LEGAL & ETHICAL RESPONSIBILTIES
STANDARD:
demonstrates an awareness of and commitment to ethical and legal responsibilities of a teacher. Candidate performance demonstrating the following capabilities informs this standard.
The ability to:
demonstrates an awareness of and commitment to ethical and legal responsibilities of a teacher. Candidate performance demonstrating the following capabilities informs this standard.
The ability to:
- Maintain confidentiality concerning all dealings with students, parents, teachers, and school personnel.
- Adhere to a code of ethics that demonstrates an understanding of the laws that govern students’ rights and teacher responsibilities.
- Demonstrate knowledge of situations which make one vulnerable to liability actions. Demonstrate awareness of professional liability insurance and follow appropriate school and district procedures to avoid liability.
- Comply with school policies related to health and safety issues, such as administration of medication and reporting concerns of physical and sexual abuse.
- Adhere to affirmative action policies pertaining to school and classroom settings, interact with all students in an equitable manner. He/she does not discriminate in employment, housing, or access to public accommodations on account of race, color, sex, physical or mental disability, religion, ancestry or national origin; and, in employment, does not discriminate on account of age or because of the previous assertion of a claim or right under former Title 39 or Title 39-A; and, in education, does not discriminate on account of sex, or physical or mental disability.
- Understand how beliefs, values, traditions and requirements of various religious groups interact with school life (e.g., dietary restrictions, fasting, mandatory observance or non-observance of holidays, activities which are forbidden, expectations regarding gender relations, issues of deference); take religious diversity into account when planning and implementing lessons and activities.
- Understand the meaning of sexual harassment and how it impacts students and staff, and assist students in understanding the meaning of sexual harassment, how to avoid harassing others, and what to do if they feel harassed.
- Treat others with respect, and honor the dignity of all people.
- Document incidents which may have legal or ethical implications.
- Take appropriate steps to obtain and maintain professional certification/licensure.
- Recognize and demonstrate appropriate use of language in the classroom (i.e., avoid profanity, name-calling, racial slurs, etc).
NARRATIVE:
I have been involved with situations requiring reporting, requiring discretion, and requiring confidentiality. No teacher can get through two years of teaching without being presented with myriad situations which require the proper response. Especially in our small community, it is vital that all teachers respect the laws and professional standards expected of a teacher.
Additionally, I oversee the entire operating budget of the REACH Performing Arts Center. I alone have the debit card and check book for an account with an annual budget north of $40,000. It is imperative that I follow all legal and ethical standards to ensure transparency and accuracy. I have a board which checks my numbers and a central office which confirms receipts. But, ultimately, the buck stops with me quite literally.
I have been involved with situations requiring reporting, requiring discretion, and requiring confidentiality. No teacher can get through two years of teaching without being presented with myriad situations which require the proper response. Especially in our small community, it is vital that all teachers respect the laws and professional standards expected of a teacher.
Additionally, I oversee the entire operating budget of the REACH Performing Arts Center. I alone have the debit card and check book for an account with an annual budget north of $40,000. It is imperative that I follow all legal and ethical standards to ensure transparency and accuracy. I have a board which checks my numbers and a central office which confirms receipts. But, ultimately, the buck stops with me quite literally.
A sample director's report which shows my spending for any given month: