Newspaper “Primetime” May 31, 2010
Interview with Dimitri Shashkini
Author: Mirian Bokolishvili

Georgian schools finally farewell to the Soviet traditions according to the announcements of MES. One more innovation is planned besides introducing the Guards institute. Dimitri Shashkini will sign the order that will launch teachers’ Ethics Code in schools in the nearest future. Code envisages several limitations to the teachers, for example: Physical or verbal abuse is prohibited. Religious or political propaganda is also forbidden. Are teachers’ rights limited by this Code? What kind of sanctions will be introduced against the teachers who do not follow these regulations? Did political propaganda take place during the pre election campaign? “Primetime” talked with Dimitri Shashkini about these issues.

Mr. Minister, what is the reason you introduce the Ethical Code?

We will introduce not only teachers’ ethical code, but Code of Conduct for school children and school Principals. These three Codes will be finally finished by July 1. On July 1, Teachers’ Ethical Code will come into force according to my order. On June 15 Code of Conduct for school children and school Principals will be introduced as well. These Codes operate in every democratic country. Codes present very significant mechanism of regulations at schools. Inter order will be created according to these regulations. Unfortunately, these documents were not introduced up to present. Efforts were made, but because of the political reasons, the issue was not solved. We will finalize this issue now. Around 48 experts with the great experience worked on this Code. Psychologists, as well as teachers were the members of this group. I think the Code is very comprehensive.

What sanctions will operate against the teachers who will not follow the Code?

Code does not envisage any kind of punishment measures. It regulates relations between the school children and the teachers. Sanctions are absolutely defined according to the Labour Law. Code forbids any kind of pressure on the school children. Religious of political agitation is prohibited at schools. Smoking in the presence of the school children is prohibited as well.

Why exactly now?

Problems existing at schools were known for public. But most part of these problems were identified after introducing Guards Institute. Therefore, regulating relations at schools became necessary. Most part of the teachers met these innovations adequately. Around 75,000 teachers work in the country. Some people who do not satisfy standards of high level are among these teachers. For example, the guard witnessed teacher throwing child’s bag from the fourth flour. Once, teacher sent the school child to buy funeral flowers. This is terrible. Professionals are oppressed for these facts.

School children are often sent to the corner in the primary school. Are such measures prohibited by the Ethics Code?

Teachers are not allowed to pressure the children physically. But do not think that children will receive more rights by teachers’ Ethics Code. School children Code of Conduct will be introduced as well that envisages strict punishment measures for the children who violate the discipline. When we were introducing Guards Institute, some school Principals told there were school children who controlled situations at schools. This is the mentality of legal thieves. Unfortunately, some people think that it is possible that school children control school by this mentality. Everyone who will try to develop such mentality at schools will be strictly punished. All children who will try to oppress other school children according to this crime mentality will have to compensate their bad behavior by useful activities for public according to this Code, for example, cleaning the class room. We will finally develop discipline at schools by introducing Guards Institute, developing Ethics Code or other measures. 

Where is it available to announce about violation of Code? 

School Principals have full rights to maintain discipline at schools. They are obliged to use their power. By the way, you are the first who will be informed that school disciplinary board that executes punishment measures will be changed according to the Principals’ wish. The members of the board can’t gather every day. Members are the school children, parents, teachers and etc. Gathering them together in some concrete situations is sometimes impossible and the reactions are made late. So the responsibility goes to the Principals according to their willing. Disciplinary Board will still function, but the Principals will have right to immediately react on concrete facts.

What do the teachers think about these innovations?

It is very important question. Teachers everywhere responded to this innovation very understandably. We have already discussed the Code with some part of the teachers and the process is still underway. They all understand that because of one or ten teachers who do not satisfy the norms of law others should not be oppressed.