NBTA - Code of Professional Conduct Purpose and Process

Purpose:  Advance the cause of education in the province.  Raise the status of the teaching profession.  Advise, assist, protect and discipline members in the discharge of their professional duties.  Can be used to remove a license.

Spirit of the Code  Set of principles to live by  Statement by teachers to collectively govern their own behaviour  Controlled by teachers with all decisions made by peers.

Teacher-Student Teachers shall regard as their first obligation the students’ physical, social, moral and educational growth. Teachers recognize the special position of trust and responsibility which they assume in their guidance of young people.

Teacher-Teacher Profession Teachers endeavour to improve their professional competency. Teachers strive to be supportive of other teachers and ensure that any criticism of other teachers is judicious and proper. Teachers support their Association and Federation in promoting the interests of teachers.

Teacher - Employer Teachers respect the authority of the school board in the management of schools. Teachers shall avoid all conflicts of interest that arise from, or that might impair, their employment.

Process  Branch Committee (5 peers) investigates charges against members and decides whether or not to proceed.  B.C. refers matters, when necessary, to the Provincial Committee (5 peers/ 1 public).  Regional appeals committees deal with non-referred matters.

Ethics Charges A specific written charge is laid by a member, Branch or the Executive. Charge is forwarded to Branch Committee chair, cc’d to the Executive Director. Burden of proof based on “balance of probability” rather than “beyond a reasonable doubt”.

Sanctions  Private reprimand  Public reprimand (various levels)  Suspension of specific membership privileges.  Recommendation to the Minister for suspension or cancellation of teacher’s license.

Clarification of Ethical Infractions Teacher – Student 1.C – undermine the confidence of teachers or students in other students. Cause a fellow teacher or another student to lose confidence in a student.

Clarification of Ethical Infractions Teacher – Teacher/Profession 2.C – undermine the confidence of students or parents in other teachers. Cause a student or parent to lose confidence in a fellow teacher.

Clarification of Ethical Infractions Teacher – Teacher/Profession 2.K – accept personal gifts which would not directly benefit the school program, from companies servicing the needs of schools, or student extracurricular activities. Taking any promotional goods or services from companies, connected to school activities, for one’s own personal gain.

Clarification of Ethical Infractions Teacher – Teacher/Professional 2. l – use his/her position to profit from the sale of goods and services to or for pupils in the teacher’s charge. Take advantage of one’s professional position as a teacher to leverage goods or services from anyone (including students).