On Friday, a new Code of Ethics and Practice for the teaching profession was implemented by the government by way of a Legal Notice, effectively revoking the previous Code of Behaviour regulations.
The new rules will be applicable when the Council for the Teaching Profession investigates any teacher’s alleged professional misconduct, gross negligence or incompetence.
The new code sets out the key principles of good conduct and practice for teachers, and is intended to guide teachers’ practice judgements and decisions and inform parents, and the community of these standards.
It also informs members of the community of the standards expected of teachers. It is not, however, a definitive or exhaustive guide, the legislation observes, nor should it be read as a blueprint to be followed unreflectively by teachers.
“As professionals,” the legislation states, “teachers are to constantly engage with the principles outlined in a critical manner, taking into account the educational value of the particular relationships with people in particular teaching and learning situations and processes.
“The code is intended to encourage teachers to adopt an informed approach to their teaching and its contexts and to reflect on the good and correct practices as professional teachers.
“A teacher shall endeavour to be a role model and shall act within the community in a manner that enhances the prestige of the profession.”
The rules do not apply to kindergarten teachers and Learning Support Assistants, teachers of English as a foreign language and those who teach in the cultural, sport or religious sectors, insofar as their teaching is not imparted as an integral part of compulsory education in the curriculum of a licensed school.
Key Principle One
Maintain trust in the profession
The legislation instructs teachers to base their relationship with students on mutual trust and respect; have regard to the safety and well being of students under their responsibility; respect the uniqueness and diversity of the learning community they are part of; and to work in a collaborative manner with colleagues and other professionals.
It also guides teachers to develop and maintain good relationships with parents, guardians and carers: 1.6 − act with honesty, integrity and fairness; be sensitive to the need for confidentiality where appropriate; 1.8 − take responsibility for maintaining the quality of their professional practice; 1.9 − uphold public trust and confidence in the teaching profession; and to create learning experiences which engage, motivate and challenge students in an inclusive setting with a lifelong learning perspective.
Key Principle Two
Maintain professional relationships with students
Teachers should maintain professional boundaries while in school and out of school, avoid improper physical contact, avoid inappropriate communication via any form of media, including online media, and avoid inappropriate relationships with students.
Members of the teaching profession are duty bound and are ultimately responsible to maintain a professional distance; refrain from taking advantage of professional relationships with students for their own personal benefit, including by giving private lessons to students from the classes they teach or who are under their administrative responsibility, against payment, whether monetary or in kind; conduct pastoral interventions with students professionally, and behave in keeping with their unique position of trust and status as role models.
Teachers must also follow behaviour management and safe schools policies and guidelines as directed by the relevant school, college and education authorities; act appropriately towards students exercising care in their language, gestures and attitudes, ensuring that they do not act in such a manner that is embarrassing or disparaging and ensuring that they do not use abusive language or offensive names or make inappropriate remarks; and act with a professional attitude and behaviour at all times.
Key Principle Three
Respect the uniqueness and diversity of students
According to the new rules, teachers must demonstrate respect for diversity, maintain fairness and promote equality irrespective of gender, race, religion, sexual orientation, appearance, age, language or different needs or abilities.
They should also maintain an up-to-date knowledge and understanding of, implement and comply with, current child protection procedures; maintain an up to date knowledge of guidelines issued nationally, by the Council for the Teaching Profession, their school or college, education authorities and the Office of the Commissioner for Children insofar as these concern their personal and professional conduct.
Teachers are also tasked with contributing to the creation of a fair and inclusive school environment by addressing discrimination, stereotyping and bullying; and identifying and referring to the competent authorities any issues that might impact on students’ welfare at the earliest possible stage.
Key Principle Four
Work in a collaborative manner with colleagues, parents, guardians and carers
Teachers are to work in a collegiate and cooperative manner with colleagues and other professionals who work in multidisciplinary teams officially recognised by the education authorities; respect, support and collaborate with colleagues both in matters concerning the education of students as well as in maintaining relations with colleagues in the highest standards of professional courtesy; be prepared to help junior colleagues and those in training and induction in all possible ways; and respect the authority of senior professional colleagues while retaining the right to express professional opinion and dissent.
Teachers shall not reprimand, censure, rebuke or criticise any colleague, or any other member of the teaching profession, in the presence of students or in public; refrain from making public statements that bring the profession into disrepute; develop and maintain good relationships between home and school, respecting the role that parents, guardians and carers have in students’ education; and engage and work positively with parents, as far as possible, in an open and respectful way.
They are to also ensure that their communications with parents, students and colleagues comply with those policies and procedures issued at school or college level, as well as those educational policies and procedures issued at national level; and demonstrate respect for diversity when dealing with colleagues, parents, guardians or carers in their capacity as partners in the educative process; and make every effort to encourage parents, guardians and carers to interest themselves actively in the education and welfare of children in their care.
Key Principle Five
Act with honesty and integrity
According to the Legal Notice, teachers are to comply with policies and procedures issued at school, college or national education level, regarding the use of property, facilities, finances and ICT in their educational setting; 5.2 conduct assessment- and examination-related tasks with integrity and in compliance with official regulations and procedures; represent themselves, their experience, professional position and qualifications honestly; only disclose confidential information within the parameters allowed by legislation; be mindful of their position as a role model to students; and, both in their personal and professional life, be mindful of their behaviour and attitude, as these may have an impact on the profession they represent.
Key Principle Six
Keep their professional knowledge and practice up to date
Teachers are to maintain high standards of practice in relation to teaching and learning, classroom management, planning, monitoring, assessment and reporting; and keep their professional knowledge and skills updated throughout their teaching career; keep updated their knowledge of relevant guidelines and educational developments in their teaching post and role and in relation to teaching in general; reflect upon and evaluate their practice as part of their continuing professional development; be open and respond positively to constructive feedback regarding their teaching practices; and 6.6 seek support, advice and guidance where necessary.