Compilation of Rules and Regulations of the State of Georgia › Department 506 - PROFESSIONAL PRACTICES COMMISSION › Chapter 506-5 - CODE OF ETHICS FOR EDUCATORS › Rule 506-5-.02 - The Code of Ethics

Current through Rules and Regulations filed through June 27, 2024
This Code is in three parts: "Canons," "Ethical Considerations"
				and "Standards of Conduct," each of which is designed to complement the other.
				"Canons" are the aspirations of the profession. Because they represent the
				ideal, it is recognized that educators may fall short of these principles. The
				"Ethical Considerations," although not themselves a binding code of conduct,
				should be used by educators in interpreting the "Standards of Conduct" to
				ensure that the educator always acts within the confines of ethical
				professional behavior. The "Standards of Conduct" establish mandatory
				prohibitions and requirements. These Standards are binding on educators.
				Violation of these Standards may subject an educator to investigation by the
				Professional Practices Commission and disciplinary action by the Professional
				Standards Commission and/or by the local board of education.
(a) Canon I: An Educator Should Strive Always
			 to Improve the Educational System.
1.
Ethical Consideration: EC 1-1.
An educator should develop and
			 maintain an effective educational relationship with all students, parents and
			 educators. To have an effective educational relationship with a student, an
			 educator must have an advanced knowledge, consistent with the educator's level
			 of formal training, of the area in which the educator is to perform
			 professional services and a strong desire to use that advanced knowledge and
			 training to improve educational opportunities for all students.
2.
Ethical Consideration: EC
			 1-2.
The educational system is the institution through which educators
			 are able to teach students. The professional educator should support and work
			 to improve the educational system. An educator should work with colleagues,
			 either independently or through association with others, to assure necessary
			 improvement in educational services.
3.
Ethical Consideration: EC
			 1-3.
Support of the educational system does not require uncritical
			 agreement with all educational and board policies. Constructive criticism
			 offered in a professional manner is an appropriate way to seek improvement of
			 the educational system. An educator should also respect the right of others to
			 exercise independent thought and to express constructive criticism in an
			 appropriate and professional manner.
4.
Ethical Consideration: EC
			 1-4.
A supervisor should recognize the value of the views of colleagues
			 as to educational policy and, as appropriate, utilize other viewpoints in
			 shaping policy and making decisions.
5.
Ethical Consideration: EC
			 1-5.
Educators fulfilling the role of judge or tribunal member
			 concerning actions of students or other educators should base their decisions
			 only on the evidence and information presented during formal hearings. While
			 serving as members of a tribunal, educators should avoid conduct which would
			 create the appearance of impropriety in their decision making. An educator
			 should never pressure, coerce or otherwise limit a colleague's expression of
			 professional opinion or judgment in a statutory or regulatory decision making
			 procedure, such as those required under federal and state special education
			 laws, or in response to an educator's testimony or evidence in any school
			 related due process forum.