* Student well-being: Prioritizing student safety, health, and learning. This often includes protecting students from harm and ensuring equitable treatment.
* Professional conduct: Maintaining high standards of professionalism in their interactions with students, parents, colleagues, and the community. This includes respecting confidentiality, avoiding conflicts of interest, and acting with integrity.
* Competence: Continuously striving to improve their teaching skills and knowledge, staying current with best practices and educational research.
* Accountability: Being responsible for their actions and adhering to the rules and regulations of their employing institution.
* Fairness and impartiality: Treating all students fairly and impartially, avoiding bias and discrimination based on race, religion, gender, etc.
These codes are often enforced by professional organizations like national teachers' unions or state education boards. Violation of the code of ethics can lead to disciplinary actions, including suspension or loss of teaching license.