Code of Ethics for School Leaders

Week 5, Assignment 1

Three examples from Section 1, Standards 1.1 – 1.13 and 2 examples from Standards 2.1 – 2.7 – a total of 5 examples of unethical conduct.

Standard 1.2 says that the educator shall not knowingly misappropriate, divert, or use monies, personnel, property. or equipment committed to his or her charge for personal gain or advantage.

Standard 1.5. says the educator shall neither accept nor offer gratuities, gifts, or favors that impair professional judgment or to obtain special advantage. This standard shall not restrict the acceptance of gifts or tokens offered and accepted openly from students, parents of students, or other persons or organizations in recognition or appreciation of service.

Standard 1.10. Says the educator shall be of good moral character and be worthy to instruct or supervise the youth of this state.

Standard 2.1. The educator shall not reveal confidential health or personnel information concerning colleagues unless disclosure serves lawful professional purposes or is required by law.

Standard 2.3. The educator shall adhere to written local school board policies and state and federal laws regarding the hiring, evaluation, and dismissal of personnel.

3 Three examples from Standards 1.1 – 1.13 of unethical conduct

1. Identify some examples of ethics’ violations based on the assigned standards (e.g., Standards 1.3, example: submitting false mileage reimbursement reports). Please provide 3 examples from Section 1, Standards 1.1 – 1.13 and 2 examples from Standards 2.1 – 2.7 – a total of 5 examples of unethical conduct. Be sure to try to identify ethical conflicts that focus on school funding or financial issues.

3 Three examples from Standards 1.1 – 1.13 of unethical conduct

(1)    An employee of the district had a fundraiser for their school club.  Students turned their money into the sponsor who did not give students a receipt (which is required).  As a result the majority of the money collected never was deposited into the school’s account.  The investigation resulted in over a $1,000 lost.  The sponsor used money for their own use.  The sponsor took money from the students.

(2)    Teachers serving on a textbook committee accepted expensive gifts from a particular textbook representative.  In return the teachers voted for that particular vendor to receive the bid for textbooks.   

(3)    Principal was arrested for soliciting the services of a prostitute.  It was also discovered that the principal and prostitute was involved in the purchase and use of a controlled substance.

Two examples from Standards 2.1 – 2.7 of unethical conduc 

(4)    Nurse on a high school campus revealed to another staff members that a teacher on staff had contacted a sexual transmitted disease (STD) to one other teacher.  This was a violation of confidentiality. 

(5)    Principal dismissal of a teacher because he felt that she was not a good teacher.  Principal did not have any written documentation and never met with the teacher during the school year to share his concern.  The principal waited to the end of the year and dismissed the teacher. 

2. What might happen to an administrator, teacher, student teacher or other educator who violates this standard – consider short and long-range consequences? Give short and long range consequences for 3 of the above ethical conflicts.

Example #1

Short Range consequences

Reimburse the school district and written documentation of the violation. Removal from sponsorship of the club.

Long Range consequences

Termination and file with SBOE

Example #2

Short Range consequences

Removal from the textbook committee and a reprimand

Long Range consequences

Termination and file with SBOE

Example #3

Short Range consequences

Reassignment from position and school

Long Range consequences

If convicted termination and file with SBOE

According to the state competencies for the superintendent he/she should be able to : “exhibit understanding and implement policies and procedures that promote district personnel compliance with The Code of Ethics and Standard Practices for Texas Educators”  as well as deal with all of these situations in a fair and ethical manner.   Additionally, “the superintendent should be able to monitor and address ethical issues impacting education as well as apply laws, policies, and procedures in a fair and reasonable manner”.  Any administrator who violates a TAC Code of Ethics standard risks termination.  A superintendent should be fully aware of each of these standards and increase employee knowledge of these standards to ensure compliance.  To make an error is part of human nature but, we can make the best decisions if we are fully aware of the established standards and how they relate to day-to-day professional conduct.