teachers would face a fine worth VND10 million to VND15 million if caught forcing their students to attend their after-hours classes.

Teachers, as well as tutoring centers, will be required to shut down their private classes if they operate without a license.

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