ABSTRACT
A code of conduct demonstrates a commitment to ethical teaching practices, and certain criteria have to be met for a code to be effective. In addition to protecting clients, a code provides guidance on ‘how to act and how to make ethical decisions, either through encouraging ethical awareness and reflection or through explicit rules’. 2 A code, although expressed in general terms, is intended to be precise, methodical, binding, altruistic and public-service-oriented. 3 A comprehensive code, most often addressing a teacher's behaviour, applies equally to all educators in contact with students in school systems. Previous studies 4 have concluded that, when codes of conduct exist and are enforced, there are higher levels of ethical behaviour. Codes of conduct for educators have the potential to motivate educators to think about their work in schools and with students and their identity as educators, with a view to improving behaviour and reducing inappropriate practices.
