GaPSC Code of Ethic

KEEP YOUR JOB!!

AIM HIGH

GOAL!

SOAR

Other Grounds for Disciplinary Action

• Disciplinary action against a certificate in another state on grounds consistent with those specified in the Code of Ethics for Educators.

• Order from a court or a request from DHR that a certificate be suspended or denied for non-payment of child support.

• Suspension or revocation of any professional license or certificate.

• Violation of laws and rules applicable to the profession.

• Any other good and sufficient cause that renders an educator unfit for employment as an educator.

Professional Standards

11. An educator shall administer state mandated assessments fairly and ethically.

Major Testing Violations

• Breach of Test Security
• Failure to provide or attend training
• Failure to follow directions specified in the manual
• Coach, prompt, alter or provide answers to students during the test
• Interpret, explain, or paraphrase test items
• Copy or take notes on test items

Professional Standards

10. An educator shall demonstrate conduct that follows generally recognized professional standards and preserves the dignity and integrity of the teaching profession.

Professional Standards

9. An educator shall file reports of a breach of one or more of the standards in the Code of Ethics for Educators, child abuse, or any other required report.

Georgia Code 20-2-1184

Any employee of a public or private elementary or secondary school ... who has reasonable cause to believe that a student at that school has committed any of the following acts upon school property or at any school function, shall immediately report the act and the name of the student to the principal or the principal's designee.

• Aggravated assault involving a firearm;
• Aggravated battery;
• Sexual offenses;
• Carrying a deadly weapons at public gatherings;
• Carrying weapons at school;
• Illegal possession of a pistol or revolver by a person under 18
• Possession or any use of marijuana and controlled substances,

The principal ... shall make an oral report thereof immediately by telephone or otherwise to the appropriate school system superintendent and to the appropriate police authority and district attorney.

Any person who fails to make a report shall be guilty of a misdemeanor.

Professional Standards

8. An educator shall fulfill all of the terms and obligations detailed in the contract with the local board of education or education agency for the duration of the contract.

• The PSC expects educators to honor their contracts.

• The PSC has identified circumstances that warrant educators leaving their contracted positions without a release.

• Educators are expected to make every effort to minimize the effect on the students experiencing the loss.

Confidential Information

• Annual performance evaluation records of school personnel

• Health services provided to an insured

• Individual student performance data, information and reports

• School records of students with disabilities

• A student's education record

Professional Standards

7. An educator shall comply with state and federal laws and state school board policies relating to the confidentiality of student and personnel records, standardized test material and other information.

Professional Standards

6. An educator shall maintain integrity with students, colleagues, parents, patrons, or businesses when accepting gifts, gratuities, favors, and additional compensation.

Professional Standards

5. An educator entrusted with public funds and property shall honor that trust with a high level of honesty, accuracy, and responsibility.

Unethical conduct includes but is not limited to:

• Misusing public or school-related funds;
• Failing to account for funds collected from students or parents;
• Submitting fraudulent requests or documentation for reimbursement of expenses or for pay;
• Co-mingling public or school-related funds with personal funds or checking accounts; and
• Using school property without the approval of the local board of education/governing board or authorized designee.

Code of Ethics

Professional Standards

4. An educator shall exemplify honesty and integrity in the course of professional practice.

Unethical conduct includes but is not limited to falsifying, misrepresenting, or omitting:

• Professional qualifications, criminal history, college or staff development credit and/or degrees, academic award, and employment history;
• Information submitted to federal, state, local school districts and other governmental agencies;
• Information regarding the evaluation of students and/or personnel
• Reasons for absences or leaves;
• Information submitted in the course of an official inquiry/investigation;
• Information submitted in the course of professional practice.

Student Relationship Guidelines

Choose Appropriate Settings

Student Relationship Guidelines

Be Friendly, Not a Friend!!!!

Social Networking Guidelines

• Use Facebook, Twitter, and other communications on a professional level.
• Notify administration of your plans and always copy them.
• Should student communicate inappropriately, notify your supervisor immediately.

New GaPSC Rule

20-2-751.7 (a)

• The PSC shall establish a state mandated process for students to follow in reporting instances of alleged inappropriate behavior by a teacher, administrator or any other school employee.
• Shall include these processes in the student handbook and in the employee handbook.
• Any teacher, counselor, or administrator receiving a report or sexual misconduct shall submit a written report in 24 hours.

Legal Compliance

New Georgia Code

O. C.G. A.--16-6-5.1

A person who has supervisory or disciplinary authority over a student who engages in sexual contact with students receive jail time.

• Age 16-not less than one year nor more than 25 years in jail or a fine not to exceed $100,000 or both.

• Under the age of 16-not less than 25 years nor more than 50 years in jail.

Unethical conduct includes but is not limited to the commission or conviction of:

• a felony or any crime involving moral turpitude.
• any criminal offense involving a controlled substance or marijuana.
• any sexual offense specified in Code Section 16.
• any laws applicable to the profession.

"A Safe Route to a Clear Career Pathway"

Ethics Violations

Presented by Deane Holsey

Unethical conduct includes but is not limited to:

• Being on school premises or at a school-related activity while under the influence of, possessing, using, or consuming illegal or unauthorized drugs;

• Being on school premises or at a school-related activity involving students while under the influence of, possessing, or consuming alcoholic beverages.

Professional Standards

1. An educator shall abide by federal, state, and local laws and statutes.

2. An educator shall always maintain a professional relationship with all students, both in and outside the classroom.

3. An educator shall refrain from the use of alcohol or illegal or unauthorized drugs during the course of professional practice.