CODE OF PROFESSIONAL ETHICS

This Code of Ethics shall regulate the behaviour of all teachers in this college. The values that are to guide the teachers are emphasized in this code. This code addresses the relationship that teachers should have with various stakeholders -- the students entrusted in their care as well as colleagues, parents, guardians and the general community.

Teacher and the Students

1. The members of the teaching profession shall maintain professional boundaries whilst in college and out of college, avoid improper physical contact or improper communication in any form and avoid inappropriate relationships with students.
2. The members of the teaching profession shall maintain a professional distance; they shall refrain from taking advantage of professional relationships with students for their own personal benefit and behave in keeping with their unique position of trust and status as role models.
3. The members of the teaching profession shall follow safe behaviour management policies and guidelines, as directed by the relevant college and education authorities; they shall exercise care in their language, gestures and attitudes, ensuring that they do not damage the self-esteem of the students in any manner and shall act in a professional manner at all times.
4. The members of the teaching profession shall demonstrate respect for diversity, maintain fairness and promote equality irrespective of gender, race, religion, sexual orientation, appearance, age, language or different needs or abilities.
5. The members of the teaching profession shall contribute to the creation of a fair and inclusive academic environment by addressing discrimination, stereotyping and bullying.
6. The members of the teaching profession shall identify and refer to the competent authorities any issues that might impact on students’ welfare at the earliest possible stage.

Teachers with the Colleagues, Parents, Guardians

1. The members of the teaching profession shall work in a collegiate and cooperative manner with colleagues and other professionals who work in multidisciplinary teams officially recognized by the education authorities.
2. The members of the teaching profession shall 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.
3. The members of the teaching profession shall be prepared to help junior colleagues and those in training and induction in all possible ways.
4. The members of the teaching profession shall respect the authority of senior professional colleagues while retaining the right to express professional opinion and dissent.
5. The members of the teaching profession 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.
6. The members of the teaching profession shall refrain from making public statements which bring the profession into disrepute.
7. The members of the teaching profession shall develop and maintain good relationships between home and school, respecting the role that parents, guardians of the students.
8. The members of the teaching profession shall engage and work positively with parents, as far as possible, in an open and respectful way.
9. The members of the teaching profession shall ensure that their communications with parents, students and colleagues comply with those policies and procedures issued college level, as well as those educational policies and procedures issued at state or national level.
10. The members of the teaching profession shall demonstrate respect for diversity when dealing with colleagues, parents, guardians in their capacity as partners in the educative process.
11. The members of the teaching profession shall make every effort to encourage parents, guardians to interest themselves actively in the education and welfare of children in their care.

Principles of Honesty and Integrity

1. Comply with policies and procedures issued at college, state or national education level, regarding the use of property, facilities, finances and ICT in their educational setting.
2. Conduct assessment- and examination-related tasks with integrity and in compliance with official regulations and procedures.
3. Represent themselves, their experience, professional position and qualifications honestly.
4. Only disclose confidential information within the parameters allowed by legislation.
5. Be mindful of their position as a role model to students.
6. Both in their personal and professional life, be watchful of their behaviour and attitude, being that these may have an impact on the profession they represent.

Professional Knowledge Up To Date

1. The members of the teaching profession shall maintain high standards of practice in relation to teaching and learning, classroom management, planning, monitoring, assessment and reporting.
2. The members of the teaching profession shall keep their professional knowledge and skills updated throughout their teaching career.
3. The members of the teaching profession shall keep updated their knowledge of relevant guidelines and educational developments in their teaching post and role and in relation to teaching in general.
4. The members of the teaching profession shall reflect upon and evaluate their practice as part of their continuing professional development.
5. The members of the teaching profession shall be open and respond positively to constructive feedback regarding their teaching practices.
6. The members of the teaching profession shall seek support, advice and guidance where necessary.