This paper addresses the notion of accountability in teaching, arguing that teachers themselves should assume the challenge of making themselves accountable by developing a professional code of practice. The underlying notion of professionalism in teaching is first discussed as a context for justifying the further exploration of the possibilities of a professional code for teachers. An endeavor is made to clarify the form that a professional code might take by comparing it with the code of practice established by the Advertising Standards Authority in respect of advertisements directed at or portraying children. The content of such a code is discussed, along with how that content may be modified. Finally, the question of the status of such a code is addressed, with particular emphasis on whether it should be legal or moral. It is argued that such a professional code should primarily have a moral status, but that it should be promulgated as an enabling device under administrative law. (TE)