What is the purpose and meaning of the Standards of Practice?
The Standards for the Education, Competence and Professional Conduct of Educators in British Columbia (Standards) were adopted in 2008 by the BC College of Teachers and, through the Teachers Act.
The Standards do not offer a detailed description of teachers’ competence or behaviour. Instead they are statements of principles that convey a general idea of the work teachers must do (competencies) and the ways in which they must behave (conduct) as they serve the public.
The Standards communicate the knowledge, skills and attitudes teachers must possess as well as the responsibilities they undertake as certified educators. Thus, the Standards contribute to the development of safe and high-quality learning environments for all students and offer a competency and conduct baseline.
As the Ministry of Education explains the applications of the Standards are the following:
Establish commonly held standards of practice and conduct that guide teacher education, teaching practice and ongoing professional growth
Communicate to the public the standards that educators hold and
Establish a framework that guides the Teachers’ Council and the Ministry of Education in setting requirements and making decisions related to teacher education programs, certification of applicants, fitness to practice and discipline