In Vietnam, teacher fired for hitting students with plastic ruler

The Gia Lai Department of Education and Training said the principal of Anh Hung Nup High School in To Tung Commune ended the contract of the teacher, identified as P.T.H.B., after investigating the incident which occurred during classes on November 3 and 5.

Video of the lessons, which later went viral on social media, showed the teacher calling 10th graders to the board and hitting those who answered incorrectly.

The principal later met the teacher and parents, who accepted her apology.

Most parents said the teacher’s actions stemmed from concern for the students but reflected poor judgment, and 14 out of the 15 parents suggested allowing her to continue teaching after she apologized in person to each family.

However, the school decided to terminate her contract on Monday.

Nguyen Van Long, deputy director of the provincial education department, said the teacher’s actions violated education regulations and the school charter protecting students from physical harm.

Long added that personnel decisions were the school’s responsibility.

“Every student is different and requires appropriate approaches in education,” he said.

“But in all circumstances, teachers must avoid any disciplinary measures not permitted under regulations.

“This case can be seen as a professional accident.”