Code of Professional Ethics
Throughout the Twentieth Century, teaching evolved as a profession in all the provinces and territories of Canada. This evolution took place in response to the enormous value placed by society on public education through a gradual recognition of the need for a body of teachers whose integrity, competence and commitment to their students were assured.
In order to provide teaching services effectively, teachers must command the confidence and respect of the public. Moreover, the organizations that represent them must also command such confidence and respect on behalf of their members. In teachers’ evolution towards professional status, it has been decided that a high level of public respect and confidence is best achieved when teachers themselves establish and maintain a reputation for integrity, competence and commitment. Through their professional organizations, teachers have developed and imposed upon themselves basic standards of professional conduct and professional competence.
The Saskatchewan Legislature has entrusted the Saskatchewan Teachers’ Federation with responsibility for maintaining high standards of professional conduct and discipline among its members. This responsibility is carried out through the policies and bylaws of the Federation, including this Code of Professional Ethics, and through disciplinary processes that involve three quasi-judicial committees elected to hear complaints against teachers for unprofessional conduct, incompetence, or actions contrary to the collective interests of teachers. The Executive of the STF may upon receiving a written complaint make a preliminary investigation into the facts regarding the conduct of a member, and if in its opinion, the facts justify a more thorough investigation, the Executive shall order a hearing by the Professional Ethics Committee, the Professional Competency Committee or the Collective Interests Committee, as the case requires.
It should be noted that the articles in the Code of Professional Ethics are bylaws of the STF and have been adopted as such by the STF Council, while the commentaries consist of background information, interpretations and statements of related principles that are revised and expanded from time to time as needed without formal approval by Council.