Professional Ethics for Educators
In the Classroom
- Never be physically
or mentally abusive with your students. Do not strike a student,
label with names, or demean in any way.
- Your language
should be a model for students.Do not use
profanity, vulgarity, or slang in front of your students. We are judged
by how and what we speak. Sound educated! Be sophisticated. Know who
you are and what you represent.
- Show only
movies with a "G" rating.Movies
should have a purpose, be shown in conjunction with a bona fide lesson
plan, and should contain no questionable content.
- Educators
beware! It is unwise to keep a student alone after school.
In our society, it is frowned upon for an educator to do this. If you
find it necessary to speak privately with a student or detain a student
for any reason, be sure to leave your classroom door open and alert
another educator that you are doing so. Also, notify the parents that
you are keeping their child after school.
- Use caution
in the ways you touch your students.This
is an area that oftentimes can erupt into a major issue, resulting in
an educator being accused of molesting a student. Touching students
may lead to unexpected situations. Use caution! Acceptable ways of showing
affection and warmth are by using praise, rewards, and smiles.
- Keep "confidential"
information on students confidential!Do not
discuss personal information about student with other students, parents,
or even educators that are not involved in a "team solution process."
Topics such as being on welfare, bedwetting, or divorce are very embarrassing
and damaging for the self-esteem of the students concerned. Disclosure
of information to persons who do not have both a right and a need to
know is a violation of the law. Respect your students and they will
respect you.
- Avoid
discriminatory practices.Teachers don't deliberately
discriminate; but it sometimes happens in the comments they make and
the attitudes they reveal. Assign leadership roles equitably. Refrain
from grouping on the basis of race, religion, national origin, or gender.
Encourage all of your students to participate in nontraditional activities.
- Respect the
cultural and family traditions of your students. Be thoughtful and
respectful of different cultural and religious practices in which your
students participate. Do not take it upon yourself to undermine a student's
beliefs by criticizing beliefs or practices. Allow parents to handle
family and holiday traditions the way they choose.
- Dress professionally.
The way a teacher dresses goes a long way. A clean, neat appearance
will not only give you confidence, but will also establish your credibility
as an authority figure to your students, parents, and colleagues.
- Accept your
students as they are. Help your students to feel that they belong,
that they all have something to contribute to the class, and that you
have confidence in them. Let them know you like them.
In the Community |In
the School
Published by the
Utah State Office of
Education>
Salt Lake City, Utah 84111
