Whether online or in the classroom, teachers help students learn the course material. But besides going over subjects like math or science or reading, educators also help students by teaching them valuable life lessons by setting a positive example. As role models for students, teachers must follow a professional Code of ethics.

This code ensures that students receive a fair, honest, and uncompromising education. A professional code of ethics outlines teachers’ primary responsibilities to their students and defines their role in a student’s life. Educators must demonstrate impartiality, integrity, and ethical behavior in the classroom, whether virtual or in-person and in their conduct with parents and coworkers.

Putting Students First

Teachers must model strong character traits, including perseverance, honesty, respect, lawfulness, fairness, patience, and unity. As an educator, teachers must treat every student with kindness and respect without showing any favoritism, prejudice or partiality. Teachers must maintain confidentiality unless a scenario warrants involvement from parents, school administration, or law enforcement, and never use relationships with students for personal gain.

Showing Commitment on the Job

Educators must commit wholly to the teaching profession itself. A classroom should promote safety, security, and acceptance, and should always avoid bullying, hostility, neglect, dishonesty or offensive conduct. Teachers must accurately describe their qualifications, licenses, and credentials to education boards or administration offices that look to hire them.

Teachers must also fulfill all contracts, obey school policies, and account for all funds and resources at their disposal. It’s up to the teacher to design lesson plans to meet specific state standards and create a well-rounded education plan that appeals to learners of all backgrounds and abilities.

Promote and Uphold Healthy Relationships

On top of fostering healthy relationships with students, educators must build strong relationships with school staff, parents, guidance counselors, coworkers, and administrators. Teachers must keep from discussing private information about colleagues and students unless disclosure is required under the law.

Teachers should always avoid gossip of any kind, including false comments about coworkers or students. Part of the code of ethics requires teachers to cooperate with fellow teachers, parents, and administrators to create an atmosphere that fosters learning and growth. Educators might be called upon to train student teachers who wish to serve as educators, so having the right mindset and attitude can make a positive difference.

Never Stop Learning

An educator’s code of conduct demands attentiveness to continuing education requirements and career development. Teachers must spend time researching new teaching methods, attend classes to maintain their certifications, consult colleagues for professional advice, stay informed on technical advancements for the classroom, and participate in curriculum improvements. A teacher must ensure that their teaching methods are relevant and comprehensive for all students. Teachers must engage in educational research to continuously improve their strategies in the classroom.

About PGUI

Professional Governmental Underwriters, Inc., is a full-service risk management company dedicated to assisting public, educational and non-profit entities in the management of their professional liability exposures including teacher liability insurance. We are dedicated to providing state-of-the-art professional underwriting management and loss control advisory services on behalf of our designated carriers. For more information, call us toll-free at (800) 586-6502.