Education minister warns teachers on unethical conduct

28/04/2010

The Minister for Education’s office has been inundated with letters from members of the public regarding teachers’ lack of professional conduct.
 
The ministry has continuously reminded teachers of professionalism in school, but it has not been given due consideration.
 
This week a circular was sent to schools reminding all primary and secondary school teachers that as civil servants, they are bound by the Public Service Commission’s Code of Conduct, which demands professionalism from all Government employees, including teachers.
 
Professionalism covers teachers’ conduct at work, with the community they serve and the public domain.
 
Unfortunately, the Minister’s office has been receiving complaints of teachers implicated on the following serious offences:
  • Sexual offences committed against children;
  • Extra marital affairs;
  • Unpaid debts on community stores;
  • Inflicting corporal punishment on students; and
  • Borrowing money from students.
The above lists a few examples of cases the Minister’s office is looking into. There may be some unreported incidences.
 
The integrity of the teaching fraternity is undermined here and the confidence of members of the public has to be restored. All teachers are reminded that misdemeanors of any kind will not be tolerated.
 
All cases that reach the Minister’s office will be severely dealt with. That means suspension, pending investigation and if proven guilty, termination will follow.
 
The Ministry of Education hopes that all teachers will heed this final advice and make the necessary redress immediately.

Minister for Education, National Heritage, Culture and Arts, Youth and Sports, Labour, Industrial Relations and Employment, Mr Filipe Bole