This Presentation is made available to you to be used as a refresher. All (new hires/hires missing ethics) still have to attend the schools Diocesan training.)

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Ethics and Best Practices for

Professionals

Diocese of St. PetersburgNew Hire Training

ETHICS ETHICS and and

BEST PRACTICEBEST PRACTICEfor PROFESSIONALSfor PROFESSIONALS

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Professionalism Through Integrity

• The Code of Ethics and The Principles of Professional Conduct of The Education Profession in Florida

•Florida Department• of Education www.fldoe.org

• The Code of Ethics for

Catholic School Educators.

•National Catholic Education Association

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Contract vs. CovenantContract vs. Covenant

• Contract: a legal, binding document

• Covenant: commitment to ministry

• Profession and Ministry

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Catholic educators are by virtue held to the highest possible

standard of excellence.

• The educator’s primary professional concern will always be for the student and the development of the student’s potential.

• The educator strives to achieve and sustain the highest degree of ethical conduct.

"GO, Teach"

Jesus told His first disciples. Since the beginning of Christianity, education has been one of the most important missions of the Church. Its success depends upon the professional competence, quality, and above all, the commitment of the teacher to Christ

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This Code of Ethics for the Catholic school teacher specifies the attitude and practice of the Catholic school teacher in relation to the student, the parent, the community, and to the profession. This code not only offers a guide on how to teach, but also a guide on how to live.

Total Individuals Holding Current Florida Certifications: 282,478

• Prekindergarten/Primary Education, (age 3 - Grade 3) Certifications 16,164

• Elementary Education, (K - 6) Certifications 75,144• Elementary Education, (1 - 6) Certifications 61,972• Exceptional Student Ed., (K - 12) Certifications 30,179• English, (6 - 12) Certifications 21,826•Music, (K - 12) Certifications 6,630•Reading, (K - 12) Certifications 8,029•Mathematics, (6 - 12) Certifications 12,506

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Did you know…

You may also visit the Department’s Web site, MyFloridaTeacher.com, where the public can search an online database to see if any disciplinary action has been taken against a certified educator’s certificate?

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PRINCIPLES OF PROFESSIONAL CONDUCT

1. Obligation to the Student

2. Obligation to the Parents

3. Obligation to the Public

4. Obligation to the Profession

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Obligation to the Student

• Help students see the relevance of a Christian value system in their daily lives.

• Commit to academic integrity, fairness, honesty and objectivity to students.

• Plan appropriate service projects for students that will develop their sense of responsibility to the community.

• Refuse any means of payment for tutoring students assigned to our classes and reject any other use of our students for personal financial gain.

• Implement the Diocesan Standards and Benchmarks, develop appropriate lesson plans and provide differentiated instruction.

• Avoid harassment, embarrassment or discrimination against students.

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Obligation to Parents.04/18/23

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• Respect parents' fundamental human right to know, to understand and to share in decisions that affect the education of their child by…• assuring parents of a commitment to ongoing education as a

professional educator and informing them, upon request, of educational qualifications.

• Keeping parents apprised of the curriculum, method of instruction. Student expectations, and grading policies.

• Report to parents their child's progress regularly and as needed, in a spirit of charity, with professional accuracy and honesty.

• Respect any confidential information which parents share. • Do not share personal religious views with students.

• Ensure the implementation of Student Support Plans as needed.

Obligation to the Public04/18/23

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• Model peaceful solutions to community conflicts• Actively participate in one's own parish.• Provide opportunities for taking responsible moral positions on

current issues• Reflect the philosophy of the school in one's attitudes and actions. • Display respect and appreciation for the work of educators in other

schools and systems. • Encourage in students a respect for the person and property of their

neighbors. • Avoid using professional position for personal gain or advantage.

Obligation to the Profession

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Maintain professional standards by • preserving the reputations of colleagues, administrators and

students. • safeguarding the exchange of confidential information.• assisting in the orientation of educators new to a position and/or

school. • considering the obligations of the teaching contract as binding in a

most serious manner, conscientiously fulfilling the contract. • terminating unexpired contracts only because of serious reasons,

with the consent of both parties, and after sufficient notice. • upholding the authority of the school when communicating with

parents, students, and civic community• exhibiting knowledge of the Church documents, especially "To

Teach as Jesus Did," "Sharing the Light of Faith," and "The Catholic School."

STATE AGENCIES WHICH ADDRESS STATE AGENCIES WHICH ADDRESS EDUCATOR MISCONDUCTEDUCATOR MISCONDUCT

Office of Professional Practices; http://www.fldoe.org/edstandards/

In Florida, certified educators are held to standards of conduct as outlined in the Florida Statutes and State Board of Education Rules. The Code of Ethics and Principles of Professional Conduct represent the guideposts of what professional educators and members of the community can and should expect from educators. They also serve as a reminder to the educator that there are obligations and expectations associated with the profession.

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Examples of behaviors which may result in suspension or revocation of State of

Florida Certification

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EXAMPLES OF BEHAVIORS WHICH MAY RESULT IN EXAMPLES OF BEHAVIORS WHICH MAY RESULT IN SUSPENSION OR REVOCATION OF CERTIFICATIONSUSPENSION OR REVOCATION OF CERTIFICATION

• Inappropriate use of technology at work or home

• Breach of contract

• Revocation/suspension of certificates in other states

• Absent without leave; fraudulent leave records

• Misappropriation of school money/• property (larceny, FTE, fraud, sick leave, travel)

• Fraudulent certificate/application

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EXAMPLES OF BEHAVIORS WHICH MAY RESULT IN EXAMPLES OF BEHAVIORS WHICH MAY RESULT IN SUSPENSION OR REVOCATION OF CERTIFICATIONSUSPENSION OR REVOCATION OF CERTIFICATION

•Altering student grades, records, FTE records; test answers to students

•Poor professional performance

•Incompetence

•Drug abuse/alcohol abuse

•Use of alcohol or other drugs with and/or in presence of students

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EXAMPLES OF BEHAVIORS WHICH MAY RESULT IN EXAMPLES OF BEHAVIORS WHICH MAY RESULT IN SUSPENSION OR REVOCATION OF CERTIFICATIONSUSPENSION OR REVOCATION OF CERTIFICATION

Conviction of a crime of moral turpitude

Worthless checks

Shoplifting/petty theft

Illegal use of firearms/weapons

Public Assistance fraud (welfare, food stamps)

EXAMPLES OF BEHAVIORS WHICH MAY RESULT IN SUSPENSION OR REVOCATION OF CERTIFICATIONOF CERTIFICATION

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Sexual misconduct

Assault/battery/rape

Grand Theft/larceny (credit card, possession of stolen property)

Manslaughter/murder/attempted murder

Miscellaneous felony (burglary, robbery, arson, counterfeiting)

Behaviors which will result in

dismissal from employment in the

Diocese of St. Petersburg

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ACTIVITIES/ BEHAVIORS WHICH WILL RESULT IN

DISMISSAL FROM EMPLOYMENT

As stated in your contract:

Failure to support and exemplify in conduct and/or instruction both Catholic doctrine and morality

Failure to refrain from any action which would reflect discredit on the Roman Catholic Church or be detrimental to its religious doctrines and tenets

Failure to exhibit personal integrity, honesty and compassion

Failure to exhibit behaviors of a law abiding and loyal Americancitizen

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• Professional misconduct • Incompetency• Insubordination• Willful neglect of duties• Conviction of a crime of moral turpitude• Drunkenness• Conviction of a misdemeanor, felony, or any

other criminal charge other than a minor traffic violation

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ACTIVITIES/ BEHAVIORS WHICH WILL RESULT IN DISMISSAL FROM EMPLOYMENT

ACTIVITIES/ BEHAVIORS WHICH WILL

RESULT IN DISMISSAL FROM EMPLOYMENT

• Guilty of personal conduct which seriously reduces effectiveness as an employee of the school

• Conviction of a misdemeanor, felony, or any other criminal charge other than a minor traffic

violation

• Breach of local contract

• Violation of the Principles of Professional Conduct for the education profession in Florida

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Inappropriate use of technology at work or home

Personal use of technology during the school day.• Phone calls• Texting• Internet Use

Cell phone usage during the school day in a way that is not in accordance with school policy is unacceptable. Staff cell phones should be turned off, unless permission has been given by the principal for an extenuating circumstance.

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E-mailing, Texting and Social Networking Websites

•Communicate with students openly. Private communication between teacher and student breaks down professional boundaries and can put teachers in a questionable position.

•Do not text or e-mail a student. •Do not invite students to view your social

network, such as Facebook.

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COMMON SENSE AND PROFESSIONAL JUDGMENT

PART 1: INTERACTION WITH STUDENTS

PART 2: RECORD KEEPING AND ACCOUNTING PROCEDURES

PART 3: REPUTATION IN THE SCHOOL COMMUNITY

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INTERACTION WITH STUDENTS Maintain a professional barrier between you and students.

You are the adult, the teacher, and the professional; act like the professional teacher not like another one of the “kids.”

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Keep the classroom door completely open when meeting with one student or a small group of students.

Refer students to the appropriate resource person for counseling and/or discussions about personal matters.

Do not flirt with students.

Do not discuss your personal life or personal matters with students.

Maintain a safe environment

Never leave your students unsupervised (recess, locker room, classroom, field trip, etc.)

Never transport students in your car.

Maintain appropriate touch, only!

Use verbal praise and reinforcement.

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Know your Handbooks!

Teachers in the Diocese of St. Petersburg are responsible for reading, understanding, and upholding all diocesan and school policies.• Diocese of St. Petersburg Employee Handbook• School Parent-Student Handbook• Faculty & Staff Handbook

The Diocese of St. Petersburg does not permit corporal punishment.

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DISCIPLINE POLICYDiocese Of St. Petersburg Teachers and principals must administer

discipline in accordance with regulations of the State Board of Education (See F.S. 232.27). Pupils should be treated kindly, considerately, humanely and in a Christian manner.

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• Know your school’s policies for chaperoning events

• Do not share personal contact information (home/cell phone number, personal e-mail account, home address, etc.)

• Respect student privacy and individual differences.

• Be careful what you say. What you intend as humor may, in fact, be cultural bias or harassment.

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Parents as employees

• you are ALWAYS the employee • you are ALWAYS the representative of the school• maintain confidentiality

• grades, disciplinary action, family situations, court orders

• be extra vigilant in social situations• Birthday party• Soccer game• Restaurants/bar• Grocery store

Think before you speak!

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RECORD KEEPING AND ACCOUNTING PROCEDURES

Know and follow your school and diocesan policies regarding collecting money, purchasing materials and equipment.

• Never collect money without permission for the administration.

• Do not keep money in the classroom overnight. Turn money into the school bookkeeper each day it is collected.

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Establish your grading system consistent with school policies. Provide a clearly written explanation to students and parents at the beginning of the year or when they begin your class or unit of instruction. Post on the school website. Seek approval (from your administrator) of your lesson plans

The following are legal documents: • Attendance record• Grade book• Lesson Plan Book

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• Keep your administration informed as needed

• Always uphold the reputation of your colleagues. Display unity at all times.

• Communicate in a positive and professional manner with parents. Document your communication.

• Dress and act appropriately at all times. You are a role model in the community as well as in the school.

• provide a good example for your students.

• Be cautious about photos posted on-line. Students and parents could view them!

• Ask yourself how someone else could perceive your comments or actions. Ask yourself if your words or actions could be taken out of context and/or misinterpreted.

• Avoid putting yourself in a position where you have to defend, explain, or justify your behavior or actions. • Avoid putting yourself in a position where it’s your word against another person’s word.

• Be careful what you write in emails to parents.

• Maintain a professional reputation in the community.

• When you socialize, be discreet.

• Be cautious about discussing business outside of the school. SET AND RESPECT CONFIDENTIALITY AT ALL TIMES.

““Would you be able to explain your behavior to our Bishop?”Would you be able to explain your behavior to our Bishop?”

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Unethical and/or illegal conduct by educators in their private lives

a. is grounds for disciplinary action (which may include action against the certificate).

b. may lead to disciplinary action only if the nature of the misconduct impairs the educator’s effectiveness or trustworthiness in the classroom.

c. is a private matter and not subject to disciplinary action.

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Educators are explicitly forbidden fromdiscriminating against…

a. students based upon their sexual orientation.b. students based upon their handicapping condition.c. students based upon their age.d. all of the above.

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Under which circumstance is it acceptable for a

teacher to date a student?

a. The student is 18 years old or older.b. The student’s parent(s) consent in

writing.c. After the student graduates from the

school system.d. Permission is given by school

administrator.

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It is important to note that not all incidents of misconduct that may appear to violate the code of ethics warrant discipline against a certificate. Standards of ethical conduct represent the highest ideals of the education profession. Sometimes a violation of one or more of the standards is solely an employment matter and most appropriately handled by the employer; other times conduct may warrant more severe and significant action.

• EDUCATION STANDARDS COMMISSION

• EDUCATION PRACTICES COMMISSION

• PROFESSIONAL PRACTICES SERVICES SECTION

“There are two educations.

One should teach us how to make a living

and the other how to live.”

--John Adams

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Let it be known to all who enter here that Jesus Christ is the reason for

this school.

The unseen, but ever present teacher in its classes,the model of its faculty, the inspiration of its students