TUTORIAL PAPER 1

ID of Student: G00391688
Article/Reading Code of Professional Conduct for Teachers

1. CONCISE SUMMARY OF READING

The Code of Professional Conduct for Teachers applies to all registered teachers, serving three
purposes in Irish education. Firstly, it functions as a navigating tool, aiding teachers in sustaining the
honour and dignity of their profession. Secondly, it serves to inform individuals about the
understanding and expectations of the teaching profession in Ireland. Thirdly, it holds crucial legal
standing, being a reference point for investigative and disciplinary functions under Part 5 of the
Teaching Council Acts, 2001 - 2015, dealing with fitness to teach. Along with these three purposes,
the Code states the values of Respect, Care, Integrity and Trust and how these values are a foundation
for teachers in their professional practice.

The Code outlines six standards expected of registered teachers in Ireland. Professional Values and
Relationships, Professional Integrity, Professional Conduct, Professional Practice, Professional
Development and Professional Collegiality and Collaboration. These standards carry specific
expectations Professional Values and Relationships outline the expected standards for teachers
regarding their interactions with students by being fair, caring and committed to their best interests.
Professional Integrity sets the standard for teachers' behaviour, showing honesty and ethical conduct
across all aspects of their work. Professional Conduct refers to the appropriate standards expected of a
teacher in their professional showing correct actions and attitude in the workplace. Professional
Practice establishes the standards expected from registered teachers while prioritising the best
interests and the highest achievements of students. Professional Development refers to the expectation
of a teacher to take responsibility for sustaining and improving the quality of their professional
practice. Professional Collegiality and Collaboration establishes the expectation for teachers to
collaborate and cooperate with their colleagues and the teaching community.

Finally, a topic at the closing of the Code of Professional Conduct for Teachers outlines complaints
relating to registered teachers. This section displays a concise reading about procedures for dealing
with issues and complaints at the school level. It states clearly that only issues of serious matters
regarding registered teachers can progress to inquiry. This section also states the matters concerning
registered teachers that can be brought for complaint. Section 42(1) of the Teaching Council Acts,
2001 – 2015 in the document displays information lettered A-H of reasons that fall under a “serious
nature”.

In conclusion, the Professional Code of Conduct for Teachers not only gives a concise framework for
teachers but also outlines the expectations and standards while also indicating the core values and
principles essential to the teaching profession. The Code guides teachers on the importance of

© ATU Dept. of Creative Education 2023-2024

 integrity, professionalism and collaboration. The Code could almost be referred to as an “educators
handbook” as it is something that gives a teacher a clear guide to maintaining and enhancing their
professional development.

2. CRITICAL REFLECTION

In my opinion, the Teaching Council Professional Code of Conduct for Teachers provides a clear and
concise guide to everything a teacher should model and value in their career as a professional. It aims
to ensure the integrity of the teaching profession and Irish education. This was evident in the
Professional Code of Conduct for Teachers when it stated “The Council works on the premise that
advocacy and regulation are interdependent. This Code of Professional Conduct sets out the standards
that teachers should adhere to at all stages of their career” (Teaching Council, 2016). The Teaching
Council works to uphold a high standard of education in Ireland which encourages myself and the rest
of the teaching community to use this document to maintain and improve our development as
professional teachers.

Reflecting on my reading of the Code of Professional Conduct for Teachers, I believe it is an essential
document for pinpointing the values and standards that students experience on their educational
journey. A major part of the Code which I feel as a teacher enhances my teaching is understanding
and integrating the four core values of Respect, Care, Trust and Integrity. While practicing to become
a qualified teacher I implemented these core values in my classroom by valuing diversity to build
respect in my classroom as it is vital to acknowledge the diverse backgrounds and perspectives of my
students. Care is an important value for creating a supportive and nurturing learning environment in
my practice and I aim to be approachable to students fostering an open-door policy where students
feel comfortable approaching me with questions, concerns or just to chat. Trust is crucial for creating
a positive and effective learning environment in my classroom and building positive and professional
relationships with my students makes it easier for me to teach my class. Integrity is a good value for
effective teaching, fairness and behaviour and in my practice, I have consistency in my rules and aim
to treat all students with the same standards and expectations and be transparent about classroom
management practices. Reflecting on this I feel it gave good structure and built an environment in my
classroom that made education fun and a safe learning environment for students. I also feel that the
document is concise and to the point which aids readability and understanding. However, I feel there
are points of debate in the document. The section that outlines the six standards under standard one
which is Professional Values and Relationships states in section 1.2 to “acknowledge and respect the
uniqueness, individuality and specific needs of pupils/ students and promote their holistic
development”. In my opinion, there are two points I feel could be questioned about this. Firstly, I feel
if a teacher is to acknowledge and respect uniqueness and individuality how is it a case that in the
majority of schools in Ireland, there is a uniform policy that students must follow and wear certain
clothes to school every day. I feel this doesn’t fall under uniqueness and individuality. Secondly
another point I think that could be raised on uniqueness and individuality is the rise of different
genders and the accommodation for this in a school setting in recent years. I feel that schools have not
been equipped for differentiation in genders which causes students to feel uncomfortable in a school
setting who may be of a different gender, and this wouldn’t fall under acknowledging and respecting
uniqueness and individuality. To back up this point an article by Stocz et al., (2019) stated “A
transgender high school student was denied a motion for a preliminary injunction against her school,
which would have allowed her to have full access to her preferred gender locker room, on the
concurrent basis of timing and mootness of the case” I feel this is an example of not following the
standard under Professional Values and Relationships.

© ATU Dept. of Creative Education 2023-2024

 3. LIST OF REFERENCES

References
Stocz, M., Shremshock, P., & Benner, R. (2019). Transgender Considerations in Physical Education. The
Journal of Physical Education, Recreation & Dance, 5(90), 45-46. Retrieved from
https://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?
direct=true&AuthType=ip,sso&db=s3h&AN=136090246&site=eds-
live&scope=site&custid=s2873033

Teaching Council. (2016). Code of Professional Conduct for Teachers (2nd ed.). Dublin.

© ATU Dept. of Creative Education 2023-2024