Is teaching a noble profession that requires a simple and modest lifestyle?

The story of the teaching profession losing talented and skilled individuals is undoubtedly still a source of concern for many, especially given the extremely low entrance scores for teacher training colleges.

Besides explanations about unemployment, work pressure, and the negative aspects of job applications and "bribing for permanent positions," perhaps a significant reason is that teachers have to live with the constant struggle to make ends meet.

The teaching profession is often beautifully described, elegantly worded, as "the noblest of all noble professions." And it truly is noble because it is the profession of teaching others. So many famous and successful doctors, engineers, soldiers, and entrepreneurs are the result of teachers' efforts in "nurturing people." So many drivers, shopkeepers, and manual laborers have also received instruction and guidance from teachers.

Illustrative image.

The noble profession of "nurturing people" has led to teachers being viewed with extreme respect and dignity. There was a time when the teaching profession was highly regarded, with parents and children addressing teachers with utmost reverence. However, despite the passage of time, the issue of teachers' compensation has not seen any positive change. The question, "When will teachers be able to live on their salaries?" remains unanswered.

Recently, public opinion has been stirred by the story of teacher Hoang Kim Anh in Cao Bang who submitted a resignation letter. Besides the pressure of working with preschool children and the difficulties of working in a remote area, the teacher's explanation was that her monthly salary of 4.3 million VND was insufficient to cover her family's expenses. She is not yet married, nor has she taken on the responsibilities of motherhood or daughter-in-law, yet she cannot manage on such a meager salary.

Don't judge Ms. Kim Anh's decision to quit her job just because of her 4.3 million VND salary. That amount of money, after deducting personal expenses for a month, leaves very little left over. Not to mention the responsibilities of supporting her parents and siblings' education… Therefore, many teachers have lamented with bitterness and regret: Teachers' salaries are even lower than… those of domestic helpers!

Teacher Kim Anh is not an isolated case of quitting due to pressure and low compensation. Statistics show that in Ho Chi Minh City alone, approximately 1,000 teachers quit or switch careers each year. One might think that even the most stressful job would be attractive if it offered a desirable salary and benefits package. However, when high work pressure is coupled with low compensation, it's inevitable that talented individuals will avoid teaching!

The teaching profession is noble, but has society been fair in forcing teachers to live in poverty? We always demand that our children be taught by outstanding, dedicated, and talented teachers. But who can wholeheartedly focus on teaching, excel with knowledge, and persevere in educating students' morals when the worries of making ends meet still weigh heavily on their minds? Who can wholeheartedly invest in their professional development and enthusiastically nurture future generations when they have to "cut corners" on extra work outside of teaching?

The pursuit of a happy and fulfilling life is a legitimate human aspiration. Therefore, the desire of teachers to live comfortably with their salaries should also be respected! Please do not force noble teachers to live frugally!

According to Dantri