Chico State University
CERTIFICATED:
DISTRICT CODE OF ETHICS
Preamble
The educator believes in the worth and dignity of human beings.
The educator recognizes the supreme importance of the pursuit
of truth, devotion to excellence and the nurture of democratic
citizenship. The educator regards as essential to these goals
the protection of freedom to learn and to teach and the guarantee
of equal educational opportunity for all. The educator accepts
the responsibility to practice the profession according to the
highest ethical standards.
The educator recognizes the magnitude of the responsibility
being accepted in choosing a career in education and engages individually
and collectively with other educators to judge colleagues, and
to be judged by them, in accordance with the provisions of this
code.
Principle I, Commitment to the Student
The educator measures success by the progress of each student
toward realization of potential as a worthy and effective citizen.
The educator, therefore, works to stimulate the spirit of inquiry,
the acquisition of knowledge and understanding, and the thoughtful
formulation of worthy goals. In fulfilling these goals, the educator:
- Encourages the student to independent action in the pursuit
of learning and provides access to varying points of view.
- Prepares the subject carefully, presents it to the students
without distortion and - within the limits of time and curriculum
- gives all points of view a fair hearing.
- Protects the health and safety of students.
- Honors the integrity of students and influences them through
constructive criticism rather than by ridicule and harassment.
- Provides for participation in educational programs without
regard to race, color, creed, national origin or sex - both in
what is taught and how it is taught.
- Neither solicits nor involves students or parents in schemes
for personal, commercial or political gain, thereby ensuring
that professional relationships with students shall not be used
for private advantage.
- Utilizes all School District resources (local, State and
Federal) for educational purposes.
- Shall keep in confidence information that has been obtained
in the course of professional service, unless disclosure serves
professional purposes or is required by law.
Principle II, Commitment to the Public
The educator believes that democratic citizenship in its highest
form requires dedication to the principles of our democratic heritage.
The educator shares with all other citizens the responsibility
for the development of sound public policy and assumes full political
and citizenship responsibilities. The educator bears particular
responsibility for the development of policy relating to the extension
of educational opportunities for all and for interpretation of
educational programs and policies to the public. In fulfilling
these goals, the educator:
- Has an obligation to support the profession and institution
and not to misrepresent them in public discussion. When being
critical in public, the educator has an obligation not to distort
the facts. When speaking or writing about policies, the educator
must take adequate precautions to distinguish the educator's
private views from the official position of the institution.
- Does not interfere with a colleague's exercise of political
and citizenship rights and responsibilities.
- Ensures that institutional privileges shall not be used for
private gain. Does not exploit students, their parents, colleagues,
nor the school system itself for private advantage. Does not
accept gifts or favors that might impair or appear to impair
professional judgment nor offer any favor, service or thing of
value to obtain special advantage.
Principle III, Commitment to the Profession
The educator believes that the quality of the services of the
education profession directly influences the Nation and its citizens.
The educator, therefore, exerts every effort to raise professional
standards, to improve service, to promote a climate in which the
exercise of professional judgment is encouraged and to achieve
conditions which attract persons worthy of trust to careers in
education. In fulfilling these goals, the educator:
- Accords just and equitable treatment to all members of the
profession in the exercise of their professional rights and responsibilities.
- Does not use coercive means or promise special treatment
in order to influence professional decisions of colleagues.
- Does not misrepresent personal professional qualifications.
- Does not misrepresent the professional qualifications of
her/his colleagues and will discuss these qualifications fairly
and accurately when discussion serves professional purposes.
- Applies for, accepts, offers and assigns positions or responsibility
on the basis of professional preparation and legal qualifications.
- Uses honest and effective methods of administering educational
responsibilities. Conducts professional business through proper
channels. Does not assign unauthorized persons to educational
tasks. Uses time granted for its intended purposes. Does not
misrepresent conditions of employment. Lives up to the letter
and spirit of contracts.
Unprofessional Conduct
This code is a set of ideals which the teaching profession
expects its members to honor and follow. Any violation is unprofessional.
However, to constitute unprofessional conduct and cause for suspension,
revocation or denial of a certification document or renewal thereof,
such violations shall be only those which either involve jeopardy
to student welfare; evidence malice, serious incompetency or bad
judgment; or show a consistent pattern of misconduct.
This code of ethics is not an exhaustive enumeration of acts
or conduct which constitute unprofessional conduct.
SELECTED STATUTORY REFERENCES
California Administrative Code, Title 5, Article 3
Rules of Conduct for Professional Educators 80331 - 80338
This Document Maintained by Joyce Edwards jedwards@cusd.chico.k12.ca.us
Last Modified on June 15, 1995
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