Code of Professional Competence
Teaching practice involves a public trust. As members of the teaching profession, Saskatchewan teachers are given this public trust because they have the necessary qualifications to serve students’ educational needs. In turn, teachers have a responsibility to act at all times in ways that are worthy of this public trust and consistent with the profession’s expectations.
Provincial legislation specifies that the STF has the authority to establish and maintain standards of professional competence for teachers. These expectations regarding professional conduct, including teaching practice, are outlined in STF bylaws and policies. These formal statements are developed through working and consulting with teachers, and then debated and adopted by Council.
Responsibility for teachers’ professional competence is shared mainly by:
- the individual teacher,
- the employer,
- the teaching profession.
The provincial education system, the colleges of education, and others in the broader educational community also have responsibility for teachers’ competence.
Teaching practice and professional competence are highly contextual. Some factors that may affect professional practice and competence are largely within a teacher’s control or influence (e.g., pre-service program choices, personal professional development, etc.) while others may not be (e.g., students' needs, class size, the teaching assignment, etc.) It is essential to consider these kinds of contexts whenever there are questions or concerns about a teacher’s practice or competence.