DANZ Code of Professional Conduct for teachers of dance

Collated by Dance Aotearoa New Zealand (DANZ) 2001

AIM NGA AHUA
To enhance a positive teaching and learning environment for every student.

FUNDAMENTAL PRINCIPLES NGA TOHU RANGATIRATANGA
A teacher will aim to:

Behave with integrity in all professional and business relationships.
Strive for objectivity in all professional and business judgements.
Ensure that they have relevant qualifications and experience before accepting a teaching position or undertaking work.
Carry out their professional work with due skill, care, diligence and with proper regard for the technical and professional standards expected of them as a teacher.
Behave with courtesy and consideration towards everyone they come in contact with while working professionally.
Maintain expertise and acknowledge developments in the profession.

INTEGRITY NGA MANA
A teacher, in all professional and business relationships will aim to:

Uphold and enhance the good standard and reputation of the profession.
Work in a collaborative and cooperative manner with other dance professionals and organisations.
Communicate a love of dance in all its forms
Ensure that classes are of a size appropriate to the level and technique being taught, with compatible age and/or standard.

DUE SKILL AND DILIGENCE NGA TOHUTOHU TUTONU MAHIIKA WHAKA
A teacher will aim to:

Demonstrate professional attitudes, including punctuality, reliability and responsible care of students.
Ensure that no action or omission on their part, or within their sphere of responsibility, is detrimental to the interests or safety of students or other professionals.
Comply with all statutory requirements affecting health and safety at work (OSH) and ensure the provision of adequate insurance cover,
Comply with all the statutory requirements affecting the running of the business, including registration of names, income tax, copyright, privacy and any other matter required by the law.
Ensure that facilities provided are adequately maintained and provide suitable flooring appropriate to the technique being taught and a suitable, secure and safe area for changing.

OBJECTIVITY NGA TAKE TUTURU
A teacher in all professional and business relationships will aim to:

Recognise the role of dance in developing the whole person.
Work in an open, encouraging and cooperative manner with students, nurturing their development and respecting their independence.
Maintain open and regular communication with families and caregivers.
Recognise and respect the uniqueness, dignity and potential of each student.
Respect and acknowledge cultural diversity, ethnic origin, religious beliefs, personal attributes and wishes.
Encourage healthy lifestyles for their students.
Open pathways and access information for the development of the student.

COMPETENCY NGA TIKA WHAKA MANA
A teacher will aim to:

Acknowledge any limitations in their own knowledge and competency and take steps to access the skills needed.
Undertake ongoing professional development to maintain, inform and upskill their own knowledge.
Keep up to date with new practices and acknowledge development in the profession.

COURTESY AND CONSIDERATION WHAKAPONO PAI WHAKARO
A teacher will aim to:

Always act in such a manner as to safeguard the interests and wellbeing of all students.
Ensure student trust and confidence.

Acknowledgements:
Deirdre Tarrant
Sol Whaanga, Kaumatua Maori Mental Health, Nelson
Keri Kaa, Peta Spooner, Jan Shand, Ralph Buck

Sourced from:

Code of Professional Conduct for Teachers of Dance endorsed by British Ballet Association, Checchetti Society, Imperial Society of Teachers of Dancing, British Theatre Dance Association, Royal Academy of Dance.
DTA Association Rules and Code of Conduct
AUSDANCE Australian Guidelines for Dance Teachers.