Code of Ethics

    The Code of Ethics states general rules for maintaining high standards of professional service and conduct toward students, colleagues, and the professional union.

  1. The teacher speaks and acts toward students with respect and dignity and deals judiciously with them, always mindful of their individual rights and sensibilities.
  2. The teacher respects the confidential nature of information concerning students and may give it only to authorized persons or agencies directly concerned with their welfare.
  3. The teacher recognizes that a privileged relationship with students exists and refrains from exploiting that relationship for material, ideological, or other advantage.
  4. The teacher is willing to review with colleagues, students, and their parents/guardians the quality of service rendered by the teacher and the practices employed in discharging professional duties.
  5. The teacher directs any criticism of the teaching performance and related work of a colleague to that colleague in private, and only then, after informing the colleague in writing of the intent to do so, may direct in confidence the criticism to appropriate individuals who are able to offer advice and assistance. (See note following #10)
  6. The teacher acknowledges the authority and responsibilities of the BCTF and its locals and fulfills obligations arising from membership in his/her professional union.
  7. The teacher adheres to the provisions of the collective agreement.
  8. The teacher acts in a manner not prejudicial to job actions or other collective strategies of his/her professional union.
  9. The teacher neither applies for nor accepts a position which is included in a Federation in-dispute declaration.
  10. The teacher, as an individual or as a member of a group of teachers, does not make unauthorized representations to outside bodies in the name of the Federation or its locals.
    NOTE: It shall not be considered a breach of Clause 5 of the Code of Ethics to report reasonable grounds for suspecting child abuse to proper authorities according to legal provisions and official protocol requirements.