Code of Conduct for Teachers

Rationale:

Teaching is the most important profession and the teachers are main pillars of a progressive society. They pass on knowledge and values to the students and prepare them for future. Therefore, the kind of future that a country aspires is in the hands of the teachers. With the infusion of Gross National Happiness (GNH) in school curricula, the demand for teacher professionalism has received even more attention. They are the role model, mentor and the architect. This places Teachers in a special position of responsibility, which requires exceptionally high standard of behavior and conduct.

The Code of Conduct is meant to support in creating conditions for effective teaching - learning in the country’s educational institutions as well as to inspire public confidence in teachers. The Code of Conduct shall also provide a frame of reference for both the school management and the teachers when it becomes necessary to initiate corrective measures.

Pursuant to these expectations, it has been felt important to review the 1997 Code of Conduct for

Teachers and a revised one is drawn. This Code of Conduct further fulfils the requirement of Article 38 of the Civil Service Act of Bhutan 2018 and Article 18.6 of the National Education Policy 2011.

The Code shall be:  

1. Cited as the Code of Conduct for Teachers;
2.  Come into force on April 6, 2012 endorse by MoE’s 20^th GNHC meeting;
3.  Applicable to all the Principals, teachers, contract teachers, community based teachers, physical education teachers and counselors of both public and private school.

 The code is founded on the Principles of the Triangle noble:  

1. An abiding love for children
2. A deep passion for learning and
3. A heightened sense of the importance of education as a powerful tool for the transformation of  individuals, societies and nations

Provisions in the Code of Conduct:

1.Towards the teaching profession, a teacher shall:  

1.1      update his or her subject content knowledge and teaching skills on a continuing basis;

1.2       keep abreast of educational trends and development;

1.3       be creative and innovative;

1.4       be willing to develop an open and reflective professional culture;

1.5       assist and support new teachers in their professional growth;

1.6       treat all colleagues fairly and with respect, without discrimination;

1.7       a GNH infused teacher to create conducive learning environment

1.8       refrain from misusing the responsibilities bestowed them;

1.9       refrain from giving tuition to students for monetary benefits;

1.10     refrain from any form of business that comes in direct conflict with the profession;

1.11     Be a lifelong learner;

1.12     Aspire for and work towards excellence;

1.13     Set oneself as a model for reading, writing, learning and communicating.

2.            Towards the Students, a teacher shall:  

2.1       set a standard of dress and behavior that is worthy of example;

2.2       be punctual at all times in all the activities;

2.3       help students to explore their innate potential and overcome their weaknesses;

2.4       guide the students to be resourceful and self-reliant;

2.5       respect students’ views and feelings;

2.6       respect moral and religious beliefs of his or her students;

2.7       protect the confidentiality of information relating to his or her students;

2.8       promote the wholesome development of the students;

2.9       cater to the varied needs of diverse students;

2.10     Impart GNH values and principles to the students.

2.11     work towards the welfare of the students

2.12     refrain from smoking, drinking, chewing doma & use of improper language;

2.13     refrain from any form of abuse – verbal, physical or psychological;

2.14     refrain from any form of sexual harassment (verbal or physical);

2.15     refrain from exploiting students for their own personal gain;

2.16     Be firm and fair;

2.17     Set high expectations from students.

3.            Towards one’s colleagues, a teacher shall:

3.1       respect each other’s views and suggestions;

3.2       work with team spirit and cooperation;

3.3       follow appropriate procedures to address issues professionally;

3.4       be willing to help in times of need;

3.5       help in the administration and management of the school;

3.6       assist colleagues in refraining from any form of misconduct

3.7       refrain from groupism;

3.8       refrain from any form of violence (verbal, physical, or psychological).

4.            Towards one’s School, a teacher shall:

4.1     take ownership and pride in being a part of the school;

4.2     assist in the management of the school as and when called upon to do so;

4.3     willingly participate in all school activities;

4.4       abide by the school policy.

           

5.            Towards the parents and community, a teacher shall:

5.1       be an adviser and a guide in the community;

5.2       be polite, courteous and approachable;

5.3       respect the views of the parents;

5.4       respect their rights to information about their children;

5.5       involve parents in decision-making about the care and education of their children;

5.6       show respect to values, customs and norms of the community;

5.7       maintain a harmonious relationship with the community;

5.8        participate in community service where applicable;

5.9       refrain from indulging in local politics.

6.            Towards the society and the nation, a teacher shall:

6.1 Live together and learn together, respecting our uniqueness and our commonality;

     6.2 Create space for the expression and celebration of our cultural experiences and cultivate gracefulness and civility that are the hallmark of a cultured person.

The Code of Conduct should not be viewed as a means of imposing sanctions but rather designed to create conducive environment and standards in the system. However, should there be a breach in any of the provisions of the Code of Conduct for Teachers; the teacher shall be dealt as per the Bhutan Civil Service Rules and Regulations, 2018.

Source:Ministry of Education