" Teachers Ethics" :A Reflective Classroom Teacher 27

As educators we are in a position of great responsibility and power. We are the adults and in the teacher/student relationship. Students look to us to model correct behavior in our professional and personal lives. Like it or not, we are placed on a pedestal in the communities that we teach and we are held to a higher standard than most. That is how it should be. Because of the uniqueness of our positions, we are never expected to be ordinary in any facet of our lives. If that is frightening to you, then perhaps you are in a field that is above your abilities.
As teachers, we are not allowed to participate in some activities that the general population is allowed to do. Some of these might well be defined by your contract but not all. Depending on your community; unwritten taboos could be extensive. The rational for these rules is very simple, students monitor our behavior and mirror it is some cases. Each state has a version of a Professional Practices Commission that is the watch-dog of teacher behavior in the school district.. The responsibilities of these organizations are to evaluate the ethical practices of teachers; their competency in the classroom and the fulfillment of their contractual obligations.
These responsibilities will vary from state to state but they are the ultimate fact finding body, when teachers are accused of being unethical. Their findings are often refereed to a State Board of Education, with a recommendation for admonishment, private or public; or, revocation of the teacher's certificate. This revocation might be for a period of time or, in some cases, permeate. The following are offered for your consideration as an example of state policy. This is by no means complete list; but is a fair representation of educators' obligations to their students, to their profession and to themselves.
1. Maintain high standards of performance, and promote equality of opportunity. Be a moral person.
2. Set the bar high for yourself and your students. Encourage them to use inquiry as a normal procedure in the educational process.
3. Stress respect of the law and the rights of other citizens. Display your pride in being a teacher in a positive manner.
4. Respect your peers and demonstrate this respect with true professional behavior.
5. Honor your contract and your obligations.
6. Your word is your word and your reputations, keep it.
Do the right thing. You can not continue with the life style of an undergraduate in the community where you teach. Like it or not, you are expected to be a cut above the average. We offer the following as a guideline for behavior. You could also inquire, during your interview, if there are local expectations of the faculty. Some communities are more conservative than others and have a mental picture of what an effective teacher is and is not. This includes personal behavior.
1. Don't lie, cheat or steal. This behavior is unacceptable in any life and is not reserved just for educators.
2. Dress the part of the successful teacher. If a stranger comes to the school they should be able to recognize that you are not part of the student body.
3. Do not party with your students.
4. Don't smoke with your students. Anything!
5. Do not sleep with your students.
6. Don't date your students.
7. Don't use the school computers to look up pornography.
8. Don't use school property as if it were your own.
9. Don't leave your class unattended.
10. Don't use language that is unacceptable.
11. Don't run out on your contract.
12. Don't fondle your students.
13. Don't strike your students.
14. Don't have sex with your students.
15. Don't sell things at school, which profits you.
16. Don't campaign for political candidates at school.
17. Don't bad-mouth your peers or the administrators in the boiler room, especially when what you are saying is untrue.
18. Don't threaten people.
19. Don't make obscene phone calls.
20.Don't take off your clothing in public.
What you just read is a partial list of offenses that have been committed by classroom teachers over the past few years. Please understand that this is a partial list of offences that teachers have perpetrated while on duty as educators.
A more complete list can be found by searching the web for The Professional Practices Commission. I offer the list as proof that not everyone fits the mold of an effective, professional teacher.