Code of Conduct for Teaching Service: Basic Education Act, 2020

Vocabulary and definitions based on the Code of Conduct for Teaching Service under the Basic Education Act, 2020 of Namibia.

Dress in an appropriate manner

To be dressed neatly and decently, in clothing suited to the task of teaching that is not too revealing, low-cut, short, transparent, or too tight.

Ethical conduct or behaviour

Conduct or behaviour based on or influenced by a system of principles and values and beliefs about right and wrong, good or bad.

Gender equality

The equal status of women and men and the roles of women and men as equal partners.

Moral standards

The principles and values based on what the society believes are the right and acceptable ways of behaving.

Sexual abuse

Behaviour by a teacher toward a learner likely to harm or deprive them of safety, including contact, non-contact gestures, sexually explicit pictures, verbal jokes, or love affairs.

Sexual harassment

Unwanted behaviour or advance of a sexual nature including physical acts, unsolicited touching, or obscene remarks and jokes by a teacher towards a learner.

Public Service Charter

A set of general principles for public service delivery including Standards, Information, Courtesy and Helpfulness, Consultation and Choice, Accountability, Openness, Non-Discrimination, Quality of Service, and Value for Money.

Basic Education Act, 2020 (Act No. 3 of 2020)

The legal act under which the Minister of Education, Arts and Culture prescribes the Code of Conduct for the Teaching Service.

Duty of care

The obligation imposed on teachers by any Act, regulation, or rule to act in the best interest of the learners.

Professional conduct regarding parents

The requirement for a teacher to take the place of parents when a learner is officially at school or participating in official school activities.

Confidentiality regarding learners

The professional duty prohibiting a teacher from divulging information about a learner received in confidence or during the course of professional duties.

Corporal punishment

A form of degrading punishment that a teacher may not administer on a learner under the professional conduct standards.

National Reconciliation

A principle teachers must promote while simultaneously acknowledging and accepting different customs, codes, and beliefs within the community.

Teacher and Profession conduct regarding alcohol

The rule that a teacher may under no circumstance attend school activities while under the influence of alcohol or any other drug.

Namibian National Symbols

Items for which teachers must inculcate knowledge and respect in learners, along with national assets.

Misconduct

A status assigned to a teacher who contravenes or fails to comply with any provision of the Code, dealt with in terms of the Public Service Act.

Public Service Staff Rules (Chapter J.I Part III)

The procedures to be followed by a teacher who is aggrieved or dissatisfied with an official action, order, or directive.