FILE: GAL
ETHICS
Since the teaching profession is a universal one, and since it should assume certain responsibilities for the competence of its members and the quality of its services, and since it should deliberately prohibit certain practices which, though profitable to the individual, would bring into disrepute the organization to which the teacher belongs, the membership of the entire profession should be governed by a universal code of ethics, as follows:
First Principle
The primary obligation of the teaching profession is to guide children, youth, and adults in the pursuit of knowledge and skills, to prepare them in the ways of democracy, and to help them to become happy, useful, self-Âsupporting citizens. The ultimate strength of the nation lies in the social responsibility, economic competence, and moral strength of the individual American.
In fulfilling the obligations of this principle the teacher will:
Deal justly and impartially with students regardless of their physical, mental, emotional, political, economic, social, racial, or religious characteristics.
Recognize the difference among students and seek to meet their individual needs.
Encourage students to formulate and work for high individual goals in the development of their physical, intellectual, creative, and spiritual endowments.
Aid students to develop an understanding and appreciation, not only of the opportunities and benefits of American democracy, but also of their obligations to it.
Respect the right of every student to have confidential information about himself/herself withheld except when its release is to authorized agencies or is required by law.
Accept no remuneration for tutoring except in accordance with approved policies of the governing board.
Second Principle
The members of the teaching profession share with parents the task of shaping each student's purposes and acts toward socially acceptable ends. The effectiveness of many methods of teaching is dependent upon cooperative relationship with the home.
In fulfilling the obligations of this second principle the teacher will:
Respect the basic responsibility of parents for their children.
Seek to establish friendly and cooperative relationships with the home.
Help to increase the student's confidence in his/her own home and avoid disparaging remarks which might undermine that confidence.
Provide parents with information that will serve the best interests of their children, and be discreet with information received from parents.
Keep parents informed about the progress of their children as interpreted in terms of the purpose of the school.
Third Principle
The teaching profession occupies a position of public trust involving not only the individual teacher's personal conduct, but also the interaction of the school and the community. Education is most effective when these many relationships operate in a friendly, cooperative, and constructive manner.
In fulfilling the obligations of this third principle the teacher will:
Adhere to any reasonable pattern of behavior accepted by the community for professional persons.
Perform the duties of citizenship, and participate in community activities with due consideration for his/her obligations to his/her students, his/her family, and himself/herself.
Discuss controversial issues from an objective point of view, thereby keeping his/her class free from partisan opinions.
Recognize that the public schools belong to the people of the community, encourage lay participation in shaping the purposes of the schools, and strive to keep the public informed of the educational program which is being provided.
Respect the community in which he/she is employed and be loyal to the school system, community, state, and nation.
Work to improve education in the community and to strengthen the community's moral, spiritual, and intellectual life.
Fourth Principle
The members of the teaching profession have inescapable obligations with respect to employment. These obligations are nearly always shared employer‑employee responsibilities based upon mutual respect and good faith.
In fulfilling the obligations of this fourth principle the teacher will:
Conduct professional business through the proper channels.
Refrain from discussing confidential and official information with unauthorized persons.
Apply for employment on the basis of competence only, and avoid asking for a specific position known to be filled by another teacher.
Seek employment in a professional manner, avoiding such practices as the indiscriminate distribution of applications.
Refuse to accept a position when the vacancy has been created through unprofessional activity or pending controversy over professional policy or the application of unjust personnel practices and procedures.
Adhere to the conditions of a contract until service thereunder has been performed, the contract has been terminated by mutual consent, or the contract has otherwise been legally terminated.
Give and expect due notice before a change of position is to be made.
Be fair in all recommendations that are given concerning the work of other teachers.
Accept no compensation from producers of instructional supplies when one's recommendations affect the local purchases or use of such teaching aids.
Engage in no gainful employment outside of his/her contract, where the employment affects adversely his/her professional status or impairs his/her standing with students, associates, and the community.
Cooperate in the development of school policies and assume one's professional obligations thereby incurred.
Accept one's obligation to the employing board for maintaining a professional level of service.
Fifth Principle
The teaching profession is distinguished from many other occupations by the uniqueness and quality of the professional relationship among all teachers. Community support and respect are influenced by the standards of teachers and their attitudes toward teaching and other teachers.
In fulfilling the obligations of this principle, the teacher will:
Deal with other members of the profession in the same manner as he/she wishes to be treated.
Stand by other teachers who have acted on his/her behalf and at his/her request.
Speak constructively of other teachers, but report honestly to responsible persons in matters involving the welfare of students, the school system, and the profession.
Be encouraged to maintain active membership in professional organizations, and through participation, strive to attain the objectives that justify such organized groups.
Seek to make professional growth continuous by such procedures as study, research, travel, conferences, and attendance at professional meetings.
Make the teaching profession so attractive in ideals and practices that sincere and able young people will want to enter it.
Ref: National Education Association
Avoyelles Parish School Board