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Code of Ethics for Certificated Employees POLICY NO: 221

It is the policy of this district that all certificated employees shall adhere to the Code of Ethics for Idaho Professional Educators, as adopted by the State Board of Education, effective March 20, 2004, and any amendments thereto. 

DEFINITIONS 

1.                  Administrative Complaint.  A document issued by the State Department of Education outlining the specific purported violations of Section 33-1208, Idaho Code, or the Code of Ethics for Idaho Professional Educators.

2.                  Allegation.  A purported violation of the Code of Ethics for Idaho Professional Educators or Idaho Code.

3.                  Certificate.  A document issued by the Department of Education under the authority of the State Board of Education allowing a person to serve in any elementary or secondary school in the capacity of teacher, supervisor, administrator, education specialist, school nurse, or school librarian (Section 33-1201, Idaho Code).

4.                  Certificate Denial.  The refusal of the state to grant a certificate for an initial or reinstatement application.

5.                  Certificate Suspension.  A time-certain invalidation of any Idaho certificate as determined by a stipulated agreement or a due process hearing panel as set forth in Section 33-1209, Idaho Code.

6.                  Complaint.  A signed document defining the allegation that states the specific ground or grounds for revocation, suspension, or issuance of a letter of reprimand (Section 33‑1209(1), Idaho Code).  The State Department of Education may initiate a complaint.

7.                  Conditional Certificate.  Allows an educator to retain licensure under certain stated certificate conditions as determined by the Professional Standards Commission (Section 33�1209(10), Idaho Code).

8.                  Contract.  Any signed agreement between the school district and a certificated educator pursuant to Section 33-513(1), Idaho Code.

9.                  Conviction.  Refers to all instances regarding a finding of guilt by a judge or jury; a plea of guilt by Nolo Contendere or Alford plea; or all proceedings in which a sentence has been suspended, deferred, or withheld.

10.              Educator.  A person who holds or applies for an Idaho certificate (Section 33-1001(16) and Section 33-1201, Idaho Code).

11.              Executive Committee.  A decision-making body comprised of members of the Professional Standards Commission, including the chair and vice-chair of the Commission.  A prime duty of the Executive Committee is to review purported violations of the Code of Ethics for Idaho Professional Educators to determine probable cause and direction for possible action to be taken against a certificate holder.

12.              Education Official.  An individual identified by local school board policy, including, but not limited to, a superintendent, principal, assistant principal, or school resource officer (SRO).

13.              Hearing.  A formal review proceeding that ensures the respondent due process.  The request for a hearing is initiated by the respondent and is conducted by a panel of peers.

14.              Hearing Panel.  A minimum of three (3) educators appointed by the chair of the Professional Standards Commission and charged with the responsibility to make a final determination regarding the charges specifically defined in the administrative complaint.

15.              Investigation.  The process of gathering factual information concerning a valid, written complaint in preparation for review by the Professional Standards Commission Executive Committee, or following review by the Executive Committee at the request of the deputy attorney general assigned to the Department of Education.

16.              Minor.  Any individual who is under eighteen (18) years of age.

17.              Not-Sufficient Grounds.  A determination by the Executive Committee that there is not-sufficient evidence to take action against an educator’s certificate.

18.              Principles.  Guiding behaviors that reflect what is expected of professional educators in the state of Idaho while performing duties as educators in both the private and public sectors.

19.              Reprimand.  A written letter admonishing the certificate holder for his/her conduct.  The reprimand cautions that further unethical conduct may lead to consideration of a more severe action against the holder’s certificate.

20.              Respondent.  The legal term for the professional educator who is under investigation for a purported violation of the Code of Ethics for Idaho Professional Educators.

21.              Revocation.  The invalidation of any certificate held by the educator.

22.              Stipulated Agreement.  A written agreement between the respondent and the Professional Standards Commission to resolve matters arising from an allegation of unethical conduct following a complaint or an investigation.  The stipulated agreement is binding to both parties and is enforceable under its own terms, or by subsequent action by the Professional Standards Commission.

23.              Student.  Any individual enrolled in any Idaho Public or private school from preschool through Grade 12.

24.              Sufficient Grounds.  A determination by the Executive Committee that sufficient evidence exists to issue an administrative complaint.

CODE OF ETHICS FOR IDAHO PROFESSIONAL EDUCATORS 

Preamble: 

Believing in the worth and dignity of each human being, the professional educator recognizes the supreme importance of pursuing truth, striving toward excellence, nurturing democratic citizenship, and safeguarding the freedom to learn and to teach while guaranteeing equal educational opportunity for all.  The professional educator accepts the responsibility to practice the profession according to the highest ethical principles.  The Code of Ethics for Idaho Professional Educators symbolizes the commitment of all Idaho educators and provides principles by which to judge conduct. 

Aspirations and Commitments of Professional Educators: 

1.                  The professional educator aspires to stimulate the spirit of inquiry in students and to provide opportunities in the school setting that will help them acquire viable knowledge, skills, and understanding that will meet their needs now and in the future.

2.                  The professional educator provides an environment that is safe to the cognitive, physical, and psychological well-being of students, and provides opportunities for each student to move toward the realization of his/her potential as an effective citizen.

3.                  The professional educator, recognizing that students need role models, will act, speak, and teach in such a manner as to exemplify nondiscriminatory behavior, and encourage respect for other’s cultures and beliefs.

4.                  The professional educator is committed to the public good and will help preserve and promote the principles of democracy.  He/she will provide input to the local school board to assist in the board’s mission of developing and implementing sound educational policy.

5.                  The professional educator believes the quality of services rendered by the education profession directly influences the nation and its citizens.  He/she strives, therefore, to establish and maintain professional principles, to improve educational practice, and to achieve conditions that attract highly qualified persons to the profession.

6.                  The professional educator regards the employment agreement as a pledge to be executed in a manner consistent with the highest ideals of professional service.  He/she believes that sound professional personal relationships with governing boards are built upon integrity, dignity, and mutual respect.  The professional educator encourages the practice of the profession only by qualified persons.

Principle I—Violations of Laws and Statutes: 

A professional educator abides by all federal, state, and local laws and statutes.  Unethical conduct may include the conviction of any felony or misdemeanor offense as defined by Section 18‑110 and Section 18‑111, Idaho Code.  All infractions (traffic) as defined by Section 18‑113A, Idaho Code, are excluded. 

Principle II—Professional Relationships with Students: 

A professional educator maintains a professional relationship with all students, both inside and outside the classroom.  Unethical conduct includes, but is not limited to: 

1.                  Committing any act of child abuse, including physical or emotional abuse;

2.                  Committing any act of cruelty to children or any act of child endangerment;

3.                  Committing or soliciting any sexual act from any minor or any student regardless of age;

4.                  Committing any act of harassment (e.g., sexual harassment) as defined by district policy;

5.                  Soliciting, encouraging, or consummating a romantic or inappropriate relationship (whether written, verbal, or physical) with a student, regardless of age;

6.                  Using inappropriate language, including, but not limited to, swearing and improper sexual comments (e.g., sexual innuendoes or sexual idiomatic phrases);

7.                  Taking inappropriate pictures (digital, photographic, or video) of students;

8.                  Inappropriate contact with any minor or any student regardless of age using electronic media; and

9.                  Furnishing alcohol or illegal or unauthorized drugs to any student, or allowing or encouraging a student to consume alcohol or unauthorized drugs except in a medical emergency.

Principle III—Abuse of Alcohol or Drugs: 

A professional educator refrains from the abuse of alcohol or drugs during the course of professional practice.  Unethical conduct includes, but is not limited to: 

1.                  Being on school premises or at any school-sponsored activity, home or away, involving students while possessing, using, or consuming illegal or unauthorized drugs;

2.                  Being on school premises or at any school-sponsored activity, home or away, involving students while possessing, using, or consuming alcohol;

3.                  Inappropriate or illegal use of prescription medications on school premises or at any school-sponsored events, home or away; and,

4.                  Inappropriate or illegal use of drugs or alcohol that impairs the individual’s ability to function.

5.                  Possession of an illegal drug as defined in Chapter 27, Idaho Code, Uniform Controlled Substances.

Principle IV—Honesty and Integrity: 

A professional educator exemplifies honesty and integrity in the course of professional practice.  Unethical conduct includes, but is not limited to: 

1.                  Fraudulently altering or preparing materials for licensure or employment;

2.                  Falsifying or deliberately misrepresenting professional qualifications, degrees, academic awards, and related employment history when applying for employment or licensure;

3.                  Failure to notify the state at the time of application for licensure of past revocations or suspensions of a certificate or license from another state;

4.                  Failure to notify the state of past criminal convictions at the time of application for licensure;

5.                  Falsifying, deliberately misrepresenting, or deliberately omitting information regarding the evaluation of students or personnel, including improper administration of any standardized tests (changing test answers, copying, or teaching identified test items, unauthorized reading of the test to students, etc.);

6.                  Falsifying, deliberately misrepresenting, or deliberately omitting reasons for absences or leaves;

7.                  Falsifying, deliberately misrepresenting, or deliberately omitting information submitted in the course of an official inquiry or investigation; and

8.                  Falsifying, deliberately misrepresenting, or deliberately omitting material information on an official evaluation of colleagues.

Principle V—Public Funds and Property:

A professional educator entrusted with public funds and property honors that trust with a high level of honesty, accuracy, and responsibility.  Unethical conduct includes, but is not limited to:

1.                  Misuse, or unauthorized use, of public or school-related funds or property;

2.                  Failure to account for funds collected from students or parents;

3.                  Submission of fraudulent requests for reimbursement of expenses or for pay;

4.                  Co-mingling of public or school-related funds in personal bank account(s);

5.                  Use of school computers for a private business;

6.                  Use of school computers to deliberately view or print pornography; and

7.                  Deliberate use of poor budgeting or accounting practices.

Principle VI—Compensation:

A professional educator maintains integrity with students, colleagues, parents, patrons, or business personnel when accepting gifts, gratuities, favors, and additional compensation.  Unethical conduct includes, but is not limited to:

1.                  Unauthorized solicitation of students or parents of students to purchase equipment or supplies from the educator who will directly benefit;

2.                  Acceptance of gifts from vendors or potential vendors for personal use or gain where there may be the appearance of a conflict of interest;

3.                  Tutoring students assigned to the educator for remuneration unless approved by the local board of education; and

4.                  Soliciting, accepting, or receiving a pecuniary benefit greater than fifty dollars ($50) as defined in Section 18‑1359(b), Idaho Code.

Principle VII—Confidentiality:

A professional educator complies with state and federal laws and local school board policies relating to the confidentiality of student and employee records, unless disclosure is required or permitted by law.  Unethical conduct includes, but is not limited to:

1.                  Sharing of confidential information concerning student academic and disciplinary records, personal confidences, health and medical information, family status or income, and assessment or testing results with inappropriate individuals or entities; and

2.                  Sharing of confidential information about colleagues obtained through employment practices with inappropriate individuals or entities.

Principle VIII—Contract Obligations:

A professional educator fulfills all terms and obligations detailed in the contract with the local board of education or education agency for the duration of the contract.  Unethical conduct includes, but is not limited to:

1.                  Abandoning any contract for professional services without the prior written release from the contract by the employing school district or agency;

2.                  Willfully refusing to perform the services required by a contract; and

3.                  Abandonment of classroom or failure to provide appropriate supervision of students at school or school-sponsored activities to ensure the safety and well-being of students.

Principle IX—Reporting Breaches:

A professional educator reports breaches of the Code of Ethics for Idaho Professional Educators, and submits reports as required by Idaho Code.  Unethical conduct includes, but is not limited to:

1.                  Failure to comply with Section 33-1208A, Idaho Code (reporting requirements and immunity);

2.                  Failure to comply with Section 16-1619, Idaho Code (reporting of child abuse, abandonment, or neglect); and

3.                  Having knowledge of a violation of the Code of Ethics for Idaho Professional Educators and failing to report the violation to an appropriate education official.

Principle X—Academic Freedom:

A professional educator demonstrates conduct that follows generally recognized professional principles with the right to exercise academic freedom.  Unethical conduct includes, but is not limited to:

1.                  Any conduct that impairs the certificate holder’s ability to teach or perform his/her professional duties;

2.                  Conduct that is detrimental to the health, welfare, discipline, or morals of students;

3.                  Conduct which is offensive to the ordinary dignity, decency, and morality of others;

4.                  Failure to cooperate with the Professional Standards Commission in inquiries, investigations, or hearings;

5.                  Using institutional privileges for the promotion of political candidates or for political activities, except for local, state, or national education association elections; and

6.                  Deliberately falsifying information presented to students.

VIOLATION OF THE CODE OF ETHICS FOR IDAHO PROFESSIONAL EDUCATORS

 

A violation of the Code of Ethics for Idaho Professional Educators is grounds for denial, suspension or revocation of, or placement of reasonable conditions on, one’s teaching certificate.  An allegation of ethical misconduct may be brought by an Idaho local board of trustees or by any individual - other than a student of an Idaho public school - who has substantial interest in the matter.

 

The board of trustees of this district, through its designee, shall, within ten (10) days of the date employment is severed, report to the chief officer of teacher certification the circumstances and the name of any educator who is dismissed, resigns, or is otherwise severed from employment for reasons that could constitute grounds for revocation, suspension, or denial of a certificate.

 

Upon receipt of an allegation, the Executive Committee of the Professional Standards Commission reviews the circumstances of the case and determines whether sufficient grounds exist to warrant filing a complaint against the individual accused of misconduct.  If sufficient grounds are determined to exist, the chief certification officer of the Professional Standards Commission files a formal complaint against the accused.  Upon request, a hearing shall be held, and a recommendation shall be made to the Professional Standards Commission.  The final decision of the Profession Standards Commission shall be subject to judicial review.  Such hearings are held in compliance with Idaho Code Section 33-1209.

 

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LEGAL REFERENCE:

Idaho Code Sections

33-513

33-1208(1)(j)

33-1208A

33-1209

IDAPA 08.02.02.076 and 08.02.02.077

 

ADOPTED: November 10, 1997      

AMENDED:  October 12, 2004

 

*NOTE: The Code of Ethics for Idaho Professional Educators has been adopted by the State Board of Education and sets forth the minimum ethical responsibilities for educators.  The district may supplement the Code of Ethics but may not, in any way, diminish the educator’s responsibilities under the State Board of Education Code of Ethics for Idaho Professional Educators. 

 

School districts must be careful, if adding to the Code of Ethics for Idaho Professional Educators, to ensure that educators’ constitutional rights are not violated.  School districts may wish to seek legal guidance before supplementing this Code of Ethics.  While a school district’s supplemental ethical obligations may result in suspension, leave of absence, probation, or discharge from employment, only violations of the Code of Ethics for Idaho Professional Educators may result in revocation or suspension of an Idaho educator’s certificate, or a letter of reprimand.