Standards of Professional Conduct

As a Faculty within the University of Lethbridge, the Faculty of Education is committed to maintaining its students’ freedom of thought, belief, opinion and expression.

As a professional Faculty, the Faculty of Education is committed to assisting students to become professionals. The Faculty, then, has the dual responsibility of fostering the academic freedom of students within the context of professional standards of conduct. The standards describe professional characteristics and behaviors students are expected to develop and demonstrate during field experience components and field related courses within the Teacher Education Program. Appropriate demonstration of these professional standards will be judged by on-campus instructors and school personnel.

1. The student acts in a manner that respects the dignity and rights of all persons without prejudice as to race, religious beliefs, colour, gender, sexual orientation, physical characteristics, age, ancestry or place of origin.
2. The student treats pupils, peers, school personnel, and faculty members with dignity and respect and is considerate of their circumstances.
3. The student acts in a responsible manner which includes being punctual, dependable, trustworthy, consistent and reliable.
4. Recognizing that attendance in practicum courses and professional semesters is a professional responsibility, students apprise appropriate personnel at the University and/or school in advance of unavoidable absences.
5. The student demonstrates empathy for others by showing concern for and understanding of others’ feelings and/or ideas.
6. The student responds to feedback by listening to, evaluating and responding to suggestions.
7. The student maintains positive interpersonal relationships with peers, faculty, school personnel, and pupils by contributing, cooperating, participating, and working with others in a flexible and adaptable way.
8. The student shows enthusiasm and initiative by being actively involved as a participant while encouraging the involvement and participation of others.
9. The student shows maturity and judgment.
10. The student demonstrates a commitment to teaching through interest in learning about teaching, consulting, questioning, reading and discussion.
11. The student criticizes (verbally or in writing) the professional competence or professional reputation of others only in confidence to proper officials and only after the other person has been informed of the criticism.
12. The student respects the confidentiality of information about pupils, peers, school personnel, or faculty received in confidence or in the course of professional duties.
13. The student acts, both in person and in their online presence (e-mail, social media, etc.), in a manner which maintains the honour and dignity of the profession and the University of Lethbridge.
14. The student follows the policies/expectations of the school division in which they have been placed in terms of professional conduct and student interactions.
15. The student does not make representations on behalf of the Faculty of Education, the University of Lethbridge, the school or the profession.

In addition to Professional Conduct, students are expected to meet expectations set out in other University and Faculty of Education policies, and to adhere to expectations set out by The Alberta Teachers’ Association, Alberta Education, and School Jurisdictions.

Government of Alberta Code of Professional Conduct