Standard 2. Ethics and Professional Norms

Effective educational leaders act ethically and according to professional norms to promote each student’s academic success and well-being. Effective leaders:

1. a) Act ethically and professionally in personal conduct, relationships with others, decisionmaking, stewardship of the school’s resources, and all aspects of school leadership.
2. b) Act according to and promote the professional norms of integrity, fairness, transparency, trust, collaboration, perseverance, learning, and continuous improvement.
3. c) Place children at the center of education and accept responsibility for each student’s academic success and well-being.
4. d) Safeguard and promote the values of democracy, individual freedom and responsibility, equity, social justice, community, and diversity.
5. e) Lead with interpersonal and communication skill, social emotional insight, and understanding of all students’ and staff members’ backgrounds and cultures.
6. f) Provide moral direction for the school and promote ethical and professional behavior among faculty and staff.

GELS 2 activity: Analyze school in terms of ethics, fairness, and Ethics

Reflection;

Because we have a daily influence on the lives of children, school leaders and teachers are often held to high standards. In the midst of all of our responsibilities, we’re required to serve as strong role models and demonstrate ethical behaviors as we interact with students, colleagues, parents and others. Developing and following a professional code of ethics helps make sure school leaders and teachers act in a professional and ethical manner at all times. Many states have put into statute a code for moral and ethical behaviors for educators and many districts offer professional training in these standards.

Public school educators are held to high standards of behavior because we are entrusted with the well-being of their students. The public expects that our behavior exemplifies ethical and moral integrity. Superintendents, principals, and teachers serve as role models who should recognize that our conduct, both on and off the job, can profoundly impact our professional image. Lapses in judgment can adversely impact students, damage credibility, and erode public trust in schools and the profession.