As a registered teacher, you have been determined to be a person with appropriate qualifications, who is competent, of good character, and fit to be a teacher. You are expected to satisfy a standard of behaviour that is generally expected of a teacher.

The Board has developed this Code of Professional Ethics for the Teaching Profession in Tasmania (the Code). As a registered teacher, the Board expects that you adhere to the principles contained in the Code.

The principles in the Code describe the ethical commitments, practices, and aspirations that underpin the teaching profession in Tasmania, and reflect the ongoing articulation of the profession’s identity. It expresses the ethical commitments that are already implicit in and guide the professional conduct of teachers in Tasmania. Practical applications of codes of ethics are expressed in codes of conduct.

Members of the teaching profession in Tasmania are committed to the principles of:

♦  Dignity – Teachers honour the principle of dignity by upholding the intrinsic worth of all persons, including self, students, colleagues, and parents.

♦  Respect – Teachers honour the principle of respect by having due regard for the feelings, rights and traditions of all persons and by developing relationships that are based on mutual respect and trust.

♦  Integrity – Teachers honour the principle of integrity by acting impartially and responsibly and by being honest, trustworthy, and accountable with regard to the obligations that concern the profession.

♦  Empathy – Teachers honour the principle of empathy by being aware of the feelings and perspectives of others and by being open-minded and responding compassionately.

♦  Justice – Teachers honour the principle of justice by being fair and reasonable and committed to the well-being of individuals, the community, and the common good.