A COMPARATIVE EXAMINATION OF PRIMARY SCHOOL TEACHER TRAINING ROUTES IN ENGLAND AND VIETNAM

Keywords: Primary teacher, Initial Teacher Training, Qualified Teacher Status, training requirements

Becoming a primary school teacher in England and Vietnam involves

distinct pathways shaped by diﬀerent educational systems, cultural con-

texts, and professional requirements. In England, aspiring primary teach-

ers typically complete a university degree followed by a post-graduate

Initial Teacher Training (ITT) program, which includes both academic

coursework and practical classroom experience. This is followed by the

award of Qualified Teacher Status (QTS). The focus in England is on

a comprehensive approach to teaching, incorporating a broad curricu-

lum with an emphasis on critical thinking and student-centered learning.

In contrast, Vietnam’s process of becoming a primary teacher typically

involves completing a specialized teacher education program at a univer-

sity, followed by a state exam and certification. Teaching in Vietnam

is more traditionally structured, with a focus on knowledge transmis-

sion and discipline, and professional development opportunities are often

more limited compared to those in England. This comparative analysis

explores the diﬀerences in training requirements, teaching methodolo-

gies, and career development opportunities for primary teachers in both

countries, highlighting the influence of cultural, policy, and pedagogical

factors in shaping the profession.