A Code of Ethics for Educators
Developed by,
Character Development Foundation
P.O. Box 4782
Manchester, NH 03108
(603)472-3063 phone and fax
character@juno.com
www.charactered.org
We teach who we are.
Education is a moral undertaking that shapes the character of the nation.
Ethics is the essence of teaching. It is having a standard of practice rooted in
personal experience, formal training, community norms, and specific needs.
Rules that govern ethical conduct include:
Fair Play
The Greater Good
The Golden Rule
Equity and Justice
Preamble to the NEA Code of Ethics
The educator, believing in the worth and dignity of each human being, recognizes
the supreme importance of the pursuit of truth, devotion to excellence, and the
nurture of democratic principles. Essential to these goals is the protection of
freedom to learn and to teach and the guarantee of equal educational opportunity
for all. The educator accepts the responsibility to adhere to the highest
ethical standards.
MORAL LEADERSHIP
The educator serves as an exemplary moral leader, following ethical practices
toward students, families, colleagues, administrators, and the profession. The
educator upholds high ethical standards of personal integrity, civility,
compassion, responsibility, truthfulness, honesty, and courage, knowing that
these are needed to inspire public confidence and trust.
Section I. The educator treats students in an ethical manner, with respect and
dignity by:
1.1 making the well-being of students the fundamental value of all decision
making and actions.
1.2 refraining from bias, preferential treatment, giving special advantages,
punishment, denying benefits, or excluding from programs based on:
race; ethnicity; national origin; religion; gender;
physical attractiveness; athletic skill; socioeconomic status;
abilities or disabilities; or health-related illnesses such as
AIDS.
1.3 recognizing and showing respect for the unique potential of each student
even when there are perceived deficiencies.
1.4 protecting students from situations that are harmful to learning. They are
kept safe and free from danger through:
a. a safe environment. b. proper supervision.
c. adequate planning (foresight) regarding safety issues (preparation for
emergencies such as fire, weapons, seizures, fights, and bomb threats).
1.5 being committed to the welfare and interests of all students, and
refraining from harming students physically or psychologically. Students are not
deliberately humiliated, shamed, frightened, degraded, exploited, intimidated,
hurt, or placed in danger. No cruel, unusual, demeaning, or excessive
punishments are used.
1.6 establishing only those relationships that promote the social, emotional,
and academic growth of students, and refraining from engaging in any form of
sexual relationship or other sexual misconduct with students, including sexual
acts, sexually explicit language, and pornography. The educator refrains from
excessive informal and social involvement with individual students (i.e.,
non-job related contact such as fraternizing with students by dating them).
1.7 reporting symptoms of abuse and neglect to the proper authorities.
1.8 refraining from advocating, using in front of students at school
functions, providing to students controlled and illegal substances. (controlled:
tobacco products, alcohol, prescription drugs; illegal: marijuana, heroin,
etc.). Reporting to work while under the influence of alcohol, narcotics, or any
mind-altering substance is unacceptable.
1.9 sharing negative information only with the people who need to know.
Problems with individual students are not talked about to others unnecessarily.
The educator handles information about students honestly and tactfully, and uses
personal information about students only for professional purposes.
1.10 providing students with access to a variety of responsible points of
view, neither distorting nor suppressing subject matter, and creating an
environment that allows students to exercise critical judgment. The educator
tolerates differing opinions. The educator does not restrain learning except for
reasonable cause.
1.11 assessing and grading students’ performance carefully, accurately,
objectively and impartially. The power of grading is not abused.
1.12 demonstrating an understanding of and supporting the principles of our
democratic heritage as embodied in the United States Constitution, accepting the
responsibilities of citizenship, and teaching them to students.
1.13 using school resources (funds, machines, supplies, time, property) in the
way for which they were intended.
1.14 not advocating or taking part in gambling on school premises or with
students. The educator does not participate in the unauthorized solicitation of
funds.
Section II. The educator treats families/parents in an ethical manner.
2.1 Parents are informed about: a. the curriculum; b. policies;
c. their child’s academic progress; d. difficulties their child has;
e. planned activities such as field trips or controversial topics;
f. their child’s absences from classes and/or tardiness;
g. potentially harmful experiences at school (exposure to contagious diseases,
accidents or injuries, etc.)
2.2 Parents are given access to all records kept on their child (per the
Buckley Amendment) and are invited to interact with educators.
2.3 Parents are told that they have the right to make decisions regarding what
is in the best interests of their child, even when that decision is different
from the educator’s or school’s recommendation.
2.4 The confidentiality of students and families is protected. The educator
refrains from disclosing confidential information about the family, unless it is
a case of neglect or abuse. Parents are not talked about to other parents or
members of the community and only with staff on a “need to know” basis.
2.5 Families are treated with respect and are not discriminated against due to
race, national origin, socioeconomic status, religious belief, physical
appearance, or parenting style. The dignity of the family, its culture, customs,
beliefs, and religion, are respected.
2.6 If parents are breaking the law or teaching their child(ren) to break the
law, the educator gives the child a clear moral message without denigrating the
role of the parent.
2.7 Parents are welcome to visit the classroom at any time, provided that they
check in at the office and do not interrupt the educator or learning.
2.8 The educator encourages parents to come to him/her first when they
question the educator’s judgment, rather than going to other parents or
administrators. If the issue is not resolved, parents are informed as to how to
contact the educator’s immediate supervisor.
2.9 The educator presents the school program/curriculum in a positive light to
parents.
a. The educator refrains from complaining to parents about the administrator
or school policies.
b. The educator defends the program when parents are critical and takes
concerns expressed by parents to the administrator.
2.10 When parents volunteer in the classroom, they are treated with respect
and their efforts are supported.
2.11 Volunteers are notified that they have an obligation to keep confidential
anything they learn about individual students and their families. When parents,
educators, student educators, and researchers work with students, they are
informed regarding their ethical boundaries -- that they should not pass on
negative information about individual students to others who do not need to
know.
2.12 Educators accept gifts and special privileges from students and families
only when objectivity is not jeopardized.
2.13 The educator does not use his/her position as educator for exploitation
(tutoring, private lessons, private practice).
2.14 The educator does not compare students with their siblings.
2.15 The educator refrains from creating an adversarial relationship with
parents by blaming them for school-related problems.
Section III. The educator treats other staff members in an ethical manner.
3.1 The educator establishes a relationship of trust and respect by:
a. refraining from criticizing others behind their backs.
b. openly communicating concerns directly to the person involved. Educators
have an obligation to tactfully confront peers over ethical issues. If the
problem cannot be resolved, they both go to the person at the next level of
supervision, following the appeals policy.
c. sharing resources and pertinent information, but refraining from taking the
resources of others without permission.
d. being willing to accept suggestions and constructive criticism.
e. showing respect for colleagues with different philosophies.
f. refraining from embarrassing colleagues in front of students, parents and
other educators.
3.2 The educator maintains a positive approach to school life.
3.3 The educator talks with other staff members in a way that does not degrade:
a. students; b. parents; c. staff; d. administrators.
3.4 Support personnel, such as aides, assistants, and volunteers, are treated
with respect and are supported in their own professional development. The
educator works with them in a way that helps them be successful, not making
demands that they are incapable of meeting, but encouraging them to use the
skills they have.
a. Expectations are clear, and there is a written job description.
b. There is regular, open, honest communication through meetings, conferences,
and informal conversations.
c. When support staff are not fulfilling their obligations, this is explained
clearly to them and put in writing. If the support person changes and meets the
obligation, the indiscretion is “forgiven and forgotten.” If termination is
necessary, there is written documentation of the problem as well as the dates of
conferences at which it was discussed.
3.5 The educator refrains from discussing private information about one
educator with another. The educator does not disclose negative information about
colleagues unless there is a compelling professional purpose or it is required
by law.
Section IV. The educator treats administrators in an ethical manner.
4.1 Administrators are treated courteously and with respect, both to their
faces and behind their backs.
4.2 Administrators respect the dignity and worth of educators.
4.3 Where there is a conflict over policy, the educator takes the role of
advocacy by clearly articulating the problem and researching possible solutions.
The educator provides information to support his/her position, but refrains from
demanding that it be followed.
4.4 Rather than “letting things go” in order to prevent “making waves,” the
educator confronts:
a. misconduct; b. poor policies; c. observed inappropriate practices.
4.5 When there is a disagreement over policy, a confidential meeting is held
with the administrator, and the problem is explained clearly and in a
constructive manner. The educator recognizes that this may not alleviate the
problem, but continues to do research and bring more information to the
administrator in a noncritical and positive manner.
4.6 When a school system violates or requires its employees to violate laws,
it is permissible, after fair assessment of the evidence, to disclose the
identity of that program.
Section V. The educator is an ethical professional.
The educator:
5.1 is engaged in lifelong learning regarding best practices, laws, standards,
and current research.
5.2 serves as an advocate for what is in the best interests of students when
policies are being made.
5.3 educates others in a tactful and positive way about appropriate education.
5.4 advocates for good educational practice. The primary focus of all
decisions is What is best for students?
5.5 avoids using the position of educator for special personal, religious,
political, or economic influence.
5.6 maintains a balance between the individual needs of students and the need
to maximize learning for the entire class as a group. The educator does not work
with one student to the detriment of others.
5.7 is committed to quality, uses current best practices as defined by
research, and maintains high standards of teaching, appearance, and behavior.
5.8 takes only those positions for which he/she is qualified.
5.9 upholds and obeys the laws of the land. The educator implements federal
and state laws regarding education, as well as the policies, rules, and
regulations of the school district. When he/she commits a crime that places
students in potential physical or emotional jeopardy, or when the crime detracts
from the educator’s professional standing so as to render him/her unqualified or
unfit to teach, he/she steps out of the role of educator.
5.10 uses respectful, courteous language, as well as appropriate vocabulary
and voice tones. The educator does not use or distribute profane, obscene,
vulgar, or indecent matter.
5.11 demonstrates self-control in coping with stressful situations and anger.
The educator does not fight, agitate a fight, or attempt bodily harm or injury
to another person. The educator avoids conduct offensive to the dignity,
decency, and morality of the profession.
5.12 upholds the civil rights of all. The educator does not impede due
process.
Section VI. The educator upholds high ethical standards in the classroom.
A. Academic Honesty for Students
6.1 Honesty is clearly defined as an expectation for students.
6.2 Dishonesty is treated decisively with appropriate consequences.
High school and middle school examples: The educator explains what kind of
assistance is and is not acceptable for each assignment. Students are encouraged
to put the names of all participants on group projects. Students are taught the
appropriate use of information from others and how to cite it. The educator
discusses cheating, what it means, and the consequences.
Primary and preschool examples: Students are encouraged to tell the truth. They
are helped to distinguish fact from fantasy (“Is that real or pretend?”).
B. Harassment by Students
6.3 The educator is vigilant in keeping the classroom a place where everyone
can work and learn in an atmosphere of respect for the dignity and worth of all.
The following are addressed decisively with consequences:
a. Sexual harassment (offensive behavior that includes requests for sexual
favors; attempts to engage in sexual activity; sexist remarks about an
individual’s body, clothes, or behavior; displaying sexually suggestive objects
or pictures; and other physical conduct and expressive behavior of a sexual
nature) is dealt with clearly and decisively.
b. Any offensive behavior that is intimidating, such as bullying, taunting,
threats, namecalling, or ridicule, is addressed decisively and with
consequences.
6.4 The educator clearly explains that students are expected to treat the
bodies and feelings of others with respect, to respect each other’s space, and
to refrain from physically or psychologically harming or intimidating others.
C. Discrimination by Students
6.5 The educator rigorously opposes any form of discrimination, whether on the
basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, religion, handicap, disability,
or sexual orientation. (Discrimination, or prejudice, refers to having an
unfavorable attitude of a hostile nature regarding a particular group, and/or
demeaning behavior or language toward a class of people.)
a. The use of racial slurs or derogatory nicknames is not tolerated and has
consequences. Students are expected to use appropriate language and refrain from
obscene words or gestures.
b. The educator provides appropriate education for students with handicaps.
These are not excluded or denied a benefit. They have access to all the services
provided for able-bodied students.
c. The educator models and expects students to use inclusive language that
respects females.
d. Diversity of race, ethnicity, political and religious views, and ability is
affirmed, welcomed, and appreciated. The educator upholds the rights of all to
exercise their political, religious, and civil privileges.
e. Physical and emotional cruelty are not tolerated.
f. Students treat each other with respect, compassion, and honesty. Gossip is
not tolerated.
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