Independent Schools Victoria Compliance Framework

Issues such as industrial awards, enterprising bargaining and WorkCover.

Victorian Teaching Profession Code of Conduct

Please scroll to the bottom of the page for contacts and links

Do you need to comply?

Compliance is not required by the school. However, the Code of Conduct specifies the the conduct expected of registered teachers.

Conditions of compliance

The Victorian Institute of Teaching (VIT) developed the Victorian Teaching Profession Code of Conduct as required by the Education and Training Reform Act 2006 (Vic).

It identifies a set of principles which describe the professional conduct, personal conduct and professional competence expected of a teacherby their colleagues and the community.

It is based on the values set out in the Victorian Teaching Profession Code of Ethics, namely Integrity, Respect and Responsibility, and draws on the VIT's Standards of Professional Practice and codes of conduct for teachers developed by schools and other registration authorities.

If you have to comply, what do you have to do?

The Code of Conduct is not enforced by VIT. Instead, the Code of Conduct describes the professional and personal conduct as well as the professional competence that schools and the wider communities expect. The Code of Conduct aims to:

• promote adherence to the values teachers see as underpinning their profession
• provide a set of principles which will guide teachers in their everyday conduct and assist them to solve ethical dilemmas
• affirm the public accountability of the teaching profession
• promote public confidence in the teaching profession.

A school must ensure that the care, safety, and welfare of students is in accordance with any applicable State and Commonwealth laws, and that teachers are advised of their obligations under those laws.

The Code of Conduct is not a VIT disciplinary tool.

What are the consequences if you don’t comply?

Adherence to the Code of Conduct assists teachers to ensure that their practice is competent and their behaviour is appropriate in meeting the duty of care owed to students.

Who will help you?

Independent Schools Victoria contact:

Kerri Knopp
Director, Strategic Relations
Ph. 9825 7210
kerri.knopp@ais.vic.edu.au

Sandro Mazzotta
Senior Workplace Relations Adviser
Ph: 03 9825 7206
sandro.mazzotta@ais.vic.edu.au

Other links:

VIT: The Victorian Teaching Profession Code of Conduct

Submitted 26/9/2008, edited 24/8/2009