Code of Ethics
the Southern African Montessori Association



As Southern African Montessori Association Members, we pledge to conduct ourselves professionally and personally in ways that will reflect our respect for each other and for the children we serve. We will do whatever is within our talents and capacity to protect the rights of each child to have the freedom and opportunity to develop.

Commitment to the Child

In fulfilment of the obligation to the children, the member;

1.
Shall encourage independent action in the pursuit of learning
2.
Shall protect the opportunity to provide for participation in educational programmes without regard to race, sex, colour, creed or national origin
3.
Shall protect the health and safety of students
4.
Shall honour professional commitments; maintain obligations, and contracts while never soliciting nor involving students or their parents in schemes for commercial gain
5.
Shall keep in confidence information that has been secured in the course of professional service, unless disclosure serves professional purposes or is required by law.


Commitment to the Public

The member shares in the responsibility for the development of policy relating to the extension of educational opportunity for all and for interpreting educational programmes and policies to the public.

In fulfilling these goals, the member;

1.
Whenever speaking or writing about policies, the member should take the precaution to distinguish their private views from the official position of the Association
2.
Shall not interfere with nor exploit the rights and responsibilities of colleagues within the teaching profession.


Commitment to the Profession

The member makes every effort to raise professional standards and conditions to attract persons worthy of trust to careers in Montessori education.

In fulfilling these goals, the member;

1.
Shall extend just and equitable treatment to all members of the Montessori education profession
2.
Shall represent their own professional qualification with clarity and true intent
3.
Shall apply for, accept, offer, recommend and assign professional position and responsibilities on the basis of professional preparation and legal qualifications
4.
Shall use honest and effective methods of administering their duties, use of time and conducting business.

Notwithstanding the fact that this Code of Ethics applies in the first instance to educators, all SAMA members, including Affiliates and Institutional Members are expected to uphold and abide by the principles contained herein.

July 2005