Creating a Culture of Accountability: Crafting a Professional Code of Conduct that Everyone Can Get Behind
Let’s talk a little bit about standards. Educators are no strangers to the world of professional standards. Standards are the basis by which teachers are trained and evaluated, provide a clear framework for goal setting, and help guide planning for and assessment of student performance. While professional standards give us a good sense of the expected knowledge and competencies that educators should come to the classroom with, they do not necessarily specify the ethical principles that should dictate their behavior – whether in the classroom, at a conference, or on a volunteer board. This is where a well-crafted professional code of conduct enters the picture.
Coming out of the pandemic, stress and anxiety levels have spiked. Work-life balance, especially for educators, has become more and more challenging, leading to burnout. Certain actions, particularly in a professional setting, test the limits of what is socially acceptable. That being said, a professional code of conduct is more than a reactive document designed for a particular set of circumstances at a specific time and place; it’s a living, breathing public display of accountability and a reinforcement of our values, and ensures that we are always striving for a high level of excellence as a profession.
But an effective code of conduct isn’t magically born overnight, and one size doesn’t fit all organizations. A code of conduct demands intentionality, careful deliberation, a clear understanding of where we’ve been and where we want to go, and a commitment to our shared values. That’s how we in the education space can design a code of conduct that everyone can support and appreciate.
Everything starts with our values.
Looking at our code should feel like looking in a mirror. What core values do you see? Integrity? Collaboration? Justice? Wear those values proudly as a demonstration of your dedication to your profession. When individuals in your community are living up to those values, celebrate them publicly to focus on the positive.
Focus on community.
Want buy-in? Seek input from several constituencies representing a wide swath of the members you serve. Create a committee or task force made up of representative voices. Use surveys, focus groups, and other means to collect data from educators, administrators, board members, and even students. Shared goals translate to a stronger sense of belonging.
Be consistent.
Your goal should be to apply the professional code of conduct equitably across all levels, from the first-year teacher to the late-career veteran. That’s one great way to build trust among your members and stakeholders. Be consistent and the trust will follow suit.
Make it accessible.
An easily readable code is an easier-to-adopt code. Skip the jargon, make it as concise as possible, and post that document somewhere (or “somewheres”) it can be found with little effort. Send a message that you’re being transparent and inclusive.
Review. Revise. Reinforce.
Much like a strategic plan, your professional code of conduct is a living, breathing document that requires regular review. As organizations evolve, so too should your code. And when you make changes, clearly explain what they are and why they are warranted. Nothing about your code should be shrouded in mystery.
In the end, a well-developed code of conduct is foundational to building and maintaining the type of organizational culture where accountability rules, trust is nurtured, and our shared mission and values shine through. Unquestionably, it takes time and can often be messy, but consider it an investment in your profession’s future. And consider this “bonus” benefit: a strong professional code of conduct can go a long way in projecting credibility and a high standard of excellence, enhancing the reputation of education and educators in the eyes of the public. I think we can all get behind that!
Howie Berman, MA, CAE is a principal and co-founder of Learning Curve Partners, an independent consulting group which connects and empowers educators and education organizations to be leaders and lifelong learners in pursuit of their missions. Learn more at learningcurvepartners.com and follow this blog for more thoughts on the education space.
