Kevin Yeung Yun-hung, Secretary for Education, said the bureau is considering to establish a set of official guidelines to regulate teachers’ conduct and morality.
Yeung, in a Legislative Council meeting, also said that there are different opinions in the city, with some saying only professionals of the education sector should regulate teachers’ behaviours and conduct.
In the meeting lawmaker Tommy Cheung yu-yan concerned that the current Code for the Education Profession was set in 1990, and urged the government to update the code as it already became an outdated version after 30 years.
Yeung responded that the bureau will study the T-standard+ and the Code when handling misconduct files of teachers. Yet it is more important whether the speeches and behaviours of the teachers breach the common moral standard of the society, endanger students’ growth and bring negative effect on students
He added that the bureau received 269 complaints about teachers’ misconduct during the social unrest. Among those complaints the bureau has issued reprimand letters, warning letters or verbal warnings to 154 teachers, and cancelled the registration of three teachers.
Yeung added that the bureau always respects the professionalism of teachers. He emphasised that professional autonomy does not mean letting teachers go completely free. Their teaching and assessments must fulfil the structure and requirements of the course.
Yeung added that teachers could not advocate their personal political stand to students, send incorrect or biased information to students, or spread messages of hatred or discrimination that violate the society’s moral standards.
In the meeting lawmaker Tommy Cheung yu-yan concerned that the current Code for the Education Profession was set in 1990, and urged the government to update the code as it already became an outdated version after 30 years.
Yeung responded that the bureau will study the T-standard+ and the Code when handling misconduct files of teachers. Yet it is more important whether the speeches and behaviours of the teachers breach the common moral standard of the society, endanger students’ growth and bring negative effect on students
He added that the bureau received 269 complaints about teachers’ misconduct during the social unrest. Among those complaints the bureau has issued reprimand letters, warning letters or verbal warnings to 154 teachers, and cancelled the registration of three teachers.
Yeung added that the bureau always respects the professionalism of teachers. He emphasised that professional autonomy does not mean letting teachers go completely free. Their teaching and assessments must fulfil the structure and requirements of the course.
Yeung added that teachers could not advocate their personal political stand to students, send incorrect or biased information to students, or spread messages of hatred or discrimination that violate the society’s moral standards.