In the week beginning 31 March 2008, the Charter for the Australian teaching profession was launched. Over 30 national teaching and principal professional associations collaborated to develop the Charter, which marks the culmination of two years work involving consultation and collaboration around Australia.
Teaching Australia says “The Charter is an important symbolic statement highlighting teachers’ commitment to their profession and to the community. It sets out the values and commitments shared by members of the teaching profession and affirms the high ideals and principles that underpin teaching and leadership in Australian schools.”
There are some who would say the Charter is long overdue, and teachers will ask what it means for them.
The charter is actually quite a short document and constitutes a statement of values and commitments. It emphasises that teachers believe in the power of education to make a difference, bringing to the role high levels of professional knowledge, expertise and ethical commitment. Teachers set high standards for their students and for themselves, inspiring students and working in partnership with their families and communities, as well as with colleagues.
The Charter brochure spells out the role of the charter, why it was created, how it was developed, and how it will be used. It also lists the national professional associations that collaborated in the drawing up of the Charter. Copies of the brochure are available from Teaching Australia.
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