THE EDITOR, Sir:
There have been a lot of concerns raised recently, regarding the efficiency and effectiveness of the Code of Regulations, which govern the teaching profession.
As a young teacher, I oppose any attempt aimed at trying to amend the Code of Regulations in order to give the Board of Management the authority to discipline teachers for acts committed outside of school (working) hours.
There is no doubt in my mind that the teaching profession needs to raise the bar of decency and decorum for its members. Too often we are inundated with news of the most disorderly and derogatory conduct from members of the teaching profession in the wider society. However, the solution to such a problem cannot be through legislation.
It would be foolish for anyone to think that human behaviour can be changed simply with the stroke of a pen. In addition, all the complaints that I have heard so far has nothing to do with the Code of Regulations, but more so with human character.
Therefore, the aim should be centred on getting people of high integrity within the profession. This can be done through the method of selection and training within our teachers' colleges, coupled with the necessary support systems within the schools to offer mentorship for young teachers.
Our policy makers also need to realise that even with the most rigid Code of Regula-tions, it will amount to nothing if the character side of teachers is not developed. There has to be a way to unearth the human goodness, the ethical side, the spiritual side if you wish, the side which accepts compassion for others and honours concern for decency and respect as being fundamentally good.
It is significant to draw on history in order to understand individuals and institutions. History teaches us that any individual or institution, which changes its "core" principles, creates massive social dislocation.
It is the erosion of "core" principles of the teaching profession due to a poor process of socialisation within structures of the institutions, which need to be addressed, and not the Code of Regulations.
I am etc.,
ANDRE WELLINGTON
Christiana Leased Primary
Manchester
Teacher
