Education

is the backbone of our society; therefore being an educator is a

serious responsibility. Society places a lot of trust in teachers. Communities trust

teachers to help produce valuable contributing members to the community. Parents
trust teachers not only to teach their children the necessary tools for success, but
also to keep them safe. Students also trust teachers. They trust that the information
and skills they learn are valuable and necessary. They also trust teachers to be fair
and honest. Teachers are held to a high standard and for good reason. This level of
trust must be deserved and maintained and a code of ethics is necessary for this to
occur. Teachers need to respect the trust that is placed in them and in order to do
so, teachers must respect the education profession as well. I have developed a
personal code of ethics to use as a tool so that I may successfully carry out my
responsibilities to my students, my profession, my community, and myself.
1.

I will maintain appropriate relationships with my students. I will

make sure that all of my interactions with students are handled
professionally. While I wish to maintain a friendly and open demeanor
with my students, I will still keep a respectful distance as is befitting my
position of authority. I will not use my position for personal gain of any
kind.

2.

I will treat all students fairly and respectfully. I will not discriminate
due to race, gender, sexual orientation, religion, etc. I will treat all my
students with respect. I will strive never to cause any student
embarrassment in my classroom. I will treat all students objectively and
equally. I will not show favoritism of any kind.


3.

I will provide my students with a safe environment. My students

deserve to feel safe both in my classroom. I will ensure that no student
faces threats, either physically or mentally, while in my classroom. I
realize the inherent necessity of risk taking that learning involves. I will
make sure that my students feel safe taking those risks in my classroom. I
will strive to make sure my classroom is a bully free environment.

4.

I will maintain confidentiality of both students and colleagues. I will

never share information that I received in confidence from either a
student or a colleague unless required to do so by law. I will also never
share confidential information about colleagues or students that I am
privy to from other sources such as student files or information I learn
from others. I will not participate in any sort of rumormongering about
fellow professionals or students.

5.

I will provide my students with the highest quality education I am

able. I will strive to individualize education in my classroom. I will strive
to ensure that my students are reaching their highest potential. I will
follow best teaching practices and ensure that the most current
curriculum standards are being used in my classroom. I will maintain
professional development in my field so that my students are receiving
the best education possible.

6.

I will collaborate with my colleagues. Teaching should be a

collaborative effort. I will strive to work with my colleagues so that my
students receive the benefits of the communal knowledge that we


possess. I recognize that my colleagues can offer valuable advice and
skills and I will use these to the best advantage of my students. In order to
facilitate this, I will maintain respectful and professional relationships
with my colleagues. I will not engage in behavior that could damage these
relationships.
7.

I will recognize my position as a community leader and conduct

myself accordingly. I will comport myself with the dignity and grace that
is befitting a member of a respected profession. I will not engage in
activity that could damage my reputation or standing in the community.

This code of ethics will be a valuable tool for me to maintain my professional

reputation. I feel that if I follow these guidelines I will be a valuable member of my
profession and I will uphold the trust that my students and my community have
placed in me.