Teachers at preschools in HCM City are quitting to better-paid work with less stress.

A teacher at a private preschool in HCM City’s Binh Tan District for nearly three years stopped teaching because she couldn't afford to continue in her job.

From central Dak Lak Province, she was earning VND2m a month, rising to VND3m, but felt the wage did not match how much work she had to do - 12 hours a day from 6am and little time to rest.

She had to teach the children under her care six days a week and during summer, counseling them, and dealing with their parents, who wanted more and more of her time.

Now she sells cosmetics online.

“Some of my friends and colleagues have quit teaching and work part time. Some of them regret not quitting earlier,” she said.

The principal of a private preschool in District 7 said some teachers go back to their hometowns and get married, giving no notice when they decide to quit. Other teachers simply quit and work at other jobs.

The drain of teachers is evident at state preschools. Many teachers quit after only a few days.

Dao Viet Cuong, a lecturer at Saigon University’s Preschool Education Faculty, said many university graduates, including those who have excellent results at school, quit teaching after one or two years.

Many preschools in HCM City and surrounding areas are facing serious teacher shortages.

A preschool teacher in HCM City’s District 5 said there are three types of teachers - those who teach because they love what they do and will teach regardless of pay or pressure, those who cannot find another job to earn a living, and those who teach for a while then find better paid employment.

"But now many talented teachers, who do love their job, are giving up,” she said.

Dtinews