BS: New Code for Teachers - England

Subject: RE: BS: New Code for Teachers - England
From: Jean(eanjay)
Date: 12 Feb 09 - 06:07 AM

Things will only get worse if parents and pupils feel that they have rights which extend well beyond the classroom/school.

Subject: RE: BS: New Code for Teachers - England
From: Rasener
Date: 12 Feb 09 - 04:33 AM

I think the bullying and abuse teachers get from children and parents, is disgraceful. Especially as teachers are not allowed to put this yobbo group in there place.
I just find it incredible that it has been allowed to get to this low level.
As a nation, don't we care anymore? If we do, how do we go about getting things sorted so that teachers rule and not the pupils.

Maybe a Facebook project with certain demands to support the teachers, that could be delivered to the government.

Or is there another way that would deal with this?

Subject: RE: BS: New Code for Teachers - England
From: McGrath of Harlow
Date: 11 Feb 09 - 07:55 PM

...standards of behaviour both inside and outside school that are appropriate...

I am sure that the Taliban and the Ku Klux Klan would agree with that one. The point is, whose version of what is "appropriate" is to count? Imagine this being applied on the basis of some past traditional notions about class and gender and race...

Ah, but that's all past history? And how far can we be sure that there aren't aspects of the way we are today that in a couple of generations may well be seen as equally horrifying?

Subject: RE: BS: New Code for Teachers - England
From: Acorn4
Date: 11 Feb 09 - 07:46 PM

There was a survey carried out about 4 or 5 years back by one of the national papers, about people who you would trust. Teachers came out top at about 95%, so there is probably more appreciation than you'd think. You tend to listen to the small handful of loudmouth parents.

A lot of teachers are workaholics, hence needing a wind-down, and also are deliberately conditioned by organisations like the GTC to feel guilt. It's a bit like the Stakhanovite movement in Stalin's Russia. They had a teacher in their magazine who was saying things like "I jump out of bed in the morning as soon as I wake up as I'm so keen to get into work." I think this person must have been computer generated a bit like an educational version of Lara Croft.

Someone on the Jimmy Young programme once said: "Teachers don't have holidays, they convalesce."

Back to the survey referred to at the top, estate agents were about 20%, but I think that bankers are probably now regarded as an even lower life form.

Subject: RE: BS: New Code for Teachers - England
From: Rasener
Date: 11 Feb 09 - 03:37 PM

Its about time all the stupid leagues and paperwork were abandoned and teachers given the power back again and allowed to teach.

I better stop as I am getting on my soapbox :-)

Subject: RE: BS: New Code for Teachers - England
From: paula t
Date: 11 Feb 09 - 03:04 PM

I don't think any teacher would disagree with the sentiments about morals, professionalism etc. What many of us are worried about is that there are many parents who take delight in trying to make teachers feel inferior.
"Parent power" for many parents involves attempts at bullying.There are so many who talk about their "rights" and the rights of their children- and not enough who talk about their responsibilities. I have seen a huge shift from people who rolled up their sleeves and came in to help, to parents now being "consumers".
I have known parent governors who think they are allowed to shout at a head teacher. I have known parents to demand a file of work for their child who is going on a 2 week holiday in term time .I have been 'phoned at home and accosted at restaurants and at the supermarket..........
If such parents feel they have the right to "report you" they will use this as a threat.These people don't need any more encouragement to make demands.
It's about time we were trusted to do our job and left to get on with it!

Subject: RE: BS: New Code for Teachers - England
From: Monique
Date: 11 Feb 09 - 03:01 PM

Honestly, how many teachers would like their pupils to be raised by parents who smoke dope, drink too much, go to the pub at lunchtime or after school and then drive home? Or do we say that children "belong" to the parents in the very same way things do? I have no idea about you but during my teaching life I came across kids whose luck would have been to be born in a different family!

Subject: RE: BS: New Code for Teachers - England
From: Rasener
Date: 11 Feb 09 - 02:51 PM

In case anybody thinks I am being serious, although the smile should have given that away, I don't know any teachers that do drugs etc. Th e ones I know are very respectable especially Mrs Sooz. There that done it, she might talk to me now.

Subject: RE: BS: New Code for Teachers - England
From: Eric the Viking
Date: 11 Feb 09 - 02:32 PM

Sooz, look at your own school. I can't remember if you are primary or secondary, but it is common for some staff in secondary schools. I could name names and places. I still know of teachers who do the things I outlined. Sad but true.I didn't agree with it then, I don't agree with it now but how many people are whiter than white.I am disapointed with some of the teachers my children have had.But I wouldn't like to be treated in hospital by a nurse or doctor who was similar, our politicians fail to set a fine example, our police force likewise. It seems that is is always the pot that is calling the kettle black.

Considering that teaching is "an important and responsible profession",and the expectations placed upon them, the pay doesn't relate. After all, teachers are the first step for almost every human along the road of formal learning from doctors, lawyers, politicians, everyone who needs to communicate, read or write in their lives.Nearly all the skills people develop in their lives originate from their first steps in learning.

Subject: RE: BS: New Code for Teachers - England
From: Backwoodsman
Date: 11 Feb 09 - 02:19 PM

Yes you will!
See ya Friday!

Subject: RE: BS: New Code for Teachers - England
From: Sooz
Date: 11 Feb 09 - 01:49 PM

I probably won't talk to either of you, ever again.

How many of you would like your children to be taught by teachers who smoke dope, drink too much, go to the pub at lunchtime or after school and then drive home?

Subject: RE: BS: New Code for Teachers - England
From: Rasener
Date: 11 Feb 09 - 01:13 PM

>>Sooz, please stop hitting me with that leather strap....! <<

Why, you know you like it :-)

Subject: RE: BS: New Code for Teachers - England
From: Eric the Viking
Date: 11 Feb 09 - 12:18 PM

Yeah.. A bit like Politicians or the self righteous twats that think stuff like this up.

Subject: RE: BS: New Code for Teachers - England
From: Backwoodsman
Date: 11 Feb 09 - 12:11 PM

"I think that we do that without being obliged to and friends around complain "Don't you teachers have any other topic to talk about?"

Yep, I knew that Monique - hence LOL! :-)
Some of my best, and most conversationally boring, friends are teachers! LOL!

Sooz, please stop hitting me with that leather strap....!

Subject: RE: BS: New Code for Teachers - England
From: Rasener
Date: 11 Feb 09 - 12:03 PM

>>So.......how many teachers do you know that smoke dope, drink too much, go to the pub at lunchtime or after school and then drive home?<<

Loads of em :-)

Subject: RE: BS: New Code for Teachers - England
From: Eric the Viking
Date: 11 Feb 09 - 12:01 PM

The real problem will be when decisions are made based upon flawed evidence, hear-say or lies or jealousy. There are grey areas of the small print open to interpretation (mis-interpretation) they will also be influenced by personal bias/like or dislike. Sooz you must have been in long enough to know that if your HoD, Dep head/head etc takes a dislike to you you are likely to be dammed. Heads especially new ones like to clear out "difficult staff" or the teacher or manager who undermines another teacher openly or slyly. There may be nothing at all wrong with the teacher but these things happen. The GTC is a reulatory body that was thrust on the teaching profession without any influence over pay or working conditions. It has however the power to decide who teaches or doesn't. No GTC registration..... no work in teaching. As far as I can see the GTC comprises of the usual mix of self centred, self seeking, superior beings.The high moral standard and aims are laudable, but the reality is different.It is an organ of the big brother syndrome.

So.......how many teachers do you know that smoke dope, drink too much, go to the pub at lunchtime or after school and then drive home? How many teachers take anti depressants, drink a bottle to benylin or similar before trying to get a good nights sleep.Are these teachers upholding a fine moral code? How about teachers speeding or other driving offences?.Not wearing a tie to walk down the street on a weekend? Hair too long, too spikey, coloured red, purple of blue etc. Wacky clothing any number things.Stealing a pencil or copying papaer or pirating software? What about divorce? Adultery? Children born out of wedlock? Where does the high moral code stop or begin? Dangerous ground. But if all or nearly all bad teachers are sacked, then the teaching profession will function with the twenty of so perfect beings left.

Subject: RE: BS: New Code for Teachers - England
From: Monique
Date: 11 Feb 09 - 11:24 AM

I think that we do that without being obliged to and friends around complain "Don't you teachers have any other topic to talk about?"

Subject: RE: BS: New Code for Teachers - England
From: Backwoodsman
Date: 11 Feb 09 - 10:52 AM

Monique, you forgot the one that all teachers must comply with as part of their contractual obligations:-

All coversation at any time, between teachers, carried on away from school premises must be restricted to the subject of school.

LOL!

Subject: RE: BS: New Code for Teachers - England
From: GUEST,Cats
Date: 11 Feb 09 - 09:33 AM

It isn't just what has been cut and posted it is the small print that goes with it. Like I said at the very start, we cannot argue with anything that improves and enhances the educational opportunities of the students we teach; it is the way they are seeking to regulate our private lives and what we do in them that is not on, especially when other teachers, parents and students are encouraged to inform the GTC if they think a teacher, in professional time or not, is behaving in an 'unprofessional' way. So, if you are on the beach or doing your shopping or, as has happened to me, in a folk club performing, and a parent comes up to you and wants to discuss their child, you will have to do it, regardless of whether you are having work / life balance or not, or be   reported to the GTC and possibly banned from teaching because you said no. You need to read the small print and think about exactly what it means.

Subject: RE: BS: New Code for Teachers - England
From: Rasener
Date: 11 Feb 09 - 08:51 AM

:-) Nice one Monique

Subject: RE: BS: New Code for Teachers - England
From: Monique
Date: 11 Feb 09 - 08:25 AM

Here guys to cheer you up

Are you a Real Teacher? If you agree with at least ten of the following, you are a real teacher.

You believe the staff room should be equipped with a Valium salt lick.
You find humor in other people's stupidity.
You want to slap the next person who says, "Must be nice to work 8 to 3 and have summers free."
You believe chocolate is a food group.
You can tell it's a full moon without ever looking outside.
You believe "shallow gene pool" should have its own box on the report card.
You believe that unspeakable evil will befall you if anyone says, "Boy, the kids are sure mellow today."
When out in public, you feel the urge to snap your fingers at a child.
You have no time for a life from August through June.
Putting all "A's" on a report card would make your life SO much easier.
When you mention vegetables, you are not talking about food.
You think people should be required to get a government permit before being allowed to reproduce.
You believe in the aerial spraying of Prozac.
You encourage a parent to check into home schooling.
You believe no one should be permitted to reproduce without having taught in a middle school for at least five years.
You can't have children because there isn't any name you can hear that wouldn't elevate your blood pressure.
You can "sense" gum.
You think caffeine should be available to staff in IV form.
Meeting a child's parents instantly answers the question, "Why is this kid like that?"
Your personal life comes to a screeching halt at report card time.

Subject: RE: BS: New Code for Teachers - England
From: Rasener
Date: 11 Feb 09 - 03:14 AM

Can't see anything wrong in what Sooz has posted. Its all common sense that goes with the job. If you can't abide by it, don't do it.

What I don't like, is people who try to get teachers into trouble becuase they don't like them.

Subject: RE: BS: New Code for Teachers - England
From: DMcG
Date: 11 Feb 09 - 02:59 AM

As nice cool words and phrases, I doubt if anyone has a problem with that, Sooz. But when you start asking 'who judges the appropriateness' of the standard of behaviour and think about other such issues it becomes more problematic. Take 'Demonstrate high standards of honesty ... including finance'. Fiddling the books is a criminal offence. So what is this asking for that is not subject to other legal penalties? We suspect X is fiddling the books, we can't prove it enough to satisfy the law, but we are going to suspend them because of it anyway? Sounds like a counter-suit is on its way to me.

Subject: RE: BS: New Code for Teachers - England
From: Sooz
Date: 11 Feb 09 - 02:19 AM

Do we really have a problem with this?

Demonstrate high standards of honesty and integrity and uphold public trust and confidence in the teaching profession.

Registered teachers
• Uphold the law and maintain standards of behaviour both inside and outside school that are appropriate given their membership of an important and responsible profession
• Ensure that they never misrepresent their professional status or abuse their professional position for their own ends
• Exercise their responsibilities in relation to the examination, assessment and evaluation of achievement and attainment in a fair and honest way
• Demonstrate high standards of honesty and integrity in management and administrative duties, including in the use of school property and finance
• Understand that their duty to safeguard children and young people comes first, but otherwise acknowledge the rights of children and young people, families, and colleagues to confidentiality, in line with statutory requirements and school policies.

Subject: RE: BS: New Code for Teachers - England
From: McGrath of Harlow
Date: 10 Feb 09 - 07:25 PM

to uphold the highest morals

Most of what has been talked about in this thread isn't a matter of morals.

Subject: RE: BS: New Code for Teachers - England
From: Acorn4
Date: 10 Feb 09 - 07:23 PM

I retired from teaching two years ago. I had a burnout when I was fifty three, and went on part time supply until I was fifty eight.

The only reason I was able to survive so long is that, although I drank little alcohol in the week, I got absolutely f***ing plastered on a Friday night - it was this "heading for oblivion" that enabled me to go on for so long.

Not sure what you'll think of this - it's the alternative version of Pink Floyd's "Brick out of the Wall":-

Kick in the Proverbials

We don't need no education,
We don't need no self control
There's really nothing you can teach us,
Cos we already know it all.

Hey, kids,
Leave those teachers alone
Leave those teachers alone
All in all it's just another
Kick in the b***s

Forms, initiatives and targets,
Inspectors never satisfied,
Monitored, assessed, evaluated,
Graded, jaded, crucified

Hey, kids,
Leave those teachers alone...

They're all headed for the burnout,
Hollow eyed, no life no fun,
No sense of humour allowed in the staffroom,
Po faced daleks everyone

Hey, kids,
Leave those teachers alone..

They can speak but we won't listen,
Fart and belch and answer back,
Attention span of a daddy longlegs,
Just give us Nintendo and American clack.

Hey, kids,
Leave those teachers alone

You can't confiscate our mobiles,
We got our rights, you can't do nowt,
Tell us off and we will sue you,
Or get our dads to sort you out.

Hey, kids,
Leave that teacher alone

Subject: RE: BS: New Code for Teachers - England
From: Eric the Viking
Date: 10 Feb 09 - 07:15 PM

Funny that. No one seems to blame the church for the state we are in today but teachers seem to get it in the neck from all directions.And my point is, before I am asked, that the behaviour of some members of the clergy has been less than perfect.

Subject: RE: BS: New Code for Teachers - England
From: LilyFestre
Date: 10 Feb 09 - 06:33 PM

When I was in college studying to become a teacher, we were told that teachers and ministers are judged equally as both are expected to uphold the highest morals.

Michelle

Subject: RE: BS: New Code for Teachers - England
From: paula t
Date: 10 Feb 09 - 06:07 PM

Yep,
A group of us were talking in the staffroom today. The consensus was that most of us wouldn't take much more of a push before we left the profession.
I thimk there could be a great shortage of teachers soon, if things don't change for the better. I love teaching - but I'm afraid I am now seriously rethinking my future, because I'd like a life!

Subject: RE: BS: New Code for Teachers - England
From: Eric the Viking
Date: 10 Feb 09 - 05:53 PM

Pile of crap as usual. When there are no teachers, serve 'em right.

Subject: RE: BS: New Code for Teachers - England
From: wysiwyg
Date: 10 Feb 09 - 05:29 PM

US system's been like this for generations.

~S~

Subject: RE: BS: New Code for Teachers - England
From: Cats
Date: 10 Feb 09 - 04:26 PM

Aha.. this means all teachers must become teetotal and never go out, never go on line for fear of something they say being held against them and available to parents 24/7 x365.

Subject: RE: BS: New Code for Teachers - England
From: Sooz
Date: 10 Feb 09 - 12:58 PM

I my experience, a schools reputation can be made or broken in the local pubs. All members of staff should think twice about what they say or do in public - it goes with the job.

Subject: RE: BS: New Code for Teachers - England
From: Mrs.Duck
Date: 09 Feb 09 - 05:19 PM

Someone lock up the Getaway videos from 2005 QUICK!
Maybe we should all shun marriage and maintain a demure spinsterhood making sure we wear high necks and keep our ankles well covered.

Subject: RE: BS: New Code for Teachers - England
From: Tangledwood
Date: 09 Feb 09 - 04:33 PM

"So what sort of teachers do these little horrors have then ??? "


What sort of parents do the little horrors have?

Subject: RE: BS: New Code for Teachers - England
From: Cats
Date: 09 Feb 09 - 06:46 AM

When you have waded through it I do think it is important to fill in the comments section to have your say on it. Our GS said it was a recipe for sainthood and I'm inclined to agree with her!

Subject: RE: BS: New Code for Teachers - England
From: Rasener
Date: 09 Feb 09 - 06:36 AM

Ooops I will rephrase that LOL

Let teachers start giving the cane again.

Subject: RE: BS: New Code for Teachers - England
From: Rasener
Date: 09 Feb 09 - 06:35 AM

Give teachers the cane again. get discipline and law and order back into schools.

Its a disgrace what going on bubblyrat.

Subject: RE: BS: New Code for Teachers - England
From: bubblyrat
Date: 09 Feb 09 - 06:33 AM

Well,like EANJAY,I have just waded through it too,and it's the biggest load of verbose "art bollocks" I've ever seen !! But it does exhibit intelligent use of the much -maligned apostrophe !
            Why can't there be a similar body,with a similar raft of complicated behavioural criteria,which defines the rights of TEACHERS,and the standards expected of CHILDREN ?? Then ,perhaps,we might see some dramatic all-round improvements in Little Johnny's and Little Sarah's behaviour,which,from my personal daily observation,is currently lewd,undisciplned,selfish,disrespectful,foul-mouthed,unmanageable,loutish,boorish,over-excitable and anti-social ------and that's just the RABBLE that get on the bus every afternoon outside the school in Marlow,Bucks !! Naturally,there are never any teachers,monitors,prefects,or any other figures of authority present to regulate or control this disgusting behaviour,the driver is too frightened to intervene,and if I say anything,I just get foul-mouthed abuse or sullen insolence. So what sort of teachers do these little horrors have then ???

Subject: RE: BS: New Code for Teachers - England
From: Cats
Date: 09 Feb 09 - 06:23 AM

Bubblyrat - I am a SENCO as well and have just done an interview this morning for SEcEd magazine. He'll have to watch out for it.

Subject: RE: BS: New Code for Teachers - England
From: Rasener
Date: 09 Feb 09 - 05:49 AM

I would hate to think of what will happen to male teachers who go round dressed in white, with bells on their trousers and white handkerchiefs in their hands LOL :-)

Subject: RE: BS: New Code for Teachers - England
From: bubblyrat
Date: 09 Feb 09 - 05:38 AM

My partner (Wild Flying Dove) is a SENCO,so I guess even her Mudcat name could get her fired !!What the parents of her pupils will make of her cavorting about all over England with a dubious bunch of Folkies,including the Middle Bar Singers (Roll on Sidmouth---only two weeks to go now !!),and running a Folk Club frequented by the likes of me,is anybody's guess.

Subject: RE: BS: New Code for Teachers - England
From: Jean(eanjay)
Date: 09 Feb 09 - 05:33 AM

Well, we're in the age of the snitch and this new code will only encourage it.

I've waded through the draft but will need to read it again. This is just one small part of it which would cause me concern: Members of the public may make an allegation of professional misconduct, but not of incompetence, directly to the Council. Of course what members of the public would consider to be professional misconduct will vary considerably!

Subject: RE: BS: New Code for Teachers - England
From: Rasener
Date: 09 Feb 09 - 05:21 AM

Oh dear, we won't have any teachers at all.

Subject: RE: BS: New Code for Teachers - England
From: Bonnie Shaljean
Date: 09 Feb 09 - 05:10 AM

Also see this thread, where a teacher got fired because of a joke photo on her MySpace page:


Big Brother is watching YOU

http://www.mudcat.org/thread.cfm?threadid=107398#2226062

Subject: RE: BS: New Code for Teachers - England
From: Jean(eanjay)
Date: 09 Feb 09 - 05:08 AM

link

draft

Subject: RE: BS: New Code for Teachers - England
From: Will Fly
Date: 09 Feb 09 - 05:08 AM

GTC

Subject: BS: New Code for Teachers - England
From: Cats
Date: 09 Feb 09 - 05:00 AM

I know that many Catters out there are teachers who do a highly professional job and are dedicated to raisng the educational chances of their students. If you haven't seen it yet, I would suggest that any teacher in England has a look at the proposed new 'Code of Conduct and Practice' which the GTCE have out for consultation until the 27th February. Whilst we cannot, and should not, argue with the educational proposals in it, I have serious concerns over the sections which deem to regulate our private lives. It appears that, if the GTC does not agree with what you do in your private life or a member of the public comments adversly about what you do in your private life you can be disciplined and banned from teaching. So, if I am out singing some of the songs from the music hall which are possibly a bit risque and I am seen by a parent or a student and this is fed back I could be disciplined or struck off because what I was doing was not upholding the professional standards required of a teacher or if I am down the pub drinking pints and I am seen by a parent and they want to speak to me about their child and I don't want to at that moment in time as I am having some work / life balance, again I can be disciplined by the GTCE. So, I suggest all teachers in England [this hasn't been picked up by the nations GTC's yet] look very carefully at the website and put in your feedback. It is at www.opm.co.uk/gtc [Can someone please turn this into a blue clicky for me?]