Our Code

The Code of Professional Responsibility

This Code has been developed with our profession for our profession. It reflects the expectations of conduct and
integrity that we all share; what we expect of each other and what our learners, their families and whānau, their
communities and the public can expect of us.

As teachers, we understand the influence we have on shaping futures, and the contribution we make to society by
supporting children and young people to realise their potential and prepare them for their future. We understand
that families and whānau and the wider community trust us to guide their children and young people on their
learning journey and to keep them safe. By acting with integrity and professionalism in all that we do, we maintain
this trust and confidence. Upholding the expectations set out in the Code is the responsibility of each and every one
of us. It also connects us as a profession. If one of us breaches the Code, it can affect us all, changing how others see
us and how the profession is valued. So we also have a responsibility to each other, to make sure we all understand
these expectations and make the right decisions each and every day. We can all be proud to be part of the teaching
profession in Aotearoa New Zealand.

The CODE of PROFESSIONAL RESPONSIBILITY has been developed to:

• Set out the high standards of ethical behaviour expected of all members of the teaching profession
• Provide learners, their families and whānau, their communities and the public with trust and confidence in teachers and the profession
• Honour teaching as a profession of high trust and integrity

There are four parts to the code of Professional Responsibility.