Week+6

Lecture 6 - Teacher code of Ethics and code of Conduct Lindsay – ** Integrity (personal and professional) ** – ** Respect ** – ** Responsibility **

These are the three underpinning values that the Victorian Teacher Profession asks of its teachers.

Basically what i took out of this lecture was that we us teachers (soon anyway) have to be very careful in the way we act around certain people and places. These code of ethics shouldnt be new to anyone. All of us need to recognise that we are going to be in a postion of responsiblity when we become registered teachers, and as such the way act around our students needs to be spot on everyday no matter our personal situation. We have a unique opportunity to partially shape a child's future and the way we act will have a direct effect on each and every child we come into contact with. We need to be perfect role models from 8:30 - 5 (approx) no questions asked. What we do in our own time behind closed doors is our business, but when we are in the public domain we must be constantly aware of our behaviour and surroundings.

What do you guys think?? 

**HEIDI** It is not surprising to see that the Victorian Code of Ethics are based upon Integrity, Respect and Responsibility- as these are the fundamentals to which most people would pride themselves on and strive to adhere to these values in their everday lives. However, it is these exact values that teachers are responsible to uphold and practive in and outside of the classroom. The responsibility to teachers to make sure these values are maintained are sometimes far harder to maintain than some initially think. To be placed within any classroom is to be given trust in which the community gives to us as teachers. Society also believes that we as teachers will nurture and teach our students with confidence with the expectation that we will teach and lead with example to the best of our abilities. What a huge responsibility!

The code of ethics recognises that the teachers position of trust and influence in which teachers hold shape, build and partically determine the values and education in which children/students behold. It is clearly evident that students require their teachers to demonstrate integrity by always acting in the best and honest interest of their students, always maintaining professional working relationships with students, parents and the wider community. Furthermore, teachers must also demonstrate integrity by consistently acting and leading by example with care and compassion in all student and educational areas. Teachers must also demonstrate their responsibility by ensuring they deliver and project the highest quality of educational learning for their students; and maintaining and constantly developing professional practice is imperative.

I feel that it is vitally important that teachers remember that they are not a friend, councellor or psychologist; and that we as teachers are not here to "rescue" the children.

Steve's Response:  I took out much as the same from this lecture as you Lindsay. These days teaching is very different to years go by. You cant touch a student these days nor can you let them eat food provided from someone other than themselves without a note being sent home. Times have changed and with it a new code of ethics has emerged which are based on Integrity, Respect and Responsibility.

These three elements are more or less common place these days and should not be a surprise to anyone. When we take part in out practicum, I hope my mentor teacher runs their classroom like a modern day classroom and not stuck in the past.

We as teachers have a unique chance to help shape a child's future and with this kind of responsibility should not be taken for granted. From 8-5pm, Monday to Friday we are required to be on our best behaviour, that is non-negotiable.