The professional educator is aware that trust in the profession depends upon a level of professional conduct and responsibility that may be higher than required by law. This entails holding one and other educators to the same ethical standards.
A. The professional educator demonstrates responsibility to oneself as an ethical professional by:
1. Acknowledging that lack of awareness, knowledge, or understanding of the Code is not, in itself, a defense to a charge of unethical conduct;
- Knowing and upholding the procedures, policies, laws and regulations relevant to professional practice regardless of personal views;
- Holding oneself responsible for ethical conduct;
- Monitoring and maintaining sound mental, physical, and emotional health necessary to perform duties and services of any professional assignment; and taking appropriate measures when personal or health-related issues may interfere with work-related duties;
5. Refraining from professional or personal activity that may lead to reducing one’s effectiveness within the school community;
6. Avoiding the use of one’s position for personal gain and avoiding the appearance of impropriety;and
7. Taking responsibility and credit only for work actually performed or produced, and acknowledging the work and contributions made by others.
B. The professional educator fulfills the obligation to address and attempt to resolve ethical issues by:
1. Confronting and taking reasonable steps to resolve conflicts between the Code and the implicit or explicit demands of a person or organization;
- Maintaining fidelity to the Code by taking proactive steps when having reason to believe that another educator may be approaching or involved in an ethically compromising situation;
- Neither discriminating nor retaliating against a person on the basis of having made an ethical complaint;
- Neither filing nor encouraging frivolous ethical complaints solely to harm or retaliate; and
5. Cooperating fully during ethics investigations and proceedings
C. The professional educator promotes and advances the profession within and beyond the school community by:
1. Influencing and supporting decisions and actions that positively impact teaching and learning, educational leadership and student services;
- Engaging in respectful discourse regarding issues that impact the profession;
- Enhancing one’s professional effectiveness by staying current with ethical principles and decisions from relevant sources including professional organizations;
- Actively participating in educational and professional organizations and associations; and
- Advocating for adequate resources and facilities to ensure equitable opportunities for all students. (TOP)
