Deputy Minister Pham Ngoc Thuong emphasized that private tutoring is not banned, but rules are necessary to prevent coercion and maintain the integrity of the education system.

At a conference on February 6, Deputy Minister Pham Ngoc Thuong addressed concerns about Circular 29, a recently issued MOET regulation on private tutoring. He emphasized that teaching outside school hours is an important educational activity that must be managed responsibly.

"Private tutoring is closely tied to the professional responsibilities of teachers and the learning needs of students. The MOET does not ban private tutoring but prohibits unethical practices such as coercion, curriculum duplication, and unfair advantages for certain students," Thuong stated.

He also stressed that no teacher should pressure students into paid tutoring sessions, warning that unethical conduct damages both the profession and the education system.

"A dedicated and competent teacher would never force students to pay for additional classes. The regulations are designed to preserve the dignity of educators and the education sector," he said.

Restrictions in public schools

The Deputy Minister reaffirmed that public school teachers, who receive state salaries and use government-funded facilities, should not charge students for extra lessons.

However, in public schools, additional learning support is allowed for:

Students who do not meet academic standards

Gifted students needing advanced instruction

Students preparing for important exams

These sessions should be considered remedial or enrichment programs, rather than paid private tutoring. Thuong encouraged local education departments to allocate funds for these activities, ensuring equal access to educational support.

Ensuring fair implementation of new rules

Addressing concerns over Circular 29, Thuong urged school administrators to avoid extreme interpretations. He noted that in the past, unchecked tutoring led to public outcry, as some teachers exploited their positions for financial gain.

However, he also warned against a total withdrawal of academic support, which could leave struggling students without necessary help.

"Education officials and school leaders must responsibly enforce Circular 29. The goal is not to eliminate tutoring but to prevent abuse while ensuring students receive the support they need to succeed in exams and higher education," he said.

Deputy Minister Thuong acknowledged that managing private tutoring remains a challenge. He emphasized that future solutions must go beyond administrative policies to include professional development for teachers and innovative teaching methods.

"Regulations alone cannot solve this issue. We must invest in teacher training, curriculum development, and fostering self-study habits among students," he concluded.

Thanh Hung