Minister of Education Officially Endorses Teachers' Code of Conduct as Professional and Ethical Reference for the Educational Field

Alaa Khalifa: Minister of Education, Dr. Sayed Jalal Al-Tabatabai, issued a ministerial decision adopting the Code of Conduct for Teachers in the State of Kuwait. This document serves as a reference framework regulating the professional conduct of teachers and holders of educational and supervisory positions, and it reinforces the system of values and ethics governing educational practice, thereby contributing to enhancing the quality of education and achieving a safe and motivating school environment.

The Ministry of Education emphasized that the adoption of the Code of Conduct by Minister Dr. Sayed Jalal Al-Tabatabai aligns with the Ministry’s commitment to establishing a professional environment based on values, commitment, integrity, mutual respect, and responsibility. This stems from the belief that the teacher is the cornerstone of human development and the primary driver for improving the educational process. Elevating education begins with building a robust professional system alongside the development of curricula, programs, and regulations.

The Ministry clarified that the Code of Conduct for Teachers represents a professional and ethical charter that embodies the high status of the teacher, enhances their educational and national role, safeguards their rights, clarifies their responsibilities, and establishes an institutional culture based on professionalism, transparency, and integrity. This, in turn, positively impacts the quality of education and its outcomes.

The Ministry added that the Code was prepared according to a comprehensive vision based on national legislation, consistent with best educational practices, and mindful of the specificities and authentic values of Kuwaiti society. This approach aims to strengthen trust among all parties involved in the educational process and provide a safe, motivating school environment for learning and creativity.

The Ministry indicated that it will work to disseminate and activate the Code through qualification and professional development programs, considering it an integral part of the institutional development system. This effort aims to reinforce professional ethics, enhance performance efficiency, and prepare teachers who are professionally competent, proud of their mission, and capable of raising generations equipped with knowledge, values, and national identity, keeping pace with the State of Kuwait’s aspirations for higher quality and sustainable education.

The Ministry clarified that the ministerial decision stipulates the adoption of the Code of Conduct for Teachers as the ethical and professional reference governing educational practice. Its provisions apply to all male and female teachers and holders of educational and supervisory positions in both the public and private sectors.

The Ministry pointed out that the Code is based on an integrated system of professional values, including professional responsibility, integrity and transparency, justice and respect, citizenship and belonging, creativity and development, and cooperation and teamwork. These values enhance an educational environment based on trust and mutual respect, elevate institutional performance quality, and raise the level of ethical awareness among those working in the educational field.

The Ministry noted that the Code specified the teacher’s duties toward learners, emphasizing the importance of mastering the subject matter, applying the latest teaching and assessment methods, utilizing modern technologies, and optimizing class time to achieve learning objectives. It also highlighted the need to provide opportunities for dialogue and discussion, monitor students’ academic levels, discover and nurture their talents, and adhere to justice and objectivity in assessment. Furthermore, it stressed maintaining students’ privacy and data confidentiality, and prohibiting any practices that compromise their safety or exploit the educational relationship for personal gain.

The Ministry also emphasized that the Code places significant importance on strengthening partnership with parents by establishing responsible professional communication, informing them accurately and transparently about their children’s academic and behavioral levels, while fully committing to information confidentiality and not disclosing data concerning other students except to the extent required by educational work.

Additionally, the Ministry stated that the Code stressed the importance of fostering a culture of cooperation and respect among colleagues, working as a team, exchanging expertise, rejecting offense, defamation, or the spread of rumors, and respecting diversity and differences in professional opinions. This contributes to enhancing a positive work environment and elevating institutional performance within schools.

Regarding institutional compliance, the Ministry clarified that the Code obligates teachers and holders of educational and supervisory positions to adhere to laws and regulations governing work, maintain the confidentiality of documents and information, respect administrative hierarchy, and participate positively in developing the work environment. It also prohibits making any statements or publishing any information or documents pertaining to the Ministry without official authorization from competent authorities, thereby safeguarding the public interest and enhancing institutional governance.

The Ministry further explained that the Code addressed the teacher’s responsibility toward society, including adherence to Kuwaiti societal values, respect for the Constitution and laws, linking the educational process to societal needs, contributing to the dissemination of scientific culture, participating in national initiatives, and representing the educational institution in a manner that reflects its mission and status.

The Ministry noted that the Code dedicated a specific section to holders of supervisory positions, emphasizing justice in human resource management, equal opportunity, selecting the most qualified candidates based on objective criteria, safeguarding public funds, and providing a supportive work environment for creativity and excellence.

The Ministry confirmed that the Code included a number of prohibited behaviors, the most prominent of which are exploiting one’s position for personal gain, accepting gifts or benefits related to the position, offending the educational institution, learners, or its staff via social media, publishing and circulating news, information, and official documents without authorization, or using the Ministry’s logos or those of its organizational units in personal accounts and advertisements. These measures aim to promote the responsible use of social media and preserve the dignity of the educational institution.

The Ministry added that the Code specified clear procedures for reporting violations and mechanisms for disciplinary accountability in accordance with applicable laws and regulations. These procedures begin with warnings and administrative investigations and escalate according to the nature of the violation, ensuring justice, maintaining professional discipline, and reinforcing the principles of transparency and the rule of law within educational institutions.