Adapted from the Code of Ethics of the Education Profession in Florida and Principles of Professional Conduct for the Education Profession in Florida

Core Values

Our school values the worth and dignity of every person, the pursuit of truth, devotion to excellence, acquisition of knowledge, and the nurture of democratic citizenship. Essential to these standards are the freedom to learn and teach, and the guarantee of equal opportunity for all.

Primary Commitment

Our primary concern is the student and the development of the student’s potential. Employees will strive for professional growth and exercise professional judgment and integrity.

Responsibilities to Students

• Protect students from conditions harmful to learning, health, or safety.
• Respect students’ independent action in pursuit of learning.
• Provide access to diverse points of view.
• Do not suppress or distort relevant subject matter.
• Do not expose students to unnecessary embarrassment or disparagement.
• Do not violate or deny a student’s legal rights.
• Do not harass or discriminate against any student.
• Do not exploit a relationship with a student for personal gain.
• Keep student information confidential unless disclosure is required by law or professional duty.

Professional Conduct

• Maintain honesty in all professional dealings.
• Do not deny professional benefits or participation based on protected characteristics.
• Do not interfere with a colleague’s political or civil rights.
• Do not engage in harassment or discriminatory conduct.
• Do not make malicious or intentionally false statements about a colleague.

Training Requirement

All instructional personnel, educational support employees, and administrators are required, as a condition of employment, to complete training on these standards of ethical conduct.

Reporting Misconduct

All instructional personnel, educational support employees, and school administrators have an obligation to report misconduct that affects the health, safety, or welfare of a student.

Examples of misconduct include:

• Obscene language
• Drug or alcohol use
• Disparaging comments
• Prejudice or bigotry
• Sexual innuendo
• Cheating or testing violations
• Physical aggression
• Accepting or offering favors

Reports of employee misconduct should be made to school administration. Reports involving administrators should be made to the school governing board.

Legally sufficient allegations involving Florida certified educators will be reported to the Office of Professional Practices Services. Policies and procedures for reporting misconduct are posted in the school office and on the school website.

Reporting Child Abuse, Abandonment, or Neglect

Signs of Physical Abuse

A child may have unexplained bruises, welts, cuts, injuries, broken bones, or burns. The child may appear withdrawn, afraid to go home, avoid physical contact, act aggressively, or wear inappropriate clothing to hide injuries.

Signs of Sexual Abuse

A child may have trouble walking or sitting, pain or itching in the genital area, or a sexually transmitted disease. The child may show unusual sexual knowledge, fear a particular person, become withdrawn, experience sudden weight changes, avoid physical contact, or run away from home.

Signs of Neglect

A child may have unattended medical needs, little supervision, poor hygiene, or appear underweight. The child may frequently seem tired or hungry, steal food, or seek excessive adult attention.

Patterns of Abuse

Serious abuse usually involves a combination of factors. While a single sign may not be significant, a pattern of physical or behavioral signs is a serious indicator and should be reported.

Liability Protections

Any person, official, or institution participating in good faith in reporting child abuse, abandonment, or neglect is immune from civil or criminal liability that might otherwise result from such action. (F.S. 39.203)

An employer who discloses information about a former or current employee to a prospective employer is immune from civil liability unless it is shown by clear and convincing evidence that the information was knowingly false or violated civil rights protected under Florida law. (F.S. 768.095)