NC EDUCATOR CODE OF ETHICS
The purpose of this Code of Ethics is to define standards of professional conduct. The responsibility to teach and the freedom to learn, and the guarantee of equal opportunity for all are essential to the achievement of these principles. The professional educator acknowledges the worth and dignity of every person and demonstrates the pursuit of truth and devotion to excellence, acquires knowledge, and nurtures democratic citizenship. The educator exemplifies a commitment to the teaching and learning processes with accountability to the students, maintains professional growth, exercises professional judgment, and personifies integrity. The educator strives to maintain the respect and confidence of colleagues, students, parents and legal guardians, and the community, and to serve as an appropriate role model.
To uphold these commitments, the educator:
I. Commitment to the Student.
A. Protects students from conditions within the educator’s control that circumvent learning or are detrimental to the health and safety of students.
B. Maintains an appropriate relationship with students in all settings; does not encourage, solicit, or engage in a sexual or romantic relationship with students, nor touch a student in an inappropriate way for personal gratification, with intent to harm, or out of anger.
C. Evaluates students and assigns grades based upon the students’ demonstrated competencies and performance.
D. Disciplines students justly and fairly and does not deliberately embarrass or humiliate them.
E. Holds in confidence information learned in professional practice except for professional reasons or in compliance with pertinent regulations or statutes.
F. Refuses to accept significant gifts, favors, or additional compensation that might influence or appear to influence professional decisions or actions.
II. Commitment to the School and School System
A. Utilizes available resources to provide a classroom climate conducive to learning and to promote learning to the maximum possible extent.
B. Acknowledges the diverse views of students, parents and legal guardians, and colleagues as they work collaboratively to shape educational goals, policies, and decisions; does not proselytize for personal viewpoints that are outside the scope of professional practice.
C. Signs a contract in good faith and does not abandon contracted professional duties without a substantive reason.
D. Participates actively in professional decision-making processes and supports the expression of professional opinions and judgments by colleagues in decision-making processes or due process proceedings.
E. When acting in an administrative capacity:
III. Commitment to the Profession
A. Provides accurate credentials and information regarding licensure or employment and does not knowingly assist others in providing untruthful information.
B. Takes action to remedy an observed violation of the Code of Ethics for North Carolina Educators and promotes understanding of the principles of professional ethics.
C. Pursues growth and development in the practice of the profession and uses that knowledge in improving the educational opportunities, experiences, and performance of students and colleagues.
Adopted by the State Board of Education June 5, 1997.
To uphold these commitments, the educator:
I. Commitment to the Student.
A. Protects students from conditions within the educator’s control that circumvent learning or are detrimental to the health and safety of students.
B. Maintains an appropriate relationship with students in all settings; does not encourage, solicit, or engage in a sexual or romantic relationship with students, nor touch a student in an inappropriate way for personal gratification, with intent to harm, or out of anger.
C. Evaluates students and assigns grades based upon the students’ demonstrated competencies and performance.
D. Disciplines students justly and fairly and does not deliberately embarrass or humiliate them.
E. Holds in confidence information learned in professional practice except for professional reasons or in compliance with pertinent regulations or statutes.
F. Refuses to accept significant gifts, favors, or additional compensation that might influence or appear to influence professional decisions or actions.
II. Commitment to the School and School System
A. Utilizes available resources to provide a classroom climate conducive to learning and to promote learning to the maximum possible extent.
B. Acknowledges the diverse views of students, parents and legal guardians, and colleagues as they work collaboratively to shape educational goals, policies, and decisions; does not proselytize for personal viewpoints that are outside the scope of professional practice.
C. Signs a contract in good faith and does not abandon contracted professional duties without a substantive reason.
D. Participates actively in professional decision-making processes and supports the expression of professional opinions and judgments by colleagues in decision-making processes or due process proceedings.
E. When acting in an administrative capacity:
- Acts fairly, consistently, and prudently in the exercise of authority with colleagues, subordinates, students, and parents and legal guardians.
- Evaluates the work of other educators using appropriate procedures and established statutes and regulations.
- Protects the rights of others in the educational setting, and does not retaliate, coerce, or intentionally intimidate others in the exercise of rights protected by law.
- Recommend persons for employment, promotion, or transfer according to their professional qualifications, the needs and policies of the LEA, and according to the law.
III. Commitment to the Profession
A. Provides accurate credentials and information regarding licensure or employment and does not knowingly assist others in providing untruthful information.
B. Takes action to remedy an observed violation of the Code of Ethics for North Carolina Educators and promotes understanding of the principles of professional ethics.
C. Pursues growth and development in the practice of the profession and uses that knowledge in improving the educational opportunities, experiences, and performance of students and colleagues.
Adopted by the State Board of Education June 5, 1997.