Professional Ethics
I am a teacher by choice and not
by chance. By entering the teaching profession, I accept
that there are standards of behavior and beliefs above and beyond those of the
general public. Every person is bound by
these ethics regardless of their position.
Everyone on the staff of
A. I understand that all actions of all persons in
the school should be geared towards the accomplishment of learning and what is best
for the students.
B. I care about the physical and mental well being of
each individual student, even the difficult ones.
C. I regard all information concerning my students to
be confidential andwill use it only to benefit them.
D. I have the highest expectations from my students
and strive to obtain from them high intellectual, social, physical, and moral
behaviors in accordance with their potential.
E. I try to teach the student first ensuring that
learning occurs and not simply cover material in teaching the course.
F. I will do appropriate planning and will be
prepared to teach each day using a variety of methods and approaches to insure
that learning occurs.
G. I will maintain a climate in my classroom that
will not allow distractions and behavior to reduce the learning of my
students. I will not hesitate to ask the
administration or my fellow teachers for assistance and support.
H. I will regularly evaluate my students’ progress towards
meeting the instructional goals, objectives and/or standards. I will insure that my students and their
parents are aware of their progress.
I.
I will not
use my influence in the classroom to promote partisan politics, sectarian
religious views, or selfish propaganda.
J. I will establish and maintain cooperative
relations with parents, meeting criticism with courtesy and
open-mindedness. I will not hesitate to
contact them when a student is having difficulties, many absences, making
progress, or excelling in the subject matter.
K. I respect the social practices, mores, and customs
of the community.
L. I understand that I am to always act and present
myself in a manner characteristic of good taste and behavior and practice
discretion in my conduct. I realize that
my behavior is always under scrutiny by someone and that students are emulating
me.
M. I am always seeking new ways to grow
professionally, and I am open to trying new methods and approaches to the
delivery of learning.
N. I am willing to share with my fellow teachers any
new ideas, approaches, or methods that may be beneficial and supportive of
learning.
O. I will not discuss or criticize students, other
faculty members, or administrative methods except in an overt, respectful, and
professional manner. Rather than try to
tear down something that I do not like, I will develop alternatives that will
work to replace the method.
P. I will recognize and follow the chain of authority
in conducting school business and will follow district and school policies and
procedures. I will strive to meet all deadlines and reporting times.
Q. I will use school time for school business and not
pursue personal activities such as selling for profit, preparing outside work,
or indulging in leisure time activities. I will deliver a day's work for a
day's pay.
R. I understand that as a high school teacher there
are expectations to conduct extra-curricular activities that go beyond the
normal school day.
S. I will constantly work to maintain the special
climate and culture of
T. I will always endeavor to make the teaching
profession one which will command the respect of its members, the public, and
those who may consider entering the profession.