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Educators’ Code of Ethics revised in 2002
The Code of Ethics and Standard Practices for Texas Educators was recently rewritten by the State Board for Educator Certification (SBEC), the entity responsible for enforcing the Code of Ethics. According to SBEC, it was difficult to enforce much of the old code because it was ambiguous.
The new code endeavors to provide a more specific statement of the conduct that is expected from Texas educators. The revised code has been streamlined and clarified and now contains a statement of purpose and a list of enforceable standards. The statement of purpose outlines general ethical guidelines for educators; however, the statement of purpose is not enforceable. The list of enforceable principles has been reduced from five to three, but the remaining principles are clearer and more easily understood and enforced. The first two principles in the old code [Principal I – Professional ethical conduct, Principle II –Professional practices and performance] have been merged into one new broader Principle entitled “Professional Ethical Conduct, Practices and Performance.” Additionally, old Principle V [Ethical conduct toward parents and community] has been removed. The rationale for this was because the items in Principle V did not properly and clearly identify the standards of conduct required of educators in an enforceable manner. The goals in old Principle V have been incorporated into the statement of purpose.
Revised Code of Ethics and Standard
Practices for Texas Educators
(effective Sept. 1, 2002)
Statement of Purpose
The Texas educator shall comply with standard practices and ethical conduct toward students, professional colleagues, school officials, parents, and members of the community and shall safeguard academic freedom. The Texas educator, in maintaining the dignity of the profession, shall respect and obey the law, demonstrate personal integrity, and exemplify honesty. The Texas educator, in exemplifying ethical relations with colleagues, shall extend just and equitable treatment to all members of the profession. The Texas educator, in accepting a position of public trust, shall measure success by the progress of each student toward realization of his or her potential as an effective citizen. The Texas educator, in fulfilling responsibilities in the community, shall cooperate with parents and others to improve the public schools of the community.
Enforceable Standards
I. Professional Ethical Conduct, Practices and Performance.
Standard 1.1. The educator shall not knowingly engage in deceptive practices regarding official policies of the school district or educational institution.
Standard 1.2. The educator shall not knowingly misappropriate, divert or use monies, personnel, property or equipment committed to his or her charge for personal gain or advantage.
Standard 1.3. The educator shall not submit fraudulent requests for reimbursement, expenses or pay.
Standard 1.4. The educator shall not use institutional or professional privileges for personal or partisan advantage.
Standard 1.5. The educator shall neither accept nor offer gratuities, gifts, or favors that impair professional judgment or to obtain special advantage. This standard shall not restrict the acceptance of gifts or tokens offered and accepted openly from students, parents or other persons or organizations in recognition or appreciation of service.
Standard 1.6. The educator shall not falsify records, or direct or coerce others to do so.
Standard 1.7. The educator shall comply with state regulations, written local school board policies and other applicable state and federal laws.
Standard 1.8. The educator shall apply for, accept, offer, or assign a position or a responsibility on the basis of professional qualifications.
II. Ethical Conduct Toward Professional Colleagues.
Standard 2.1. The educator shall not reveal confidential health or personnel information concerning colleagues unless disclosure serves lawful professional purposes or is required by law.
Standard 2.2. The educator shall not harm others by knowingly making false statements about a colleague or the school system.
Standard 2.3. The educator shall adhere to written local school board policies and state and federal laws regarding the hiring, evaluation, and dismissal of personnel.
Standard 2.4. The educator shall not interfere with a colleague’s exercise of political, professional or citizenship rights and responsibilities.
Standard 2.5. The educator shall not discriminate against or coerce a colleague on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, age, sex, disability, or family status.
Standard 2.6. The educator shall not use coercive means or promise of special treatment in order to influence professional decisions or colleagues.
Standard 2.7. The educator shall not retaliate against any individual who has filed a complaint with the SBEC under this chapter.
III. Ethical Conduct Toward Students.
Standard 3.1. The educator shall not reveal confidential information concerning students unless disclosure serves lawful professional purposes or is required by law.
Standard 3.2. The educator shall not knowingly treat a student in a manner that adversely affects the student’s learning, physical health, mental health or safety.
Standard 3.3. The educator shall not deliberately or knowingly misrepresent facts regarding a student.
Standard 3.4. The educator shall not exclude a student from participation in a program, deny benefits to a student, or grant an advantage to a student on the basis of race, color, sex, disability, national origin, religion, or family status.
Standard 3.5. The educator shall not engage in physical mistreatment of a student.
Standard 3.6. The educator shall not solicit or engage in sexual conduct or a romantic relationship with a student.
Standard 3.7. The educator shall not furnish alcohol or illegal/unauthorized drugs to any student or knowingly allow any student to consume alcohol or illegal/unauthorized drugs in the presence of the educator.
