Ethical and Legal Knowledge of Teaching (9)


demonstrates an awareness of and commitment to ethical and legal responsibilities of a teacher.  Candidate performance demonstrating the following capabilities informs this standard.

The ability to:

  1. Maintain confidentiality concerning all dealings with students, parents, teachers, and school personnel.
  2. Adhere to a code of ethics that demonstrates an understanding of the laws that govern students’ rights and teacher responsibilities.
  3. Demonstrate knowledge of situations which make one vulnerable to liability actions.  Demonstrate awareness of professional liability insurance and follow appropriate school and district procedures to avoid liability.
  4. Comply with school policies related to health and safety issues, such as administration of medication and reporting concerns of physical and sexual abuse.
  5. Adhere to affirmative action policies pertaining to school and classroom settings, interact with all students in an equitable manner.  He/she does not discriminate in employment, housing, or access to public accommodations on account of race, color, sex, physical or mental disability, religion, ancestry or national origin; and, in employment, does not discriminate on account of age or because of the previous assertion of a claim or right under former Title 39 or Title 39-A; and, in education, does not discriminate on account of sex, or physical or mental disability.
  6. Understand how beliefs, values, traditions and requirements of various religious groups interact with school life (e.g., dietary restrictions, fasting, mandatory observance or non-observance of holidays, activities which are forbidden, expectations regarding gender relations, issues of deference); take religious diversity into account when planning and implementing lessons and activities.
  7. Understand the meaning of sexual harassment and how it impacts students and staff, and assist students in understanding the meaning of sexual harassment, how to avoid harassing others, and what to do if they feel harassed.
  8. Treat others with respect, and honor the dignity of all people.
  9. Document incidents which may have legal or ethical implications.
  10. Take appropriate steps to obtain and maintain professional certification/licensure.
  11. Recognize and demonstrate appropriate use of language in the classroom (i.e., avoid profanity, name-calling, racial slurs, etc).

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