Code of Ethics for Teachers of Professional Education in Georgia

Order №161/n of the Minister of Education, Science, and Youth of Georgia

October 15, 2024, Tbilisi

On Approving the Code of Ethics for Teachers of Professional Education

  • Issued in accordance with: Article 25, Paragraph 1, Subparagraph "b" of the Organic Law of Georgia "On Normative Acts"; Article 22, Paragraph 1, Subparagraph "r" of the Law of Georgia "On Professional Education".

Article 1

  • The "Code of Ethics for Teachers of Professional Education" is approved as per the annex to this order.

Article 2

  • Order №164/n of the Minister of Education and Science of Georgia, dated December 29, 2014, "On Approving the Professional Ethics Code of the Professional Education Teacher," is declared invalid.

Article 3

  • This order shall come into force on January 1, 2026.

Annex: Code of Ethics for Teachers of Professional Education

Article 1: Scope of the Code of Ethics for Teachers of Professional Education

  • This code defines the main principles, values, and responsibilities that must be observed by a teacher of professional education in the course of their professional activities.

  • Aims to establish and/or maintain respect and trust in the profession of a professional education teacher.

Article 2: Basic Principles and Values of the Activities of a Teacher of Professional Education

  1. A teacher of professional education carries out their professional activities in accordance with the current legislation of Georgia, this code, and the rules established by the educational institution implementing professional educational programs.

  2. A teacher of professional education performs their assigned duties in good faith, honestly, and professionally.

  3. A teacher of professional education is impartial and objective in their professional activities, respects the rights of others, and cares about the image and reputation of the teaching profession.

  4. In carrying out activities, a teacher of professional education is obliged to:

    • Promote the establishment of a culture of trust and respect in the institution.

    • Promote the values of universal humanism (pluralism, tolerance, democracy), multiculturalism, multiethnicism, and gender equality.

    • Observe the internal regulations and safety rules established by the institution.

    • Ensure the creation of an environment that excludes violence and discrimination based on race, skin color, language, gender, age, citizenship, origin, place of birth, place of residence, property or title status, religion or belief, national, ethnic or social origin, profession, marital status, health status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, political or other views, or any other characteristic.

    • Protect the confidentiality of information (including personal data) received within the scope of professional activities, in accordance with the procedure established by the legislation of Georgia.

    • Protect the intellectual property of others, including inventions and copyrights, in professional activities (including in the process of creating and disseminating educational resources).

    • Take care of their own professional development and constantly learn about current developments in the field.

    • Help protect the professional reputation and refrain from conduct that may be accompanied by discrediting the profession of a professional education teacher.

    • Take care of the institution's material and educational resources and use them only for their intended purpose (it is forbidden to use material and educational resources for personal purposes). Consider environmental and sustainable development principles when using resources.

Article 3: Relationship of a Teacher of Professional Education with a Professional Student/Listener

  1. A teacher of professional education is obliged to treat professional students/listeners with dignity and respect.

  2. A teacher of professional education, within the scope of their authority, takes care of the health and safety of professional students/listeners.

  3. In dealing with a professional student/listener, a teacher of professional education is obliged to:

    • Promote the professional and personal development of professional students/listeners.

    • Develop objective and individual approaches to teaching and assessment, so that the dignity of professional students/listeners is protected.

    • Ensure equal and fair treatment of professional students/listeners, regardless of race, skin color, language, gender, age, citizenship, origin, place of birth, place of residence, property or title status, religion or belief, national, ethnic or social origin, profession, marital status, health status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, political or other views, or any other characteristic.

    • Manage conflicts or conflict situations peacefully, and respond appropriately to unethical behavior on the part of a professional student/listener.

    • Not use the abilities/resources of a professional student/listener for personal purposes.

    • Protect the confidentiality of information about a professional student/listener.

    • Promote the physical, social, and intellectual development of professional students/listeners.

    • Create a safe, inclusive, and welcoming learning environment for professional students/listeners and ensure the development of their skills, taking into account the principle of promoting lifelong learning.

Article 4: Relationship of a Teacher of Professional Education with a Parent or Other Legal Representative of a Professional Student/Listener

A teacher of professional education is obliged to:

  • Promote close cooperation between the institution and the parent or other legal representative of a professional student/listener.

  • Provide the parent or other legal representative of a professional student/listener with information about the curriculum and the learning process, and provide pedagogical or professional advice as needed.

  • Schedule individual meetings with the parent or other legal representative of a professional student/listener, if necessary.

Article 5: Relationship of a Teacher of Professional Education with the Administration of the Institution, Colleagues, and Other Interested Parties

  1. A teacher of professional education treats colleagues and other persons employed in the institution, including management, with respect.

  2. In dealing with persons employed in the institution, colleagues, and other interested parties, a teacher of professional education is obliged to:

    • Not interfere in the activities of a colleague without their consent.

    • Cooperate with colleagues, other representatives of the institution, and share their knowledge and experience with them.

    • Support novice colleagues and, at their request, provide assistance in professional activities.

    • Not use the capabilities of a colleague/other person employed in the institution for their own purposes.

  3. Within the scope of their authority, a teacher of professional education cooperates with employers and other interested parties, takes into account their opinions and recommendations, and promotes their involvement in the development, teaching, and evaluation process of the educational program.

Article 6: Disciplinary Liability for Violation of the Code of Ethics of a Teacher of Professional Education

  1. The internal regulations of the institution must be based on this code.

  2. The measures and procedure of disciplinary liability related to the violation of this code shall be determined by the internal regulations of the institution.

  3. The measures of disciplinary liability determined by the institution must be proportionate to the disciplinary violation, and the procedure of disciplinary proceedings must protect the principles of objectivity, fairness, the rule of law, and ensure a thorough investigation of the circumstances of the case.

Minister of Education, Science, and Youth of Georgia

Alexandre Tzuladze