This code is largely based on the DfES Teachers Code of Behaviour Regulations (subsidiary legislation 327.02) 1988. The phrase ‘teacher/lecturer’ shall be taken as applying to all employees of MAEL, and also of all associated or franchised organisations. It shall also apply to any learner associated with these companies who is undertaking an assessed teaching practice, and shall be the responsibility of the Centre to encourage its observance. It is also an expectation of Montessori teachers who have completed an MAEL course. Any grievance arising out of the application or non-observance of this code shall be dealt with under the MAEL grievance procedure.
1. The Montessori Teacher/Lecturer’s Responsibilities to the Pupils/Learners in his/her Care:
1.1 He/she shall give foremost consideration to the pupil/learner’s well being.
1.2 He/she shall direct his/her whole professional effort to assist the pupil/learner to develop his/her whole personality including his/her ability to work.
1.3 He/she shall foster in his/her pupils/learners honesty, integrity and consideration for others and shall do nothing, by precept or example, to discredit these qualities.
1.4 He/she shall act, and shall be seen to act, with justice.
1.5 He/she shall exercise authority in accordance with the law of the land and with evolving concepts of the pupil/learner’s needs and rights.
1.6 He/she shall recognize that each pupil/learner is an individual and that individuals differ in what is required for the promotion of their education.
1.7 He/she shall recognise an obligation to assist all pupil/learners under his/her charge to develop their talents suitably and to the fullest extent feasible.
1.8 He/she shall recognise that he/she should work with parents to promote the welfare of pupils, particularly by consulting and involving parents whenever this is desirable; and lecturers shall extends a similar courtesy to the employers of learners on teaching practice
He/she shall make every reasonable effort to protect the pupil/learner from conditions harmful to learning or to health and safety.
He/she shall not intentionally expose the learner/pupil to embarrassment or disparagement (which includes public criticism and also private discouragement through negative comments.)
1.11 He/she shall not use professional relationships with pupil/learners for private advantage.
1.12 He/she shall attend all commitments punctually and dressed in accordance with the appropriate dress code. The specifics will be determined by the owner of the workplace setting but, in general, should be modest and practical. Workmen’s clothes (e.g. jeans, boots, etc would not normally be appropriate.) Any work which has to be assessed shall be done so in a timely manner. Reports will be written, when required, in a positive and helpful manner. Gratuitous reporting will be avoided.
1.13 He/she shall not disclose information about pupil/learners obtained in the course of professional service, or otherwise, unless such disclosure serves a compelling professional purpose or is required by law. At all times the provisions of the Data Protection Act 1998 shall apply. In particular, He/she shall not divulge any personal information (including contact details or grades etc.) to a third party without specific (i.e. written) permission of the subject.
1.14 He/she shall respect the freedom of the child/learner, within the framework of good manners and non-interference with third party’s’ rights, and shall not bring pressure to bear which would infringe that freedom.
2. The Montessori Teacher/Lecturer’s Responsibilities to his/her Colleagues and the Montessori Community
2.1 He/she shall respect the professional standing and opinions of his/her colleagues and shall maintain in his/her relations with them the highest standards of professional courtesy.
2.2 He/she shall be prepared to help in all possible ways junior colleagues and those in training.
2.3 He/she shall accept the authority of senior professional colleagues while retaining the right to express a professional opinion, in a professional and non-confrontational manner.
2.4 He/she shall recognise his/her obligation to advance the causes of Montessori education and hence the causes of the teaching profession in general.
2.5 He/she shall recognise his/her obligation to improve his/her effectiveness as a teacher/lecturer in every possible way.
2.6 He/she shall recognise his/her responsibility for his/her own actions and judgements and he shall be prepared to stand by their consequences.
2.7 He/she shall recognise his/her duty to manifest responsibility, individual initiative and integrity in his/her teaching and other professional actions within guidelines laid down for the profession.
2.8 If required to make a report on or give a reference for any person, he/she shall not knowingly make a false statement concerning the qualifications and/or competence of the subject of the report/reference.
2.9 He/she shall not accept any gratuity, gift or favour that might impair or appear to influence professional decisions or actions.
2.10 It shall not be correct for any senior professional colleague, or any teacher/lecturer, to censure other teachers/lecturers/colleagues or to criticise their work in the hearing of pupils and/or the general public.
2.12 The teacher shall appreciate that, while as a professional person he must accept responsibility for his actions, his duty shall be to carry out reasonable instructions from senior professional colleagues. He/she shall have the right to protest against instructions, using the appropriate grievance procedure.
2.13 Senior professional colleagues shall give a teacher/lecturer all support and help that is in their power to make his/her work effective, and consult and inform him/her on matters affecting his/her work. They shall treat him/her with justice and dignity, not least when it becomes necessary in the interest of pupils/students and other colleagues to attain greater efficiency and more ethical professional behaviour.
2.14 He/she shall respect the intellectual property1 of MAEL and associated companies.
2.15 He/she shall maintain an attitude of loyalty to the Montessori philosophy in general, and to their employer in particular – bearing in mind at all times the duty of trust.
2.16 He/she shall at all times be mindful of the duty of trust legally owed to both employers and parents.
2.17 In a commercial context, he/she shall adopt the highest standards of business ethics. This includes (but is not limited to) not breaching any terms of a legitimate contract, not using privileged information (e.g. client lists) for personal ends (e.g. recruiting for a competitor), not induling in behaviour which would appear, to a reasonable observer, as ‘sharp practice’, etc.
3. The Montessori Teacher/Lecturer’s Responsibilities to the Parents/Employers of his/her Pupil/Learners and to the Community
3.1 He/she shall recognise the right of a parent/employer to consult him/her, through the proper channels as determined by the workplace policies and procedures, on the welfare or progress of a pupil/student. The teacher shall recognise the right of a parent to be consulted about any matter which concerns the future development of his/her child.
3.2 The teacher shall do nothing to undermine lawful parental or employer’s authority, but shall be prepared to give advice which, in his/her professional view, is in the best interests of the pupil. If child protection issues are involved, then he/she shall follow the guidelines provided to them.
3.3 The teacher shall make every effort to encourage parents to interest themselves actively in the education and welfare of their children.
3.4 He/she shall act within the wider community in a manner which enhances the prestige of the profession, and of the Montessori movement.