I was very interested when I came across an article that stated that Arkansas had adopted a new code of ethics for its teachers beginning in September.
It seems that there had been some concerns and controversy over the adoption of the ethics. Therefore I was very interested to see what the state had in mind. I was indeed completely shocked. What I have found in writing is simply what I thought every teacher would live by without needing a written code.
The new code states that teachers in Arkansas cannot use tobacco, alcohol, or illegal drugs at school or during school activities involving students. My question is- Who thought that they were supposed to anyway? Should this not be a given? Did it really need to be placed in writing?
The code also states that teachers should maintain a professional relationship with the students and not use their teaching position for personal gains. The teachers are also required to uphold confidentially when it comes to standardized testing and other personal information about students.
First time teachers will be asked to pay a fee to help cover the cost of enforcing these rules. The fees may total around $135.00. Teachers breaking the rules may be given a warning, asked to pay a fine, or receive a harsher punishment.
Some are worried that with the new code of ethics out here in writing parents and others will misuse it by trying to catch the teachers doing something to get them in trouble. The fear is that someone will get mad and try to make accusations against teachers.
While I have heard of many false accusations, I think that simply doing what you know is right will be enough to uphold your name in the end, especially when it seems that the code is not anything that teachers should not already be living by.