Shortage of qualified special education teachers in HCMC

The shortage of qualified special education teachers is present in Ho Chi Minh City impeding special needs students from reaching their full academic potential, and hinder an entire school system’s ability to prepare all students for the college or career phase of their lives.
The shortage of qualified special education teachers is present in Ho Chi Minh City  (Photo: SGGP)
The shortage of qualified special education teachers is present in Ho Chi Minh City (Photo: SGGP)
The municipal Department of Education and Training yesterday organized a conference to review the task of the academic year 2018-2019 and implementation of the new school year.
Deputy Head of the Primary Education Bureau under the Department of Education and Training Nguyen Minh Thien Hoang said that in the academic year 2018-2019, the city had 21 special educational facilities for disabled students, 12 centers to teach serious disabled students and 725 public preschools, primary schools and junior, senior high schools which admit students with slight disabilities. 
With a lot of paperwork, low pay, and the stress of standing up in front of a noisy classroom filled with rowdy, misbehaved children, the job itself is a tough sell.
At present, teachers and managers in special educational institutions are enjoying monthly bonus of 70 percent of basic salary and an amount for their responsibilities. Teachers of public schools who directly teach students with slight disabilities are enjoying higher salaries than their peers.
Though quality of education for these special students is improved, a representative of the Department said that a lot of teachers of special schools quitted jobs. The lack of special education teachers is a recruitment challenges.
With a high volume of paperwork, heavy workloads paired with lack of support and, thus, professional isolation, it takes an extremely motivated, passionate individual to take on the challenge.
Special education teacher is someone who works with children and youths who have a variety of disabilities. Children with special needs require unique instruction by specially trained professionals to help them achieve their highest potential and strive to progress beyond their limitations.
Worse, the number of disabled students has increased placing pressure on schools as well as taking care of them. A large class will affect teaching quality. District administrations have not planned to build educational facilities to admit disabled children.
To improve teaching quality, the Department petitioned the Ministry of Education and Training to introduce vocational training, soft skills and sex education to disabled students of all abilities and backgrounds.
Besides, indirect staffs in the special schools should receive higher bonus as per the city’s petition.

Other news