PEDP 9034 - Ethics & Safety in Education: Guidelines for Teachers & Administrators

Course Description

?Ethics & Safety in Education: Guidelines for Teachers & Administrators? was developed because teachers are increasingly being reported and charged with sexual misconduct and exploitation of their students. This has become a national issue. School administrators and state leaders are seeking answers. In addition, lawmakers are demanding action and contemplating a variety of legislative responses. This situation may shift oversight and discipline outside the profession. Education leaders and administrators are faced with figuring out how to respond effectively. All violations are disturbing, but teacher sexual abuse is most harmful. The majority of violations are being committed by generally ethical and competent teachers, who, for reasons that will be addressed in this course, are making extremely poor decisions while demonstrating poor judgment and behavior during susceptible periods in their careers. It is incumbent upon the leaders, administrators, and teachers in our school districts to recognize the causal relationship of subtle factors and circumstances that are the antecedents of career-ending events. This acknowledgement is vital so that early intervention can occur before evolving problems escalate into violations. Equally important is the recognition that school districts, as well as individual schools, may carry organizational vulnerabilities that can unintentionally create a climate of collusion and enablement for ethical crossings and violations to occur. Changes are needed at all levels. This course will present a new way of thinking about professional ethics and professional boundaries within the teaching profession. We will look at the reasons that violations of ethics and boundaries sometimes occur. Ethical violations that transpire in both administrative and relationship contexts will be addressed. This course will help you look at ways of preventing such violations and help you understand how you as a teacher can intervene before violations take place. These preventative responses are critical to your ability to protect your students, your profession, and your career. By taking this course, you will become part of a solution. The children being taught need and deserve to feel safe in order to prosper as students. Likewise, parents need the assurance that the school environment to which they send their children is secure. The community demands to know that their teachers are professional, ethical, and above reproach. Finally, as a teacher, you must avoid even the appearance of a violation to preserve the integrity of the profession. This course is designed to keep ethical teachers ethical by reducing and managing a teacher?s violation potential. It is intended to be a part of a larger school district plan to protect the district?s teachers, staff, and students.