It recognises that teachers work within a framework of legislation with many lines of accountability. The complex and diverse roles required of teachers make teaching one of the most demanding as well as rewarding of professions. Many of those who enter the profession feel a strong sense of vocation in accepting the special challenge of teaching and the opportunity to improve the life chances of young people. The role of the teacher is to achieve success through a complex network of relationships and interactions and requires high levels of commitment, energy and enthusiasm. In common with other professionals, teachers respond to a social context that is continually changing.
Teachers recognise diversity and work to ensure the rights of individuals to develop.
They fully respect differences of gender, marital status, religion, colour, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation and disability. Teacher professionalism involves challenging prejudice and stereotypes to ensure equality of opportunity. The Teaching and Higher Education Act 1998 empowers the General Teaching Council to issue a code of practice for registered teachers. This Code has been produced, following wide consultation, to affirm the high standards of teacher professionalism in this country and to provide guidance to those within the profession. As such, it forms the backcloth to all the Council's advisory and regulatory work.