Rules About Overtime and Extra Classes for Teachers in Vietnam

Vietnam’s education sector is growing rapidly, and many schools require teachers to take on overtime or extra classes to meet student demand. For both foreign and Vietnamese teachers, it is essential to understand the rules on overtime pay, workload limits, and teacher rights under Vietnamese labor law.

1. Standard Working Hours for Teachers in Vietnam

According to the Vietnam Labor Code 2019, standard working hours are:

• Normal working week: 40–48 hours, depending on the contract.
• Teaching hours: For full-time teachers, schools often allocate 18–25 teaching hours per week, with the rest for preparation and school duties.
• Breaks and rest: Teachers must have at least one full day off per week.
   

2. Definition of Overtime and Extra Classes

• Overtime: Any working time beyond the contractual working hours agreed in the teacher’s labor contract.
• Extra classes: Additional teaching periods outside the regular schedule, often requested by schools due to high enrollment or exam preparation needs.

Both are regulated under labor law, and teachers must be compensated accordingly.

3. Legal Limits on Overtime

Vietnamese law sets strict limits to protect workers, including teachers:

• Maximum overtime per day: 4 hours.
• Maximum overtime per month: 40 hours.
• Maximum overtime per year: 300 hours (for sectors including education).

Importantly, overtime or extra classes require teacher consent. Schools cannot force teachers to work beyond the legal limit.

4. Overtime Pay and Extra Class Compensation

Overtime and extra teaching must be paid at higher rates than regular working hours:

• At least 150% of the normal hourly wage for overtime on weekdays.
• At least 200% for overtime on weekends.
• At least 300% for overtime on public holidays.

For teachers, this means that extra classes outside the normal schedule should be paid as overtime, unless otherwise stated in the contract.

5. Contractual Agreements on Extra Classes

Some schools include clauses about extra teaching hours in the employment contract. Teachers should pay attention to:

• The maximum number of teaching hours per week.
• How extra classes will be assigned.
• The exact payment rate for overtime or extra lessons.
• Whether teachers can refuse additional classes.

To avoid disputes, ensure that any overtime or extra class policy is written in the contract or school regulations.

6. Rights and Obligations of Teachers

Foreign and local teachers in Vietnam have the right to:

• Decline overtime if it exceeds legal limits.
• Receive proper overtime pay.
• Request written confirmation of extra classes and payment rates.

Teachers are also obligated to:

• Follow the terms of the contract.
• Perform agreed teaching duties responsibly.
• Report disputes or violations to the school or labor authorities if necessary.
   

7. Practical Tips for Teachers

• Check your contract before signing: ensure overtime rules are clearly stated.
• Track your hours: keep a personal record of teaching and extra classes.
• Negotiate fairly: if asked to take extra classes, confirm pay and workload in writing.
• Know your rights: labor inspectors can intervene if schools violate overtime regulations.

Overtime and extra classes are common in Vietnam’s education sector, but teachers must know their legal rights and obligations. By understanding the rules on working hours, limits, and overtime pay, both foreign and Vietnamese teachers can ensure fair treatment and avoid disputes. Staying informed helps teachers balance their workload and protect their professional rights in Vietnam.