Code of Ethics for Minnesota Teachers 8700.7500

1. Code of Ethics for Minnesota Teachers 8700.7500 Standards of Professional Conduct Tammy Barnes Education Minnesota Field Staff

2. Standards of Professional Conduct A. A teacher shall provide professional educational services in a non-discriminatory manner. • The law protects these classes: • Gender, race, color, creed, national origin, marital status, disability, public-assistance status, age, sexual orientation, or religion

3. Responsibility for Student Safety B. A teacher shall make reasonable effort to protect the student from conditions harmful to health & safety. • Mandatory reporting of abuse or neglect • Within 24 hours to social services or police • Know your school policy regarding process

4. Student Safety, continued • Maintain Appropriate Boundaries • Professional – not a friend • Recognize and respect boundaries • Open-door policy • Refer students to appropriate resources

5. Student Safety, continued • District harassment policy • Required document • Applies to: • All district employees (administration, support staff, teachers, agents, contractors, etc) • All district students • Any district volunteers • All school board members

6. Student & Personnel Data • Disclose Confidential Data: • When a compelling professional purpose is served • When required by law • Disclose Educational Data: • Only to those with legitimate educational interest

7. Student & Personnel Data • No release to police without a court order • No disclosure to other parents or colleagues • Follow district guidance on photos, test scores, etc.

8. Disciplinary Action D. A teacher shall take reasonable disciplinary action… • Corporal punishment is illegal in Minnesota • Know how IEP’s are to be enforced • Know your district policy for discipline • MN statute requires notification prior to classroom placement for violent students

9. Disciplinary Action, continued • MDE has authority to investigate • MDE will report findings of abuse to BOT • You have the right to legal representation during MDE investigation or interview

10. Professional Relationships F. A teacher shall not use professional relationships with students, parents, and colleagues to private advantage. • “your child really needs some extra help – I’m available” • “I have a great set of books I can sell to you” • If in doubt – ask!

11. Delegating Authority F. A teacher shall delegate authority for teaching responsibilities only to licensed personnel • Do not ask/require paraprofessionals to provide direct instruction or professional judgment • Do not use volunteers or parents as teachers • Know that potential conflicts with culture of the school can occur

12. Subject Matter G. A teacher shall not deliberately suppress or distort subject matter. • Curriculum issues • District policies

13. Teacher Qualifications • A teacher shall not knowingly falsify or misrepresent records or facts relating to that teacher’s own qualifications or to other teacher’s qualifications. • Gossip • Comments

14. Teacher Licensing A teacher shall accept a contract only if properly licensed for that position. • This applies to any additional courses you might be asked to teach. • If in doubt, check!

15. Teacher Licensing • Licenses are posted on public site (MDE) • License expires on June 30th • You are responsible for your license

16. Grounds for Immediate Termination • Gross inefficiency not corrected after notice • Neglect of duty – failure to teach • Conduct Unbecoming a teacher

17. Examples of Unbecoming Conduct • Discriminatory conduct • DWI/DUI convictions • Embezzlement • Sexual misconduct • Trafficking in internet pornography at home • Illegal gambling

18. Immediate Termination, continued Insubordination: • Constant and continuing intentional refusal to obey a direct or implied order, reasonable in nature, and given by and with the proper authority.

19. Immediate Termination, continued Immorality: • Community standards • Public figure with a role model duty Continuing physical or mental disability subsequent to a 12-month leave of absence and inability to qualify for reinstatement

20. Immediate Termination, continued Felony conviction: • If for child or sexual abuse, license revocation and discharge are automatic • If for another type of felony, the teacher is entitled to a hearing

21. Failure to Teach Resignation Dates • Know the statutory dates • Know your contract • Consequences for failure to meet deadlines

22. Probationary Status Probationary teachers can be non-renewed for any reason or no reason, as long as it is not a discriminatory or anti-union reason. You must be notified by July 1 for the following year Work with your local union

23. Professional Development Opportunities • TALL – Teachers as Learners & Leaders • ER & D – Educational Research & Dissemination • Foundation Grants – Grants given to teachers by Education Minnesota • Summer Seminar • Intermediate Locals offer training

24. Mandatory Reporting If in doubt, make a report to the authorities.

25. 403b Do you want to have a nice retirement nest? How does it work? The district may match what you save.

26. Support Systems Your local union leaders Your mentors Your colleagues Education Minnesota • educationminnesota.org

27. Tammy Barnes tammy.barnes@educationminnesota.org 1-800-642-3239 Education Minnesota Student Program Advisor