NEW CODE OF CONDUCT
the consultation discussions over the new code, the
one with the highest expectations of teachers were the
teachers themselves.
In line with this, the new code is aimed more
at meeting the rising expectations of the quality of
the teaching profession than any great reform of its
policies and procedures. The old code already granted
the GTCE the power to suspend or bar teachers for
misconduct or incompetence where it believes that the
teacher in question was guilty of conduct that fell short
of the standard expected of a registered teacher.
The GTCE has also been quick to point out that its
disciplinary procedures will not change and that it does
not expect to see an increase in the cases it hears.
The key difference is that the new code is explicit,
not only that there is an expected standard, but that it
is directly linked to a teacher’s responsibility to uphold
public trust and confidence in the profession.
The idea is that by creating clear standards and a
more supportive environment, cases of misconduct
and incompetence will be prevented from escalating to
disciplinary procedures.
The GTCE’s intention is that the code will be
a “touchstone” to help teachers understand what is
Breaking
expected of them, guiding them on everyday judgements
and actions and providing them with a hallmark for the
profession in much the same way as is already provided
to other professions such as doctors and lawyers.
Conclusion
Although the GTCE has only been around for eight
years, the draft code reflects its recognition of the
growing professionalism of teachers.
down
Rather than being draconian, the code seeks to
establish the attributes, knowledge and skills considered
by the GTCE to be necessary for entry into and through
the profession, and set out values which are common
to all teachers and ensure that they are aware of the
standard of conduct and professionalism expected of
them, both in and out of the classroom.
It is inevitable that the GTCE has some way to go
before it can claim to be considered in the same regard
the code
as the regulatory bodies of other professions, such as
the 150-year-old General Medical Council. However,
the code is an important stage in the evolution of the
GTCE, establishing a common document which makes
clear the purpose and value of teaching and the role of
teachers in today’s society.
• Emily Birkett is an education law specialist with
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Browne Jacobson. Visit
www.brownejacobson.com
It suggests a number of ways in which teachers should participate in their colleague’s development (particularly
develop these standards. those more junior). It also expects teachers to play an
In practice, the code expects teachers to use up-to-date active role in the development of the whole school,
knowledge and experience of their subject as the basis exercising leadership and management responsibilities
of their teaching and to develop their offering within and supporting leadership decisions, school policies
the national curriculum. It requires teachers to reflect and procedures. NASUWT
on their teaching methods and make use of appropriate It says that teachers should “recognise the important
feedback and training to help them improve. role of the school in the life of the local community
The Teachers’ Union
In the classroom, the code envisages that teachers and take responsibility for upholding its reputation and
will tailor their teaching methods to reflect the different building trust and confidence in it”.
abilities of the children they are teaching, setting
appropriate and clear learning objectives. 7, Co-operate with other professionals in
The union for all teachers
3, Help children and young people to
the children’s workforce
become confident and successful learners
Teachers are expected to demonstrate awareness that
they share responsibility for their pupils with a wide
Teachers are encouraged to listen to their pupils range of other agencies. The code envisages that
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and build relationships with them, creating effective teachers will do their best to understand the role of
learning environments so that they feel involved in their other professionals and establish effective working
own learning. relationships with them for joint working.
This principle also supports the idea that teachers
should use the classroom environment to promote self-
8, Demonstrate honesty and integrity and
confidence and awareness among their pupils.
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The code envisages that teachers will engage
uphold public trust and confidence in the
children with the implications of changes in society and
teaching profession
technology, and offer impartial advice and guidance
about their future options. This principle requires teachers to uphold the law and
The hope is that by managing their environment maintain the appropriate standards of behaviour both pay NO SUBSCRIPTION until 2010*
teachers will develop an awareness of their significant inside and outside the classroom. They are expected to
role in children’s lives and their duty to lead by demonstrate high standards of honesty and integrity, for
example. example in the use of “school property and finance”,
and understand that their duty to safeguard children Online
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4, Demonstrate respect for diversity and
always comes first.
promote equality
It adds that teachers should: “Maintain reasonable
standards in their own behaviour that enable them to
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The code believes that teachers should play an active maintain an effective learning environment and also to
role in taking responsibility for challenging, educating uphold public trust and confidence in the profession.” 0121 457 6211
and reacting to discrimination, stereotyping and
bullying, so that children understand and appreciate
Other points
different views and learn in a fair and inclusive school The code makes clear that disciplinary action can be
environment. taken against teachers for actions outside school hours
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5, Strive to establish productive
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partnerships with parents and carers
develop “productive and supportive relationships with
all school colleagues”.
Teachers are required to demonstrate an understanding Examples of bad practice include bullying and
of the importance of establishing these relationships. using the internet for personal reasons during lesson
The code envisages that teachers will consider the views times. Teachers risk losing their registration if they fall
and perspectives of parents and carers and provide them seriously short of the code’s standards.
with information about their child’s progress, as well
as involving them in important decisions about their
Reaction to code
education. The new code has been met with concern from some
teachers’ unions, who have argued that it not only
6, Work as part of a whole-school team
increases scrutiny of their conduct in the classroom, but
This principle insists that teachers take positive steps it intrudes too much on teachers’ private lives.
NASUWT – the largest teachers’ union in the UK
to develop productive and supportive relationships Interestingly, however, the GTCE has dismissed
with all of their colleagues. It envisages that they will this criticism claiming that of the groups involved in
SecEd • July 9 2009 9
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