VietNamNet Bridge – The HCM City's education sector school system has hired 100 teachers from the Philippines to teach English at primary, secondary and high schools beginning in November, according to the city's Department of Education and Training.

Le Hong Son, head of the department, said the teachers, all of whom have university degrees in education, would also share their knowledge about effective teaching methodologies and supplemental activities with Vietnamese teachers of English.

The teachers will be paid VND40 million (US$2,000) per month and teach 35 class sessions per week.

The People's Committee initially had agreed to subsidise 50 per cent of the total costs to pay salaries, but on August 7 city leaders reversed that decision.

Instead, schools that want to hire the teachers should ask students' parents to contribute to the costs, the committee suggested.

Because of the limited number of Filipino teachers, schools that want to hire one or more of the teachers must register with the department, Son said.

The city's education department plans to hire more teachers if the plan proves successful.

The goal is to improve the English proficiency of students in primary, secondary and high schools.

Most high schools and universities in the Philippines offer instruction in English and use an American curriculum.

VietNamNet/VNS