Issuing the Code of Conduct for Teachers

No discrimination of any form among learners

In addition to general codes of conduct, the Circular sets out specific rules of conduct toward learners. Accordingly, it requires teachers to demonstrate exemplary attitudes, compassion, responsibility, and care; to provide feedback, comments, praise or criticism appropriate to the learner and the context; and to encourage and support learners’ efforts and development.

Respect learners and assess their abilities accurately and objectively; safeguard their lawful and legitimate rights and interests; foster motivation to develop their qualities and capacities; listen to them and provide timely guidance and support in academic and social matters in ways appropriate to their age and psychological development.

Teachers are also responsible for creating a safe, positive, and equitable educational environment; encouraging learners to participate in research, productive work, community service activities, and sustainable development.

Notably, the Circular stipulates that teachers must not discriminate against learners in any form; must not insult, harm, persecute, stereotype, commit violence against, or abuse learners in any form, and must promptly report to leaders or competent authorities when detecting that a learner is subjected to violence or abuse; must not coerce learners to participate in activities of a voluntary nature; must not disclose learners’ information in violation of regulations; and must not commit fraud or deliberately falsify results in admissions or learner assessment activities.

Respect, listen to, and support colleagues.

In their conduct toward colleagues, the Circular requires teachers to be honest, sincere, united, cooperative, and willing to share responsibilities and support one another; to engage in self-criticism and peer review in an objective, serious, straightforward, and constructive manner for the advancement of colleagues. They must respect and listen to colleagues’ opinions, coordinate, exchange experience, and learn from one another in professional activities. They must not insult, divide, or undermine internal unity; must not evade or shift responsibility; and must not disclose colleagues’ information in violation of regulations.

Regarding educational institution managers, the Circular stipulates that teachers have the responsibility to comply with the assignments, directions, and management of the institution’s leadership within the scope of their assigned functions and duties; to listen and be receptive to evaluations and feedback from management in professional activities; to actively provide advice and clearly express their professional opinions to managers within their assigned functions and duties; not to insult or undermine internal unity; and not to be indifferent, evade, or conceal any violations committed by the institution’s management.

Teachers have the responsibility to actively promote and spread humanistic values

In interactions with parents or guardians of learners, the Circular stipulates that teachers proactively and promptly provide and share accurate information about the learner, teaching programs, and educational plans, with the consent of the competent management authority. It encourages and facilitates parents or guardians to participate in educational activities for the learner’s progress.

The Circular also stipulates that teachers must not insult, impose, exploit, or coerce parents or guardians into participating in activities that violate State regulations or in activities that are meant to be voluntary.

Regarding interaction with the community, the Circular requires teachers to demonstrate voluntary and proactive participation in social activities; protect the environment; effectively implement and coordinate charitable, humanitarian activities, and initiatives that support the poor and vulnerable groups in society in accordance with the law; and engage in, promote, and spread movements that build a learning society, foster a reading culture, and encourage education and talent development.

Actively promote humanistic values, good deeds, positive images, and culturally appropriate behavior in society and in schools to the community; proactively participate in communication and dissemination about education, and counter false information related to the education sector and teachers on official social media channels; …

This Circular takes effect from January 30, 2026, replacing the provisions in Decision No. 16/2008/QĐ-BGDĐT dated April 16, 2008, of the Minister of Education and Training on the promulgation of Regulations on Teacher Ethics, and Article 6 of Circular No. 06/2019/TT-BGDĐT dated April 12, 2019, of the Minister of Education and Training stipulating the Code of Conduct in preschool education institutions, general education institutions, and continuing education institutions.