The Ministry of Education and Training announced a new circular on 4/2 outlining a code of conduct for educators. This comprehensive document introduces five groups of rules governing interactions with students, colleagues, management staff, parents, and the community.

Regarding students, teachers are expected to demonstrate compassion, provide appropriate feedback and criticism, and respect students' abilities. They should listen and offer age-appropriate advice. Crucially, teachers are strictly prohibited from discriminating against students in any form, insulting, harming, persecuting, or abusing them. They must not force students into voluntary activities, disclose private information, or falsify assessment results.

For parents, the circular emphasizes proactive communication, requiring teachers to provide information on students, curriculum, and teaching plans. A significant new provision prohibits teachers from insulting, imposing on, seeking personal gain from, or coercing parents into activities contrary to regulations or those that are voluntary in nature. This new rule addresses public concerns over past "campaigns" for contributions to school facilities and equipment, where costs were often equally divided among parents. Such issues have previously led to situations where schools, for example, had to remove televisions and refund parents.

Additionally, the Ministry mandates that teachers respect and listen to colleagues' opinions, avoiding internal divisions or disclosing colleagues' private information. When interacting with superiors, teachers are responsible for providing constructive feedback and must not be indifferent to, avoid, or conceal any misconduct. In their engagement with the community, educators are encouraged to actively participate in social activities and combat fake news related to the education sector and the teaching profession.

Teachers and students at Hung Loi Primary School, Lam Thanh commune, Nghe An province, during a lesson. *Photo: Duc Hung*

By Duong Tam