ETHICS IN EDUCATION
This Code of Ethics was developed by the Association of American Educators. It contains four basic
principles relating to the rights of students and educators.
OVERVIEW
The professional educator strives to create a learning environment that nurtures to fulfillment the
potential of all students.
The professional educator acts with conscientious effort to exemplify the highest ethical standards.
The professional educator responsibly accepts that every child has a right to an uninterrupted
education free from strikes or any other work stoppage tactics.
PRINCIPLE I: Ethical Conduct toward Students
The professional educator accepts personal responsibility for teaching students character qualities that
will help them evaluate the consequences of and accept the responsibility for their actions and
choices. We strongly affirm parents as the primary moral educators of their children. Nevertheless,
we believe all educators are obligated to help foster civic virtues such as integrity, diligence,
responsibility, cooperation, loyalty, fidelity, and respect-for the law, for human life, for others, and
for self.
The professional educator, in accepting his or her position of public trust, measures success not only
by the progress of each student toward realization of his or her personal potential, but also as a citizen
of the greater community of the republic.
1. The professional educator deals considerately and justly with each student, and seeks to resolve
problems, including discipline, according to law and school policy.
2. The professional educator does not intentionally expose the student to disparagement.
3. The professional educator does not reveal confidential information concerning students, unless
required by law.
4. The professional educator makes a constructive effort to protect the student from conditions
detrimental to learning, health, or safety.
5. The professional educator endeavors to present facts without distortion, bias, or personal prejudice.
PRINCIPLE II: Ethical Conduct toward Practices and Performance
The professional educator assumes responsibility and accountability for his or her performance and
continually strives to demonstrate competence.
The professional educator endeavors to maintain the dignity of the profession by respecting and
obeying the law, and by demonstrating personal integrity.
1. The professional educator applies for, accepts, or assigns a position or a responsibility on the basis
of professional qualifications, and adheres to the terms of a contract or appointment.
2. The professional educator maintains sound mental health, physical stamina, and social prudence
necessary to perform the duties of any professional assignment.
3. The professional educator continues professional growth.
4. The professional educator complies with written local school policies and applicable laws and
regulations that are not in conflict with this code of ethics.
5. The professional educator does not intentionally misrepresent official policies of the school or
educational organizations, and clearly distinguishes those views from his or her own personal
opinions.
6. The professional educator honestly accounts for all funds committed to his or her charge.
7. The professional educator does not use institutional or professional privileges for personal or
partisan advantage.
PRINCIPLE III: Ethical Conduct toward Professional Colleagues
The professional educator, in exemplifying ethical relations with colleagues, accords just and
equitable treatment to all members of the profession.
1. The professional educator does not reveal confidential information concerning colleagues unless
required by law.
2. The professional educator does not willfully make false statements about a colleague or the school
system.
3. The professional educator does not interfere with a colleague's freedom of choice, and works to
eliminate coercion that forces educators to support actions and ideologies that violate individual
professional integrity.
PRINCIPLE IV: Ethical Conduct toward Parents and Community
The professional educator pledges to protect public sovereignty over public education and private
control of private education.
The professional educator recognizes that quality education is the common goal of the public, boards
of education, and educators, and that a cooperative effort is essential among these groups to attain that
goal.
1. The professional educator makes concerted efforts to communicate to parents all information that
should be revealed in the interest of the student.
2. The professional educator endeavors to understand and respect the values and traditions of the
diverse cultures represented in the community and in his or her classroom.
3. The professional educator manifests a positive and active role in school/community relations.
