Tet bonus levels for teachers in Ho Chi Minh City's private sector vary significantly, depending on individual employment contracts and each school's financial health.

Nam Viet inter-level school system plans to allocate over 2 billion VND for its bonus fund, maintaining stability compared to last year. The highest bonus, 50 million VND, is reserved for the board of directors, while the lowest is equivalent to one month's basic salary.

Similarly, many well-performing schools have increased Tet bonuses for their teachers. Pham Thi Thuy Vinh, founder of the Ngo Thoi Nhiem inter-level school system, stated that approximately 800 staff members would receive bonuses ranging from 6 to 22 million VND each. The common bonus amount is 15 million VND, an average increase of 1.5 million VND from last year.

Bui Gia Hieu, head of the Tre Viet inter-level school system, reported that teacher Tet bonuses range from 5.3 to 48 million VND, an 8% increase from last year. The system's total bonus fund is approximately 3.5 billion VND.

Vinh emphasizes that salary, bonus, and welfare policies are crucial for retaining teachers and motivating their dedication, directly impacting the quality of education. "We cannot sacrifice educational quality due to immediate difficulties, as it determines student enrollment and the school's operations," Vinh remarked.

Teachers from Ngo Thoi Nhiem inter-level school system receive lucky money during the first semester review on 7/2. Photo: School provided

In contrast, some schools are facing financial strain. At Hai Ba Trung Secondary and High School in District 12, more than 40 teachers and administrators received bonuses of around 7-10 million VND, equivalent to half a month's salary. Hoang Minh Huy, the principal, explained that many parents delayed tuition payments by three to four months last year due to business difficulties. This placed significant pressure on the school's cash flow, leading to a bonus reduction of approximately 30% compared to last year.

Nguyen Thi Tu Tam, principal of Bau Troi Xanh Kindergarten in Hanh Thong ward, noted that her school had to "stretch itself" to ensure a 13th-month salary of 8-10 million VND for teachers and caregivers. According to Tam, this is a significant effort by the school, especially when many other places can only offer a few hundred thousand VND as a motivational bonus.

For public school teachers in Ho Chi Minh City, while they do not receive a 13th-month salary or Tet bonus in the same way private schools do, they are compensated through other channels. They receive additional income for Quarter 4, a Tet gift of 2 million VND, and bonuses under Decree 73. Furthermore, many public schools distribute funds from budget surpluses and savings accumulated throughout the year.

A survey across numerous schools indicates that this year, public school teachers in Ho Chi Minh City, including those from the former Ba Ria - Vung Tau and Binh Duong areas, could receive over 100 million VND, depending on their salary grade and seniority.

Le Nguyen