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Standards of Ethical Conduct

 

Code of Ethics

 

The core principle of this COE is dependability. Teachers are to be dependable in all aspects of life: in their instructional practices, in their position as a role model for young people, in their commitment to the profession and to students, and in their community participation. If an educator is dependable, this means they have fulfilled every expectation for exceptionality and represent the profession well.

 

This code of ethics is separated into two sections: the Code of Values (COV), and the Code of Conduct (COC). The COV offers general statements of Sunrise Academy values, with an explanation of the need to support each value. The COC gives concrete expectations for all employees. Together, they form an outline of values and behaviors employees are expected to uphold. When furthered by all employees, they establish and support an ethical culture within the school.

 

Code of Values

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  • Learning

    • We will promote true, long-lasting learning for every student in our care.

    • Learning is the central purpose of education. Despite disagreements about the current emphasis on standardized testing, differentiated instruction, and compulsory education, schools are centered on lessons which will last for a lifetime. In order to succeed as adults, students must learn not only about mathematics, language arts, science, and history; they must also learn about working alongside other people, finishing work in a timely manner, critical thinking, using resources, and communicating clearly. It is the role of the teacher to convey such life lessons at every opportunity.

  • Students

    • We will place the student first in every decision we make at school.

    • Although adults are in all the decision-making positions in schools, ultimately every decision made effects students. It is the responsibility of the educator to protect students’ health, personal information, and personal image. In order to achieve this end, all educators must consider the best interest of the student in making any decision. This includes a personal commitment to treat every student equally, and not discriminate in any fashion.

  • Professionalism

    • We will act professionally and promote the professionalism of all educators.

    • Although education is often considered a lowly profession in the United States, it is still a profession. Educators must protect the reputation of the profession by always acting professionally. This includes meeting necessary qualifications and maintaining boundaries with students. This also requires educators to defend truly qualified co-workers, and refusing to support unqualified teachers. This is a difficult ethical concept, but necessary for the profession of education to be elevated in the eyes of the public.

  • Integrity

    • We will perform our job with complete integrity.

    • In their position as role model, educators must set the example of honesty and integrity. Dishonest educators not only lead young people astray, they also mar the overall image of education as a profession. Thus, it is imperative that teachers maintain integrity in all their actions, particularly professional choices. A truly conscientious educator will also apply this principle to their personal life, knowing that the community sees their actions and makes judgments accordingly.

  • Innovation

    • We will remain updated in our instructional practices, and employ innovative methods whenever possible.

    • Although the profession of education is quite old, societal changes are constant. In order for educators to properly prepare their students for adult life, they must stay current. This means educators must be vigilant in learning about current educational practices. It also requires teachers to be familiar with current events and issues, and incorporate those into the classroom on a daily basis. This will not only employ the necessary innovation, it will also aid students in connecting classroom learning with life outside of school, making lessons lifelong.

  • Community

    • We will acquaint ourselves with the community in which we work, support its culture, and interact with the community in every way possible.

    • In order for educators to connect with their students, it is essential that they acquaint themselves with the students’ community and culture. As every community is unique, outsiders especially must proactively learn about community culture. Upon learning about the community, educators must keep up with the pulse of the community by interacting with the culture, learning from community members, and remaining committed to the culture. Not only will educators learn from new cultures, they will also teach students about cultural differences, aiding them in adapting to individuals with different backgrounds.

  • Communication

    • We will maintain open lines of communication with all stakeholders.

    • Communication is the key to accurate understanding between individuals and groups. Educators must clearly and constantly communicate with students, parents, administrators, community members, and any other stakeholders. A commitment to communication facilitates learning and understanding. It particularly prevents frustration or offence caused by misunderstanding. Additionally, it forms a family-like culture by encouraging all stakeholders to take responsibility for the education of young people, and by using the unique strengths of each individual.

 

Code of Conduct

 

The code of conduct for an educator can be divided into three primary categories: Interactions with students, the profession, and the community. The behavioral standards for each of these categories are outlined below.

  • In daily interactions with students, every educator will be expected to:

    • Grant each student equal access to learning, and not discriminate against a student for any reason.

    • Advocate for students and support their individual needs and ambitions.

    • Maintain an appropriate boundary with every student. This includes avoiding situations which could be misconstrued by onlookers.

    • Respect individual student beliefs, and acknowledge their right to choose.

    • Guide students towards a moral path, both through advice and personal example.

    • Encourage students at every step, never giving up on their ability to achieve their fullest potential.

  • In daily interactions with the profession, every educator will be expected to:

    • Set a positive example as an educator, placing the profession in a positive light.

    • Participate in continuous professional development.

    • Possess current licensure and participate in all certification processes required for maintaining qualifications.

    • Remain up-to-date with education practices, and implement innovative methods whenever possible.

    • Collaborate with other educators on a regular basis.

    • Reflect on student learning and adjust methods to meet student needs.

    • Seek constructive criticism from superiors and peers, with the intent of achieving constant professional growth.

  • In daily interactions with the community, every educator will be expected to:

    • Demonstrate commitment to the community and support of its culture.

    • Interact with the community culture, particularly seeking understanding about unfamiliar cultural aspects.

    • Collaborate with community members, particularly utilizing the skills of other local professional organizations.

    • Act in a way which lends a positive view of education and the local school district.

    • Remain open to lessons learned from community members, recognizing their equally critical role in teaching and raising the young people of the community.

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Reporting Misconduct by Instructional Personnel and Administrators

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All employees, educational support & faculty employees, and administrators have an obligation to report misconduct by instructional personnel and school administrators which affects the health, safety, or welfare of a student. Examples of misconduct include obscene language, drug and alcohol use, disparaging comments, prejudice or bigotry, sexual innuendo, cheating or testing violations, physical aggression, and accepting or offering favors. Reports of misconduct should be made to the following:

 

Legally sufficient allegations of misconduct by Florida certified educators will be reported to the Office of Professional Practices Services.

 

Policies and procedures for reporting misconduct by instructional personnel or school administrators which affects the health, safety, or welfare of a student are posted in all classrooms and offices, as well as on our school’s website here.

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