From September 1, 2026, retired teachers in Vietnam will have the opportunity to work as official teachers if they meet specific criteria. This initiative is part of a new regulation set forth by the Ministry of Education and Training (MOET) through Circular No. 59/2026/TT-BGDĐT, which was issued on July 15, 2026.

The circular outlines the guidelines for retired teachers working under fixed-term contracts, marking the first time such provisions have been established. The aim is to create a legal framework that allows educational institutions to effectively utilize the skills and experience of retired educators, thereby improving the overall quality of education and training.

According to the new regulations, educational institutions can sign full-time contracts with retired teachers, provided they meet the stipulated conditions. The circular specifies the principles for contract signing, the qualifications required for teachers, working hours, salaries, allowances, and the rights and responsibilities of both the teachers and the educational institutions employing them.

Importantly, the use of retired teachers must not interfere with the development strategy for the next generation of educators and should not replace existing teaching staff. This measure is designed to ensure that the educational workforce remains robust while benefiting from the expertise of seasoned professionals.

Furthermore, the circular emphasizes the importance of transparency in the hiring process, requiring institutions to publicly disclose the list of retired teachers employed and to adhere to quality assurance standards in education.

In addition to the provisions for retired teachers, the circular also clarifies the roles of visiting teachers, defining their responsibilities not only in teaching but also in guiding practical work, conducting research, and preparing educational materials. This comprehensive approach aims to enhance the educational experience for students while providing a clear legal basis for the employment of visiting educators.

The MOET believes that these new regulations will effectively tap into the high-quality human resources of retired educators, particularly experts and seasoned academics, thereby contributing to the enhancement of educational quality and research capabilities in Vietnam.