DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION
Statutory Authority: 14 Delaware Code, Section 1205(b) (14 Del.C. §1205(b)
14 DE Admin. Code
IMPLEMENTING FINAL ORDER
The Professional Standards Board’s Ethical Guideline for Delaware Educators
I. Summary of the Evidence and Information Submitted
The Professional Standards Board is committed to providing leadership for improving the quality of education in the State of Delaware by establishing high standards for educator licensure, certification, professional development and conduct. The purpose of The Professional Standards Board’s Ethical Guideline for Delaware Educators is to inform and clarify expectations and commitments of educators to the student, the profession and the educational community. This applies to current Delaware educators, those educators new to Delaware and recent college graduates. This guideline is not intended to be a definitive list of acceptable and unacceptable behaviors, but is intended to be an edifying document that will facilitate conversations and reflections of current and future practice.
II. Effective Date of Order
The effective date of this Order shall be August 6, 2009
APPROVED BY THE PROFESSIONAL STANDARDS BOARD THE 6TH DAY OF AUGUST, 2009
Kathleen Thomas, Chair |
Jill Lewandowski |
Joanne Christian |
Wendy Murray |
Samtra Devard |
Gretchen Pikus |
Marilyn Dollard |
Whitney Price |
Karen Gordon |
Karen Schilling-Ross |
Cristy Greaves |
Michael Thomas |
Lori Hudson |
Carol Vukelich |
David Kohan |
Cathy Zimmerman |
IT IS SO ENDORSED THIS 20TH DAY OF AUGUST, 2009 BY THE STATE BOARD OF EDUCATION
Teri Quinn Gray, Ph.D., President |
Dennis J. Savage |
Jorge Melendez, Vice President |
Terry Whittaker Ed.D. |
G. Patrick Heffernan |
James Wilson Ed.D. |
Barbara Rutt |
The Professional Standards Board’s Ethical Guideline for Delaware Educators
Preamble
The Professional Standards Board is committed to providing leadership for improving the quality of education in the State of Delaware by establishing high standards for educator licensure, certification, professional development and conduct.
Purpose Statement
The purpose of The Professional Standards Board’s Ethical Guideline for Delaware Educators is to inform and clarify expectations and commitments of educators to the student, the profession and the educational community. This applies to current Delaware educators, those educators new to Delaware and recent college graduates. This guideline is not intended to be a definitive list of acceptable and unacceptable behaviors, but is intended to be an edifying document that will facilitate conversations and reflections of current and future practice.
Forward
Delaware educators recognize the trust and responsibility the public has vested in the profession for educating the children of Delaware. Educators acknowledge the worth and dignity of all people and must exemplify a commitment first to the student, to teaching and student learning, the profession and to their educational community. Delaware educators are entrusted to pursue personal professional growth, to promote democratic citizenship and diversity, and to serve as appropriate role models.
Commitments
To the Student
• Standard: The educator’s primary commitment is to students: the students’ pursuit of knowledge, the development of the students’ potential and the students’ cognitive, physical and psychological safety.
• The educator shall treat every student with dignity and respect by valuing students’ personal boundaries and maintaining professional relationships with students both inside and outside of the classroom or school. Educators shall engage all students in the acquisition of knowledge and understanding in an environment free from harassment, intimidation or physical danger. The educator shall accord just and equitable treatment to every student, regardless of race, color, creed, sex, sexual preference, age, socioeconomic status, handicapping condition, national origin or ethnic background. The educator promotes the worth and dignity of each student and has an obligation to support each student in the quest of reaching his/her full potential and of becoming a contributing member in our democratic society.
To the Profession
• Standard: The educator, in maintaining the dignity of the profession, shall demonstrate personal integrity, exemplify honesty and compassion, maintain high levels of competence, engage in or lead appropriate continuing professional development to move their students and the profession forward, and respect and follow the law.
• The educator shall encourage, support and respect fellow educators by providing the best of educational services. The educator shall respect the confidential expectations of the profession with students, colleagues and in records, and shall refrain from the exploitation of relationships for personal gain. The educator has an obligation to raise educational standards; to keep abreast of current research and technology; to commit to their own learning; and to create, support and maintain challenging learning environments for all. Educators collaborate with colleagues in the interest of student learning. The educator serves as a positive role model and shall refrain from the use of alcohol, tobacco and/or drugs on any school grounds or at any school activity. The educator is aware of the fine line between his/her personal and professional life relative to the purposeful or inadvertent sharing of digital media and burgeoning internet applications, and therefore exercises due diligence in this Information Age. Educators shall demonstrate a high standard of personal character and conduct, and promote the principles of democracy.
To the Educational Community
• Standard: The educator collaborates with parents and the educational community to enhance and promote student learning by building trust and respecting diversity.
• The educator encourages the educational community to be active participants in the formulation of educational policy and to be advocates for students. The educator shall communicate appropriate information with parents and endeavor to understand their community’s cultures and diverse home environments. It is expected that the educator will distinguish between personal views and those of the employing educational agency and will model and encourage students to pursue the principles of our democratic heritage. The educator is responsible to the educational community for practicing the profession to the highest ethical principles.
Delaware State Board of Education Endorsement
On August 20, 2009, the State Board of Education reviewed The Professional Standards Board's Ethical Guideline for Delaware Educators. After consideration, the State Board of Education joins the Professional Standards Board in their commitment to providing leadership for improving the quality of education in Delaware through high standards and endorsed The Professional Standards Board's Ethical Guideline for Delaware Educators as a guideline for educators.