Teacher codes of conduct discussion forum

Teacher codes of conduct
(21 November to 2 December 2011, in English)

Various countries have endeavoured to design and implement teacher codes of conduct to regulate teacher behaviour. They consist of a set of recognized ethical and professional standards to which all members of the profession must adhere. Their main objective is to provide self-disciplinary guidelines through the formulation of professional conduct norms.

Experience, however, shows that although the codes are often perceived as useful instruments, they are not always effectively used due to various factors, e.g. lack of information about the codes; absence of training for teachers; low capacity to implement the codes; and limited knowledge about the procedures for lodging complaints. Consequently, the efficiency and impact of the codes are often questioned.

Within this framework, IIEP conducted several activities to explore some of the conditions required for codes to be effective, including an international survey, the development of guidelines, and the creation of a new website that provides examples of country codes. These materials will form the basis of discussions during the e-forum to be held from 21 November to 2 December 2011 on the following topics:

• key issues to be covered by the code;
• strategies to ensure its proper enforcement; and
• ways to monitor its application.

Some 300 professionals who work in education worldwide will participate.