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Code of Ethics (Certificated) POLICY NO: 460

It is the policy of this school district that all educators will adhere to the Code of Ethics of the Idaho Teaching Profession, as set forth in the Idaho Department of Education Professional School Personnel Certification Standards Manual, revised July 1, 1996 and adopted by the State Board of Education on October 17, 1996 and any amendments thereto.

CODE OF ETHICS OF THE IDAHO TEACHING PROFESSION

Preamble

Believing in the worth and dignity of each human being, the 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 educator accepts the responsibility to practice the profession according to the highest ethical standards. The Code of Ethics of the Idaho Teaching Professional symbolizes the commitment of all Idaho educators and provides standards by which to judge conduct.

PRINCIPLE I—COMMITMENT TO THE STUDENT

The educator measures success by the progress each student make toward the realization of his/her potential as an effective citizen. The educator, therefore, works to stimulate the spirit of inquiry, acquisition of knowledge and understanding, and thoughtful formulation of goals.

In fulfilling these obligations to the students, the Idaho educator:

  1. Shall not, without just cause, deny the student access to varying points of view.
  2. Shall protect the student from conditions detrimental to learning or to physiological or physiological will-being.
  3. Shall not procure, distribute, or in any way make available any of the substances recognized as harmful to learning, well-being or the students, or to advocate the use of any such substances.
  4. Shall respect the constitutional rights of the students.
  5. Shall provide professional educational services in a nondiscriminatory manner.
  6.  Shall refrain from using professional relationships with students for personal advantage.
  7. Shall keep in confidence information obtained in the course of professional services disclosure serves professional purposes or is required by law.
  8. Shall not tutor students assigned to one’s classes for remuneration, except when specifically approved by the board of trustees.
  9. Shall assess and report student achievement and ability as required by the employing educational agency.

PRINCIPLE II—COMMITMENT TO THE PUBLIC

The educator believes that education should preserve and promote the principles of democracy. Thus, the educator shares with all other citizens the responsibility for the development of sound educational policy.

In fulfilling these obligations to the public, the Idaho educator:

  1. Shall distinguish between personal views and the views of the employing educational agency.
  2. Shall not distort or misrepresent the fact concerning education matters.
  3. Shall not interfere in the exercise of political and citizenship rights and responsibilities of others.
  4. Shall present only factual information on the application for certification and employment.
  5. Shall not use institutional privileges for private gain, for the promotion of political candidates, or for political activities.
  6. Shall accept no gratuities, gifts, or favors that impair, or appear to impair, professional judgement, nor offer any such to obtain special advantage.

PRINCIPLE III—COMMITMENT TO THE PROFESSION

The educator believes the quality of the services of the education profession directly influences the nation and its citizens. Therefore, the educator strives to establish and maintain professional standards, to improve, service, and achieve conditions which attract highly qualified persons to the profession.

In fulfilling these obligation to the profession, the Idaho educator:

  1. Shall provide professional educational services in a nondiscriminatory manner and not interfere with free participation of colleagues in their professional associations.
  2. Shall accord just and equitable treatment to all members of the profession in the exercise of their professional rights and responsibilities.
  3. Shall use no coercive means nor give special treatment in order to influence professional decision of colleagues.
  4. Shall withhold and safeguard information acquired about colleagues in the course of employment, unless disclosure serve professional purposes or is required by law.
  5. Shall present one’s professional qualification accurately and completely.
  6. Shall present evaluations of and recommendations for colleagues fairly, accurately, and professionally.
  7. Shall cooperate with the Professional Standards Commission in inquiries and hearing.
  8. Shall not engage in conduct which is offensive to the ordinary dignity, decency, and morality of others.

PRINCIPLE IV—COMMITMENT TO PROFESSIONAL EMPLOYMENT PRACTICES

The educator regards the employment agreement as a pledge to be executed in a manner consistent with the highest ideals of professional service. The educator believes sound professional personnel relationship with governing boards are built upon personal integrity, dignity, and mutual respect. The educator discourages the proactive of the profession by unqualified persons.

In fulfilling these obligations to professional employment practices, the Idaho educator:

  1. Shall apply for, accept, offer, or assign a position or responsibility after due consideration of professional preparation and legal qualifications.
  2. Shall apply for a specific position only when it is known to the educator to be vacant and shall refrain from underbidding or commenting adversely about other candidates.
  3. Shall present only factual information regarding the assignment or conditions of employment to an applicant.
  4. Shall adhere to the terms of a contract or appointment, unless these terms have been legally terminated, falsely presented, or substantially altered by unilateral action of the employment, or termination of employment.
  5. Shall conduct profession business through appropriate channels.
  6. Shall provide, upon the request of an aggrieved party, a written statement of specific reasons for recommendation that lead to the denial of increments, significant changes in employment, or termination of employment.
  7. Shall use time granted for the purpose for which it is intended.
  8. Shall not delegate assigned tasks to unqualified personnel.

VIOLATION OF THE CODE OF ETHICS OF THE IDAHO TEACHING PROFESSION

Upon Idaho Code, 33-1208, a violation of the Code of Ethics is grounds for suspension or revocation of 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 school district, through its designee, shall, within ten (10) days of the date employment is served, 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 will be held, and a recommendation will 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, 33-1209.

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ADOPTED: November 10, 1997

LEGAL REFERENCE:

Idaho Code Sections
33-513
33-1208(1)(j)
33-1208A
IDAPA 08.02.02.001

*NOTE: The Code of Ethics of the Idaho Teaching Profession has been adopted by the State Board of Education and sets forth the minimum ethical responsibilities for educators. The school 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.

School districts must be careful, if adding to the Code of Ethics of the Idaho Teaching Profession, 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 of the Idaho Teaching Profession may result in revocation or suspension of an Idaho educator’s certificate, or a letter of reprimand.