Code of ethical conduct for teachers

Jean-Paul Piazzolla - 30 july 2007

This code, which is presented by Jean-Paul Piazzolla, YES Academy language school (Luxembourg), determines the legal responsibilities and obligations that teachers should follow working with their students, colleagues, and within the teaching profession in general. The purpose of the document is to provide the best results in foreign language learning.

It is assumed that this is the first code of its kind in the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg.

Although teachers at public institutions are required to follow the regulations developed by the national government, most private schools and language centers in the world do not abide by such a code.

The present document acts as an aid for teachers to contribute to the general wellbeing of their students, and to act according to applicable law.

This document is further meant to ensure that teachers do not make false statements concerning their education or qualification while applying for the teaching position, and refrain from damaging the reputation of the school, a specific department, or the teaching profession.

Although the present code doesn't have any legal impact, the author emphasises the importance of acting professionally, and encourages his employees to adopt the same professional attitude towards the clients and the school.

A. Teacher's responsibilities towards their students :

The teacher has to give the students the greatest possible attention.

The teacher has to put every effort into helping each student to develop their ability in language learning.

The teacher has to demonstrate decency, integrity and concern for their students at all times and must never undermine these qualities.

The teacher has to be an example of loyalty and fairness.

The teacher has to carry out his/her responsibilities in accordance with the laws of the country, always taking into consideration the needs and rights of the students.

The teacher has to acknowledge the individual nature and learning abilities of each student, and anticipate that the student might deviate from expected results.

The teacher acknowledges his/her obligations to assist every student in their effort to develop individual talents in order to achieve the best possible results.

If necessary, the teacher has to consult the student's parents or cooperate with associates having the same or a different native language in order to contribute to the students' progress.

The teacher has to make every sensible effort to protect his/her students from any negative influences preventing the language learning.The teacher should never intentionally put his/her students into an uncomfortable or embarrassing situation.

The teacher must always maintain a professional relationship towards the students and never use this relationship for personal gain.

The teacher should not use the students' personal information obtained during the course unless it's requested by law or due to a professional obligation.

B. The teacher's responsibilities towards their colleagues, the school, and the profession itself :

The teacher has to respect the relationship with his/her colleagues as well as their points of view, and always behave in a loyal and courteous manner.

The teacher should be prepared to help his/her junior colleagues during their training in every possible way.

The teacher should accept the authority of his/her senior colleagues while, at the same time, expressing his/her own professional opinion.

The teacher should follow instructions and directions given by senior colleagues, while having the right to refuse doing so when said directions are no longer reasonable or appropriate.

The teacher has to make the teaching profession his/her priority.

The teacher has to attempt to improve his/her teaching efficiency by all possible means.

The teacher is responsible for his/her own actions and decisions and must be able to face the consequences.

The teacher must constantly demonstrate responsibility, initiative, and integrity while fulfilling his/her activity as a teacher as well as other activities connected with the profession.

The teacher should not purposefully make any false declarations about his/her qualifications and skills while applying for a position.

The teacher must not take advantage of the students, e.g. accept presents, gifts, etc. that can influence professional decisions and behaviour.

The teacher should do his/her best to respect and promote the ethical code of teaching.

Senior teachers must never blame, rebuke, or criticise other teachers in front of the students.

The teacher must not verbally abuse the profession, the school, or department in public.

Senior teachers should give all possible support to other teachers in order to make their work more effective. They should give advice and always treat colleagues with respect and dignity.

Learning and teaching material and techniques as well as pedagogical approaches are equally important from an intellectual and creative point of view. They cannot be used outside the school without prior authorization.

C. The responsibilities of the teacher concerning contacts with students' parents and community.

The teacher has to acknowledge the right of the parents to be consulted and informed about the progress of their children. The teacher is aware of the parents' right to contact the school with any question concerning the future development of the child.

The teacher should not take any steps against the parental authority but be prepared to give advice concerning the improvement of the child.

The teacher should act in a way to increase the prestige of the profession within the teaching community.

D. Legal obligations of the teacher.

The teacher should act according to the immigration laws of his country of residency at all times.

The teacher must not take part in any activity that is against the laws of the country that he lives in and/or works.

The teacher should undertake all possible measures to develop his/her professional qualification, e.g. participate in conferences, take online courses or other continuing educational programmes available.