What is the Code of Conduct?

The Code of Conduct is a set of principles or standards for the behaviour and conduct of all Victorian teachers. It does not cover every specific situation but provides guidelines for ethical behaviour.

The Code of Conduct is based on the core values articulated by the profession in the Code of Ethics, which was published in 2005.

These values are:

• integrity
• respect
• responsibility.

 Who developed the Code of Conduct?

The Victorian Institute of Teaching developed the Code of Conduct as required by the Education and Training Reform Act 2006.

The Code of Conduct was developed in close consultation with the profession.

Every Victorian teacher had the opportunity to contribute to the development of the Code either through participation in focus groups, workshops and/or information sessions held within schools, or via feedback on the Institute's website. 

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What is the value for teachers in having a Code of Conduct?

A written code of conduct is a characteristic of a profession. The Code of Conduct recognises teaching as a profession in line with other professions such as law and medicine.   

The code:

• encourages the highest standards of action in all teachers, in their relationships with students, parents and colleagues, by setting out clear statements of expectation
  
• provides a set of principles which will assist teachers to solve ethical dilemmas and guide them in their everyday conduct
  
• provides a public statement about how those who work as teachers will behave and how the profession expects to be viewed and ultimately judged
  
• promotes public confidence in the teaching profession. 

Is the Code of Conduct binding on me?

The Education and Training Reform Act 2006 requires the Institute to develop a code of conduct, but does not provide any mechanism to enforce the code.

The vast majority of teachers should have no difficulty in complying with the Code.

There is no intention that the Code act as a disciplinary tool; the greatest value of the Code of Conduct will be to assist teachers to better exercise their judgment when making decisions within the culture and context of their particular workplace.

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What happens if I breach the Code of Conduct?

Without specific enforcement provisions a breach of the Code of Conduct per se will not lead to disciplinary proceedings.

The test for whether disciplinary proceedings are held is not whether the Code of Conduct has been breached, but whether the teacher's competence or conduct amounts to serious misconduct, serious incompetence or lack of fitness to teach.

Each system or school will, in the first instance, have its own polices and processes in place to deal with what it regards as a 'disciplinary' matter. 

How is the Code of Conduct related to the Code of Ethics and the Standards of Professional Practice?

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I am employed by the Department of Education and Early Childhood Development and am required to comply with the Code of Conduct for Victorian public sector employees.

You are required to comply with both codes; however there is no inconsistency between the two codes. The Code of Conduct for teachers provides guidance that is more specific to the teaching profession. 

Does the Code only cover my behaviour at work?

Some teachers believe that what they do in their personal lives has nothing to do with their standing or status as a teacher and a member of the teaching profession.

This is not true, but where the line is drawn between a teacher's personal and professional conduct is hard to define.

In Section 2 of the Code of Conduct, there are some general guidelines with respect to personal conduct.

The most important thing for teachers to remember is that as far as students in their own school are concerned they are a teacher 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

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What if I can't find an answer to my question in the Code of Conduct?

The Code is not designed to cover every situation. If you can't find the answer to your question it may be helpful to follow a structured decision-making process.

You can access a decision-making model by clicking here. 

What course of action might I take if I was concerned about the ethics of a particular situation in my school?

The best course of action is always to follow the established protocols in your school. Generally, you would start by speaking with someone who holds a position senior to you.

Sometimes this course of action will not be open to you. If you consider the matter to be serious you could speak with your employer or your union if you are a member. Teachers can also directly seek advice from the Victorian Institute of Teaching either by email on vit@vit.vic.edu.au or by telephone on 1300 888 067.

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Why isn't the Code of Conduct for students and parents?

The Code of Conduct is specifically for teachers registered in Victoria. Schools usually have their own codes of conduct for students.

Why isn't there a dress code prescribed in the Code of Conduct?

The way in which teachers dress in their workplace is a matter for the particular organisation in which they work. Teacher dress is not usually a matter of personal or professional conduct.

How can I encourage the staff at my school to discuss the Code of Conduct?

Understanding what is in the Code, and making reference to it, is an important part of being a professional. There are various professional learning activities available on this website to engage teachers, both as individuals and as a group, in furthering their learning. 

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Can I use the workshop activities which accompany the Code as part of the requirements for renewal of registration?

Yes. Any activity that has a clear reference to the Standards of Professional Practice can be recognised for the purpose of renewal of registration. The activities provided relate to Standard 5 (Professional Practice) and Standards 7 and 8 (Professional Engagement).

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