The Florida Code of Ethics and Principles of
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The Florida Code of Ethics and Principles of Professional Conduct for Teachers Excerpted from the FLDOE Code of Ethics Objectives: Teacher candidates will be able to describe the essential elements of the Code of Ethics for the education
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The Florida Code of Ethics and Principles of Professional Conduct for Teachers Excerpted from the FLDOE Code of Ethics<br>
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Objectives: Teacher candidates will… be able to describe the essential elements of the Code of Ethics for the education profession in Florida, and articulate the high moral standards expected of educators
be able to explain their obligations to students, the public, and the education profession
be able to identify the roles and structure of the agencies that govern professional behavior in education in Florida
be able to describe common sense steps to take in a variety of situations in the schools and community<br>
be able to explain their obligations to students, the public, and the education profession
be able to identify the roles and structure of the agencies that govern professional behavior in education in Florida
be able to describe common sense steps to take in a variety of situations in the schools and community<br>
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Agency Descriptions: Education Standards Commission
- sets standards for teacher prep programs and entry level teachers
- determines requirements for teacher certification renewal
Education Practices Commission
- interprets and applies ESC standards ^
- orders disciplinary actions against certificates
Professional Practices Services
- investigates allegations of violations of Code and Principles<br>
- sets standards for teacher prep programs and entry level teachers
- determines requirements for teacher certification renewal
Education Practices Commission
- interprets and applies ESC standards ^
- orders disciplinary actions against certificates
Professional Practices Services
- investigates allegations of violations of Code and Principles<br>
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The Code of Ethics of the Education Profession in Florida The educator values…
the worth and dignity of every person
the pursuit of truth
devotion to excellence
the acquisition of knowledge
the nurture of democratic citizenship<br>
the worth and dignity of every person
the pursuit of truth
devotion to excellence
the acquisition of knowledge
the nurture of democratic citizenship<br>
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The Code of Ethics… “The educator’s primary professional concern will always be for the student and the development of the student’s potential.”
“The educator strives to achieve and sustain the highest degree of ethical conduct.”<br>
“The educator strives to achieve and sustain the highest degree of ethical conduct.”<br>
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Principles of Professional Conduct Three parts:
Obligation to the student
Obligation to the public
Obligation to the profession<br>
Obligation to the student
Obligation to the public
Obligation to the profession<br>
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Obligation to the student: The educator will…
commit to academic openness, fairness, honesty, and objectivity to students and the learning material
avoid harassment of, embarrassment of, or discrimination against students
keep student information confidential<br>
commit to academic openness, fairness, honesty, and objectivity to students and the learning material
avoid harassment of, embarrassment of, or discrimination against students
keep student information confidential<br>
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Violation of Obligation to Students New York State Teacher Fired A tenured teacher at Lewiston-Porter Central School District was fired for a history (30 charges) of mean-spirited actions toward students including:
-Giving a student a zero on a quiz because the student used a spiral-bound notebook rather than a composition book
-Refusing to give a student in a wheelchair (after knee surgery) permission to leave class five minutes early to get to the next class
-Arguing with aides for providing assignment answers to ESE students, allegedly telling an aide, “Don’t help them. They’ll become idiots.”
Prohaska, T. J. (2018, May 18). Lew-Port teacher fired for demeaning students, colleagues. Retrieved from http://www.buffalonews.com<br>
-Giving a student a zero on a quiz because the student used a spiral-bound notebook rather than a composition book
-Refusing to give a student in a wheelchair (after knee surgery) permission to leave class five minutes early to get to the next class
-Arguing with aides for providing assignment answers to ESE students, allegedly telling an aide, “Don’t help them. They’ll become idiots.”
Prohaska, T. J. (2018, May 18). Lew-Port teacher fired for demeaning students, colleagues. Retrieved from http://www.buffalonews.com<br>
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Obligation to the public: The educator will…
distinguish between personal views and the views of the educational institution with which the educator is affiliated
refuse to accept gifts or favors which may influence professional judgment
avoid using professional position for personal gain or advantage<br>
distinguish between personal views and the views of the educational institution with which the educator is affiliated
refuse to accept gifts or favors which may influence professional judgment
avoid using professional position for personal gain or advantage<br>
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Violation of Obligation to Public Florida Teacher Fired for Modeling Pics Freshman English teacher, Olivia Sprauer, was fired from her job at Martin County High School in Stuart when her bikini modeling photos came to the attention of her school administration.
“It was just a way to pay my rent in a safe part of town,” she commented.
The school cited a policy stating that teachers are to be “held to a high moral standard.”
Boone, J. (2013, May 10). Florida teacher Olivia Sprauer fired for bikini modeling pics. Retrieved from http://www.m.eonline.com<br>
“It was just a way to pay my rent in a safe part of town,” she commented.
The school cited a policy stating that teachers are to be “held to a high moral standard.”
Boone, J. (2013, May 10). Florida teacher Olivia Sprauer fired for bikini modeling pics. Retrieved from http://www.m.eonline.com<br>
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Obligation to the profession: The educator will…
respect and be fair to colleagues
report alleged violations of state or local school board rules
avoid misrepresenting qualifications or assisting unqualified personnel to gain or continue employment in the profession
self-report within 48 hours to appropriate authorities any arrests/charges involving the abuse of a child, the sale and possession of a controlled substance<br>
respect and be fair to colleagues
report alleged violations of state or local school board rules
avoid misrepresenting qualifications or assisting unqualified personnel to gain or continue employment in the profession
self-report within 48 hours to appropriate authorities any arrests/charges involving the abuse of a child, the sale and possession of a controlled substance<br>
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Violation of Obligation to Profession Atlanta Teachers Convicted in Cheating Scandal On April 1, 2015, a group of Atlanta teachers and principals were convicted of years of inflating state test scores – giving students answers and changing answers on the standardized test(s) to earn bonuses, enhance their careers, or keep their jobs. The scandal may have involved up to 178 educators over the years.
35 educators were indicted. Many took plea deals. Eleven were convicted and were sentenced to 1-7 years in prison for racketeering.
Fantz, A. (2015, April 15). Prison time for some Atlanta school educators in cheating scandal. Retrieved from http://cnn.com<br>
35 educators were indicted. Many took plea deals. Eleven were convicted and were sentenced to 1-7 years in prison for racketeering.
Fantz, A. (2015, April 15). Prison time for some Atlanta school educators in cheating scandal. Retrieved from http://cnn.com<br>
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Many problems that educators have encountered could have been avoided if they had used common sense and rational judgment in… interactions with students
recordkeeping and accounting
reputation in the community<br>
recordkeeping and accounting
reputation in the community<br>
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Interactions with students Maintain a professional distance: Keep your classroom door open; Avoid overly familiar contact with students
Do not flirt with students; Keep your hands and other body parts to yourself
Do not discuss your personal life
Coordinate student transportation issues with a school site administrator
Do not leave students unattended<br>
Do not flirt with students; Keep your hands and other body parts to yourself
Do not discuss your personal life
Coordinate student transportation issues with a school site administrator
Do not leave students unattended<br>
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Interactions with students… Chaperone only school-sponsored events: Do not meet students outside of school; Do not allow students to visit your home
Know policies/laws governing corporal punishment and use of reasonable force
Do not harass students
Do not telephone/text students, write notes of a personal nature, or “friend” students/parents
Treat all students equitably<br>
Know policies/laws governing corporal punishment and use of reasonable force
Do not harass students
Do not telephone/text students, write notes of a personal nature, or “friend” students/parents
Treat all students equitably<br>
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Recordkeeping and accounting Know laws, policies, and school rules regarding recordkeeping and finances
Establish and keep a grading system
Keep personal and school funds separated
Do not borrow money from students
Know school policies governing confiscated student items<br>
Establish and keep a grading system
Keep personal and school funds separated
Do not borrow money from students
Know school policies governing confiscated student items<br>
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Reputation in the community Keep your co-workers and supervisors appropriately informed
Communicate with parents, and document those communications
Dress and act appropriately
Avoid indefensible behavior
Maintain a professional reputation<br>
Communicate with parents, and document those communications
Dress and act appropriately
Avoid indefensible behavior
Maintain a professional reputation<br>
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Alcohol and Drugs Don’t drink at school, before/at school-sponsored events, or with students
Be cognizant of your alcohol consumption in public places
Do not give students over-the-counter or other drugs
(Teachers/Teacher candidates must self-report with 48 hours any arrests/charges involving sale/possession of controlled substances)<br>
Be cognizant of your alcohol consumption in public places
Do not give students over-the-counter or other drugs
(Teachers/Teacher candidates must self-report with 48 hours any arrests/charges involving sale/possession of controlled substances)<br>
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Technology Your social media accounts should be set to “private” (NOW) or forget all social networking
Do not invite students or parents to access your social media
Don’t post anything you wouldn’t want your grandmother to see. Once you post it, it’s public!
Know and practice your school’s technology guidelines
Access only school-related information or websites
Always check websites for appropriate content before viewing with students<br>
Do not invite students or parents to access your social media
Don’t post anything you wouldn’t want your grandmother to see. Once you post it, it’s public!
Know and practice your school’s technology guidelines
Access only school-related information or websites
Always check websites for appropriate content before viewing with students<br>
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More Tech Tips Use school equipment only for school business
Don’t forward inappropriate images, email, or chain mail<br>
Don’t forward inappropriate images, email, or chain mail<br>
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Adams and Tomerlin (Landmark) Cases The Florida 1st District Court of Appeals ruled that teachers are held to a higher moral standard than other professions.
Adams Case:
“By virtue of their leadership capacity, teachers are traditionally held to a high moral standard in a community.”
Adams v. State Professional Practices Council, 406 So.2nd 1170 (Fla. 1st DCA, 1981)<br>
Adams Case:
“By virtue of their leadership capacity, teachers are traditionally held to a high moral standard in a community.”
Adams v. State Professional Practices Council, 406 So.2nd 1170 (Fla. 1st DCA, 1981)<br>
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Tomerlin Case: “A school teacher holds a position of great trust. We entrust the custody of our children to the teacher. We look to the teacher to educate and to prepare our children for their adult lives. To fulfill this trust, the teacher must be of good moral character; to require less would jeopardize the future lives of our children.”
Tomerlin v. Dade School Board, 381 So.2d 159 (Fla. 1st DCE 1975)<br>
Tomerlin v. Dade School Board, 381 So.2d 159 (Fla. 1st DCE 1975)<br>
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Senate Bill 1712 Ethics in Education Act (2008) Was created as a result of headlines involving teachers’ misconduct with students
Is “complex legislation that impacts every school board employee”
Impacts the way we conduct the business of school
Each elected/appointed school board employee may forfeit his/her salary for one year for knowingly signing and transmitting a false report of alleged misconduct that affects the health, safety, or welfare of a student or knowingly fails to adopt policies that require personnel to report and investigate misconduct<br>
Is “complex legislation that impacts every school board employee”
Impacts the way we conduct the business of school
Each elected/appointed school board employee may forfeit his/her salary for one year for knowingly signing and transmitting a false report of alleged misconduct that affects the health, safety, or welfare of a student or knowingly fails to adopt policies that require personnel to report and investigate misconduct<br>
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School Districts must… Establish ethical standards for all employees
Require training on the standards
Establish detailed procedures for reporting alleged misconduct of instructional or administrative personnel<br>
Require training on the standards
Establish detailed procedures for reporting alleged misconduct of instructional or administrative personnel<br>
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Stephanie Ragusa A 28-year-old Davidson Middle School/Hillsborough County teacher accused of having sex with two students, was arrested a third time.
First arrest 3/13/08 for having sex with a 14-year-old boy. Arrested for a second time 4/15/08 for having sex with another student. Third time 4/27/08 caught in the act with one of these two students.<br>
First arrest 3/13/08 for having sex with a 14-year-old boy. Arrested for a second time 4/15/08 for having sex with another student. Third time 4/27/08 caught in the act with one of these two students.<br>
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Debra LaFave 23-year-old Greco Middle School teacher accused of having intercourse and with a 14-year-old student several times.
Lawyer argued she was “too pretty for jail.”
Teaching certificate revoked<br>
Lawyer argued she was “too pretty for jail.”
Teaching certificate revoked<br>
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David Pieski Orlando high school teacher arrested for using his overhead projector to give students detailed instructions in bomb-making, including how to use an electric detonator to stay clear from the blast
Rippel, A. C. (2006, February 16). Teacher caught bomb-making. Retrieved from http://www.orlandosentinel.com<br>
Rippel, A. C. (2006, February 16). Teacher caught bomb-making. Retrieved from http://www.orlandosentinel.com<br>
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Heidi Sweet A Hillsborough P.E. teacher in her 25th year of teaching put pencil marks next to questions that fifth graders had skipped or gotten wrong while taking the Florida standardized test, thereby ending her teaching career. Her teaching certificate was revoked. Kaczor, B. (2008, April 7). Teachers found
fudging FCAT pay with their careers. Retrieved
from http://www.tbo.com<br>
fudging FCAT pay with their careers. Retrieved
from http://www.tbo.com<br>
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PRACTICE CASES Let’s look at some cases from the FLDOE. (Keep in mind that these cases are older, thus the penalties tend to be lighter than what would likely happen today.)<br>
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Ms. Hartson and Her Anger Ms. Suzy Hartson was having a difficult spring semester. She was teaching fifth grade, but her real interest was prekindergarten. Either way, she used inappropriate language when teaching her classes. One academic year, she told her pre-K students to “shut up” and later said she was “pissed off” with their behavior.
She called some of her female fifth graders “sluts” when they did not sit “like ladies,” and she threw one boy’s jacket in the trash. Things came to a head when a classroom aide witnessed her telling one boy to get on the carpet and to put his face in it and “shut up.” She slammed another child’s head on his desk. The aide reported it to administration.<br>
She called some of her female fifth graders “sluts” when they did not sit “like ladies,” and she threw one boy’s jacket in the trash. Things came to a head when a classroom aide witnessed her telling one boy to get on the carpet and to put his face in it and “shut up.” She slammed another child’s head on his desk. The aide reported it to administration.<br>
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Ms. Hartson The district investigated Ms. Hartson and put a letter of reprimand in her file. Her contract was reduced to a yearly contract for three years, and she was suspended for three days without pay. Her behavior was reported to the Office of Professional Practices Services, which further investigated…<br>
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Which of the following likely happened with Ms. Hartson? She was fired from her teaching position and her teaching certificate was revoked
She was moved to a desk job at the district office and not permitted to work with children again
She received three years probation and was required to complete treatment after a psychological evaluation
She resigned her position, so no action was taken against her certificate<br>
She was moved to a desk job at the district office and not permitted to work with children again
She received three years probation and was required to complete treatment after a psychological evaluation
She resigned her position, so no action was taken against her certificate<br>
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Case Decision Mrs. Hartson and Her Anger
And the decision was…
C.) The EPC placed her on three years of probation, and she was required to undergo a psychological evaluation and complete the prescribed treatment.<br>
And the decision was…
C.) The EPC placed her on three years of probation, and she was required to undergo a psychological evaluation and complete the prescribed treatment.<br>
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Equal Opportunity Battery Sally Smith had eleven years of teaching experience, and was certified in early childhood and elementary education, when she lost her temper in an argument with her husband. She hit him in the face with her fist, and caused a laceration that required medical treatment. The neighbors called the police, and she was arrested for battery and domestic violence. The court placed her in a misdemeanor intervention program and ordered no contact with the victim.
Two months later, she was applying for the renewal of her certificate. She checked “Yes” to having an arrest record. The school district reported the case to the Office of Professional Practices Services, which investigated. An administrative complaint was filed against her.<br>
Two months later, she was applying for the renewal of her certificate. She checked “Yes” to having an arrest record. The school district reported the case to the Office of Professional Practices Services, which investigated. An administrative complaint was filed against her.<br>
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Which of the following likely happened with Sally Smith? She received one year of probation and a letter of reprimand in her file. She was ordered to obtain assurance from the Recovery Network Program that she poses no threat to students and had to successfully complete a course in anger control.
The school district took no action against Mrs. Smith because the incident happened outside of the school day/campus and resulted in only a misdemeanor charge. She continues to teach in the district.
She was fired from her teaching position and her teaching certificate was revoked. She divorced her husband and now works as an office temp for an accounting firm.
She was moved to a desk job at the district office and not permitted to work with children again. She was required to undergo a psychological evaluation and complete the prescribed treatment.<br>
The school district took no action against Mrs. Smith because the incident happened outside of the school day/campus and resulted in only a misdemeanor charge. She continues to teach in the district.
She was fired from her teaching position and her teaching certificate was revoked. She divorced her husband and now works as an office temp for an accounting firm.
She was moved to a desk job at the district office and not permitted to work with children again. She was required to undergo a psychological evaluation and complete the prescribed treatment.<br>
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EQUAL OPPORTUNITY BATTERY And the decision was…..
A.) Mrs. Smith received one year of probation and a letter of reprimand in her file. She was ordered to obtain assurance from the Recovery Network Program that she poses no threat to students and to successfully complete a course in anger control.<br>
A.) Mrs. Smith received one year of probation and a letter of reprimand in her file. She was ordered to obtain assurance from the Recovery Network Program that she poses no threat to students and to successfully complete a course in anger control.<br>
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End of Part #1<br>