The Code of Conduct for Teachers in Texas

Teachers are expected to abide by ethical standards set forth by the Texas State Board for Educator Certification.

The Texas State Board for Educator Certification outlines the code of conduct for teachers in Texas in the Educator's Code of Ethics. This code states that teachers should at all times behave ethically not only toward students, but colleagues, parents, school officials and the community.

Students

Ethical conduct toward students includes not treating a student in a way that negatively affects his learning or safety, not revealing students' personal information except to law enforcement officials and not discriminating against students on the basis of sex, race or other qualities.

Colleagues

Ethical conduct for teachers toward other teachers involves following national discrimination and workplace harassment policies. Educators also have an ethical duty not to make false claims against other educators or interfere with their ability to teach.

Parents

With regards to parents, Texas educators should act ethically by not accepting bribes from parents to give special advantage to students, as well as working with parents in the best interests of the student.

School Officials

Teachers in Texas also have the ethical obligation to follow the policies of the school district and act ethically in regard to funds used for educational purposes.

The Community

A teacher's ethical duty toward the community involves acting as a model citizen and helping to improve the community. Being a model citizen means obeying the law, being honest and modeling personal integrity to their students.

References

• Texas Administrative Code: Educator's Code of Ethics