Code of Professional Practice

Today in class we discussed the code of professional practice. I thought this was a good discussion to our two previous classes as it outlines exactly what is expected of professionals. When I was making up my definition of “professionalism” I was thinking more on how a professional should dress and what some of the personality traits should be. The Code of Professional Practice outlines the duties and responsibilities that all members of The Manitoba Teachers’ Society must follow.

I really liked discussing this in class, as well as some of the scenario’s you included. I found it interesting how many of us felt the same regarding some issues, while on other issues we seemed to have different opinions. An example of this is:

Yesterday afternoon, you were called to the phone. As you were returning to your classroom, you overheard a senior teacher on your staff talking to a grade one student at the back of the classroom. The teacher was threatening to pull down the student’s pants in front of the other children and spank him, if he didn’t get back to work. How would you handle the situation? Would the fact that it was a senior teacher have an impact on your actions?

One thing that our table noticed and discussed was everyone immediately assumed that the teacher in this scenario was male, when the case doesn’t include the sex of the teacher at all. I liked your approach, Jackie, in saying you would go into the classroom at that moment, rather than bringing it up later, and ask the teacher what was going on. I think this approach allows everyone involved to re-evaluate the situation, while saving face at the same time.

      During our first couple of days of orientation a member of The Manitoba Teachers’ Society attended and went over some of these standards, so some of them were familiar in my head. I think an important term that is in The Code of Professional Practice is Judicious. I think that teachers need to remember this term and apply it to the classroom. I am sure there are students who it seems are always causing problems, but a teacher cannot assume and make a biased judgment, as a result. I really liked # 7 of the code:

7. A teacher first directs any criticism of the professional activity of a colleague to that colleague in private. Only after informing the colleague of the intent to do so, the complainant may direct in confidence the criticism to appropriate officials through the proper channels of communication.

 I am sure many teachers have caught themselves in this situation and I think it is a good standard. By following this rule I think shows professionalism.

I am really glad we went over these standards in class as it was good to hear different view points. As soon to be professionals, we need to be following this code.