Standards for the Education, Competence and Professional Conduct of Educators in BC
The BC Teachers' Council is currently reviewing the Standards for the Education, Competence and Professional Conduct of Educators in BC. To support the review, the Teacher Regulation Branch asked for feedback from certificate holders, teacher candidates, education partners, students, parents, and the public. Read more about the review process.
Established by the British Columbia Teachers' Council for individuals who hold a certificate of qualification.
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Educators value and care for all students and act in their best interests.
Educators are responsible for fostering the emotional, esthetic, intellectual, physical, social and vocational development of students. They are responsible for the emotional and physical safety of students. Educators treat students with respect and dignity. Educators respect the diversity in their classrooms, schools and communities. Educators have a privileged position of power and trust. They respect confidentiality unless disclosure is required by law. Educators do not abuse or exploit students or minors for personal, sexual, ideological, material or other advantage. -
Educators are role models who act ethically and honestly.
Educators act with integrity, maintaining the dignity and credibility of the profession. They understand that their individual conduct contributes to the perception of the profession as a whole. Educators are accountable for their conduct while on duty, as well as off duty, where that conduct has an effect on the education system. Educators have an understanding of the education system in BC and the law as it relates to their duties. -
Educators understand and apply knowledge of student growth and development.
Educators are knowledgeable about how children develop as learners and as social beings, and demonstrate an understanding of individual learning differences and special needs. This knowledge is used to assist educators in making decisions about curriculum, instruction, assessment and classroom management. -
Educators value the involvement and support of parents, guardians, families and communities in schools.
Educators understand, respect and support the role of parents and the community in the education of students. Educators communicate effectively and in a timely manner with parents and consider their advice on matters pertaining to their children. -
Educators implement effective practices in areas of classroom management, planning, instruction, assessment, evaluation and reporting.
Educators have the knowledge and skills to facilitate learning for all students and know when to seek additional support for their practice. Educators thoughtfully consider all aspects of teaching, from planning through reporting, and understand the relationships among them. Educators employ a variety of instructional and assessment strategies. -
Educators have a broad knowledge base and understand the subject areas they teach.
Educators understand the curricular, conceptual and methodological foundations of education and of the subject areas they teach. Educators must be able to communicate effectively in English or French. Educators teach students to understand relevant curricula in a Canadian, Aboriginal, and global context. Educators convey the values, beliefs and knowledge of our democratic society. -
Educators engage in career-long learning.
Educators engage in professional development and reflective practice, understanding that a hallmark of professionalism is the concept of professional growth over time. Educators develop and refine personal philosophies of education, teaching and learning that are informed by theory and practice. Educators identify their professional needs and work to meet those needs individually and collaboratively. -
Educators contribute to the profession.
Educators support, mentor or encourage other educators and those preparing to enter the profession. Educators contribute their expertise to activities offered by their schools, districts, professional organizations, post-secondary institutions or contribute in other ways.
Definitions
Aboriginal: includes all Aboriginal peoples, especially First Nations, Inuit and Métis
Authority:
- a society incorporated under the Society Act
- a corporation incorporated under the Company Act or a private Act
- a person designated, by regulation, as an authority that operates or intends to operate an independent school
Board: a board of school trustees constituted under the School Act
Community: all those who live in an area served by a school or school district
Competence: having the knowledge and skills to carry out the duties of an educator
Conduct: the actions or omissions of an educator including such actions or omissions both within and outside of an educator's professional role
Educator: a person who holds a certificate of qualification from the BC Ministry of Education
Minor: a child or youth under the age of 19
Parent (in respect of a student or of a child):
- the guardian of the person of the student or child
- the person legally entitled to custody of the student or child
- the person who usually has the care and control of the student or child
Student: a person enrolled in a K-12 educational program provided by a board of education, authority or First Nations School and for whom an educator has responsibility
