The Updated Estonian Code of Ethics for Teachers Supports Teachers as Educators of Values

Teaching often involves complex situations for which there may be no single correct solution. The Code helps teachers recognise, reflect on and discuss such situations, supporting both professional self-reflection and ethical sensitivity. It also assists teachers in making considered, values-based decisions.

Margit Timakov, President of the Estonian Teachers’ Union, emphasises that teachers are carriers of values and that the Code of Ethics can give them confidence in navigating today’s conflict-rich world. “The Code is also a valuable tool for making sense of complex situations and finding ways to address them. It offers teachers an excellent opportunity to build and sustain a shared values-based culture both within their own schools and more broadly. A common text provides a shared language and helps foster a common values framework. This is exactly what we need in Estonia today,” says Timakov.

“The teaching profession carries great responsibility and requires teachers to serve as role models for young people. At the same time, teachers frequently encounter complex situations that are not covered by legislation or school regulations. In such cases, the Code of Ethics serves as an important support tool, helping teachers respond to challenging and unforeseen situations in a balanced and thoughtful manner,” says Reemo Voltri, Chairman of the Estonian Education Personnel Union.

What should teachers and educational institutions know about the Estonian Code of Ethics for Teachers?

The Code:

• is based on the values and ethical principles set out in Estonia’s foundational state and educational documents, as well as on the contemporary approach to learning;
• supports teachers’ ethical competence, professional development and self-reflection;

• supports teachers in both their professional and educational roles as educators of values, while helping educational institutions develop a values-based organisational culture grounded in principles agreed across Estonia.

Key features

The Code:

• has been developed for teachers and, more broadly, for educational institutions (schools, kindergartens and hobby education institutions);
• highlights the key values and guiding principles of the teaching profession;

• helps teachers act ethically, responsibly and professionally.

How can the Code be used?

• Discuss and resolve complex situations and value conflicts with colleagues using the Code as a reference point.
• Use it to support teacher induction, mentoring and professional development.
• Use the Code as a basis for discussions and shared agreements when shaping the values culture of educational institutions.

• The updated Estonian Code of Ethics for Teachers, together with supporting materials and background information, is available at: https://eetika.ee/et/opetaja-eetikakoodeks

The updated Estonian Code of Ethics for Teachers is based on the contemporary approach to learning and draws on principles enshrined in the Constitution of the Republic of Estonia, international human rights instruments, and previous agreements within the field of education. The process of updating the Code was launched in 2023 under the leadership of the Centre for Ethics at the University of Tartu, with support from the Ministry of Education and Research. Its purpose was to initiate a discussion on the values, guiding principles and functions of teacher ethics, and to consolidate previously existing norms into a single Code of Ethics. Numerous professional associations, umbrella organisations and experts from across Estonia contributed to the development of the Code.

The updating of the Estonian Code of Ethics for Teachers was coordinated by the Centre for Ethics of the University of Tartu and supported by the Ministry of Education and Research.