Codes of Conduct and Ethics

The Code applies to anyone registered as a teacher / early childhood teacher in Victoria. This includes teachers who hold provisional registration, (full) registration, dual registration, permission to teach and non-practising registration.

The Code applies equally to all registered teachers / early childhood teachers, regardless of their position in the workplace, including classroom teachers, those in leadership positions (such as principals) and those who undertake the duties of a teacher in other settings (such as a hospital or zoo).

The Code applies to all registered teachers / early childhood teachers regardless of whether they currently undertaking the duties of a teacher. For example, the Codes still applies to registered teachers who are working in a different industry.

The Code is used by teachers to guide their professional and personal conduct and assist them to solve ethical dilemmas.

The VIT may use the Code to assist in determining if a teacher has engaged in misconduct, serious misconduct or whether there is a question regarding a teacher’s fitness to teach. If there has been a considerable departure from the Code, VIT may take regulatory action (such as suspending a teacher’s registration).

The VIT will always consider individual circumstances and the context in which the conduct occurred. Any regulatory measures should always be viewed within the context of what is considered necessary to protect the safety and wellbeing of children and young people.

The revised Code will be introduced to the teaching profession in Term 2 2021 and will come into effect in Term 3 2021.

The VIT has developed a number of resources including support packs, case study videos and podcasts that explore the Code. Engaging with these resources and responding to the reflective questions provided (or by writing your own reflection) can be considered professional learning for the purposes of renewal of registration.

The VIT will deliver a number of webinars on the Code in 2021. Teachers and employers can find details on how to book into these sessions here.

The Code is an important tool for all teachers to understand the expectations of the teaching profession and the community in relation to their professional conduct, personal conduct and professional competence.

As part of a registered profession and a profession of high public trust and accountability, teachers must be aware of, and reflect, the expectations and standards required of them; the Code can assist teachers to guide their professional and personal conduct.

Under the Education and Training Reform Act 2006, VIT only has jurisdiction to regulate registered teachers / early childhood teachers.

The VIT’s regulatory functions are outlined in the Education and Training Reform Act 2006 and do not include oversight of employment matters.

If teachers have any issues relating to specific employment matters, they should speak to their employer and / or union.