What Is the Purpose of the Code of Ethics for Teachers?

False Information Guidelines

• Potential teachers cannot make false statements on their applications for teaching jobs, according to the National Education Association Code of Ethics. Not making fabricated comments regarding fellow teachers is a requirement of both the NEA Code of Ethics and the Association of American Educators Code of Ethics. The NEA Code of Ethics also emphasizes how teachers should not help people who lack the credentials gain entry into educator positions.

Other Educator Rules

• The NEA Code of Ethics says that teachers cannot give gifts or take advantage of favors that could have an influence on their choices and activities in the classroom. In addition, educators cannot share confidential information about other teachers without a lawful reason to do so.

  The AAE Code of Ethics also says that teachers have to maintain physical stamina and mental health, must handle school funds in their charge responsibly and cannot misrepresent school policies. Teachers cannot use their educational privileges for personal gain.

Student Requirements

• Educators must give students the opportunity to explore various angles on topics and the chance to independently seek information out, under the guidelines of the NEA Code of Ethics. In addition, teachers have to keep students safe in the classroom, promote student health and wellness and not put students in an awkward position in which they are unnecessarily publicly humiliated, according to both the NEA Code of Ethics and the AAE Code of Ethics.

  Ensuring that the information they teach to students is accurate is also a standard in the NEA Code of Ethics. The AAE Code of Ethics additionally says that teachers should teach students about character and encourage them to see the consequences of their actions.

Other Student/Parent Information

• Teachers cannot use their relationships with students for private benefits, according to the NEA Code of Ethics. This code also says that teachers cannot discriminate against students based on factors such as gender, race or religion. Not allowing students to take part in various activities or showing favoritism toward certain students is also not allowed under the NEA Code of Ethics.

  The NEA Code of Ethics says teachers should not disclose private information about their students to others unless legally obligated to do so. Teachers must also share important information regarding a student with parents,k as well as play an active role in the local community, according to the AAE Code of Ethics,