TSC Code Of Conduct And Ethics For Teachers [Key Points and PDF Download]

What Is The Teacher Code Of Conduct And Ethics? What You Need To Know

The Teacher’s Service Commission (TSC) in Kenya has laid out a comprehensive Code of Conduct and Ethics for teachers.

This code is designed to ensure that teachers uphold the highest standards of professionalism, integrity, and ethics in their roles. Here are the key points from the code:

1. Compliance:

Every teacher must comply with the provisions of this Code.

Additionally, teachers must comply with the General Leadership and Integrity Code set out in the Act.

2. Rule of Law:

Teachers must respect and abide by the Constitution and the law.

They should carry out their duties in accordance with the law.

3. Public Trust:

A teacher’s position is one of public trust, and they must exercise their authority and responsibility in the best interest of learners, institutions, and the public.

4. Fundamental Rights and Freedoms:

Teachers must respect and uphold the personal rights and freedoms of all persons as guaranteed in the Constitution.

They should not discriminate directly or indirectly against any person on any ground.

5. Nepotism or Favoritism:

Teachers should not practice nepotism, favoritism, tribalism, cronyism, or engage in corrupt or unethical practices.

6. Duty to Protect Children:

Teachers have a duty to protect children, including those with special needs, from abuse, neglect, harmful cultural practices, and all forms of violence.

7. Integrity:

Teachers must carry out their duties with honesty and impartiality.

They should not allow personal, social, political, or other relationships to influence their conduct or judgment.

8. Conduct of Duties:

A teacher’s assigned duties take precedence over all other activities.

They should maintain professional competence, adhere to the Code of Regulations for Teachers, and demonstrate patience, dignity, and courtesy to all stakeholders.

9. Professionalism:

Teachers must ensure that their private and public conduct upholds the dignity and integrity of the teaching service.

They should maintain a neat and decent standard of dressing, observe official working hours, and perform their duties efficiently and competently.

10. Conflict of Interest:

Teachers should avoid being in a position where their personal interests conflict with their duties.

They should disqualify themselves from any matter where their impartiality might reasonably be questioned.

11. Confidentiality:

Teachers should ensure that confidential information or documents entrusted to their care are adequately protected from improper disclosure.

12. Care of Public Property:

Teachers should take all reasonable steps to ensure that public or institutional property in their custody, possession, or control is taken care of and in good condition.

13. Political Activity:

Teachers should maintain political neutrality at all times and should not engage in any political activity that may compromise their neutrality.

14. Improper Enrichment:

Teachers should not use their office to improperly enrich themselves or others.

They should not solicit or accept any property or benefit that could influence their duties.

15. Donations:

Teachers involved in the receipt and administration of donations should ensure that proper records are kept and that donations are used for their intended purposes.

16. Professional Advice:

Teachers should give honest, accurate, and impartial advice without fear or favor.

17. Misleading Information:

Teachers should not knowingly give false or misleading information to members of the public or to any other teacher.

18. Evaluation of Learners:

Teachers should evaluate learners honestly based on their performance and should ensure that examinations are conducted fairly and without cheating.

19. Sexual Relations with Learners:

Teachers should not engage in any sexual activity with a learner, regardless of whether the learner consents.

They should not make requests or exert pressure for sexual activity or favor.

20. Sexual Harassment:

Teachers should not sexually harass a fellow employee or members of the public.

They should not make requests or exert pressure for sexual activity that is unwelcome.

21. Relations with Fellow Employees:

Teachers should treat fellow employees and the public with dignity, courtesy, and respect.

They should avoid behavior that is unbecoming or abusive.

22. Pornography:

Teachers should ensure that their workplace is free of pornography and should not supply or expose learners to pornographic materials.

23. Prohibited Drugs and Psychotropic Substances:

Teachers should not supply or expose learners to illicit drugs, cigarettes, or alcohol.

They should ensure that their workplace is free from illicit drugs, cigarettes, and alcohol.

24. Financial Dealings and Private Affairs:

Teachers should live within their means and avoid incurring any financial liability they cannot satisfy.

They should not use their office to endorse their private activities or the activities of others.

25. Official Dealings:

Teachers should practice and promote the principles of equity, inclusiveness, and professional competency.

They should not withhold information that could disadvantage any person.

26. Canvassing for Favors in Service:

Teachers should not canvass or lobby for any favors in the teaching service or in any other organization.

27. Endorsing of Private Activities:

Teachers should not use their position or title in a manner that could reasonably be construed to imply that the Commission or institution sanctions or endorses any private activities.

28. Civil and Charitable Activities:

Teachers should participate appropriately in communal activities and set a good example for learners and the public.

29. Private Tuition:

Teachers may engage in teaching or learning activities outside normal school hours to promote education, but they should not conduct holiday tuition.

30. Acting for Foreigners:

Teachers should not be agents for or further the interests of a foreign government, organization, or individual in a manner that is detrimental to Kenya’s security interests.

31. Acting through Others:

Teachers should not cause anything to be done through another person that would be a contravention of this Code.

They should not allow or direct a person under their supervision to do anything that is a contravention of this Code.

32. Subversive Association:

Teachers should not subscribe to or be involved in subversive associations or support groups that are involved in any subversive activity.

33. Declarations of Income, Assets, and Liabilities:

Teachers must submit initial and final declarations of income, assets, and liabilities, as well as bi-annual declarations as provided for in the Leadership and Integrity Act.

34. Reporting:

Teachers should report any breach of the Code to the appropriate authority.

Information received should be dealt with in strict confidentiality.

35. Investigations:

The Commission may investigate any allegation of breach of the Code to determine its veracity.

Investigations may be carried out on the Commission’s initiative or in response to a complaint.

36. Breach of the Code:

Teachers who violate the Code will be subjected to disciplinary procedures under the Teachers Service Commission Act and the Code of Regulations for Teachers.

37. Review of the Code:

The Code may be reviewed from time to time as the Commission deems necessary.

Conclusion

The Code of Conduct and Ethics for teachers in Kenya is a crucial document that outlines the expected standards of behavior for teachers.

By adhering to these standards, teachers can contribute to the positive development of learners and society as a whole.

It is essential for all teachers to familiarize themselves with this code and strive to uphold its principles in their professional practice.

Download the PDF here: Code Of Conduct And Ethics For Teachers

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

1. What is the purpose of the Code of Conduct and Ethics for Teachers?

The Code of Conduct and Ethics for Teachers is designed to ensure that teachers uphold the highest standards of professionalism, integrity, and ethics in their roles. It provides guidance on expected behavior and helps maintain public trust in the teaching profession.

2. Who is bound by the Code of Conduct and Ethics for Teachers?

All teachers in Kenya, whether employed by public or private institutions, are bound by the Code.

This includes teachers at all levels of education, from primary to tertiary institutions.

3. What are the key principles of the Code of Conduct and Ethics for Teachers?

The key principles include compliance with the law, respect for fundamental rights and freedoms, integrity, professionalism, and the duty to protect children from harm.

4. What are some examples of prohibited behavior under the Code?

Prohibited behavior includes engaging in nepotism or favoritism, discrimination, sexual harassment, and improper enrichment. Teachers are also prohibited from using their position for personal gain or endorsing private activities using their official title.

5. How can a teacher report a breach of the Code?

Teachers can report a breach of the Code to the appropriate authority, such as the Teachers Service Commission. It is important to handle such reports with confidentiality to protect the integrity of the process.

6. What are the consequences of violating the Code?

Teachers who violate the Code may be subject to disciplinary procedures under the Teachers Service Commission Act and the Code of Regulations for Teachers.

The severity of the consequences depends on the nature of the violation.