Spring Branch ISD Ethics It’s complicated. Wait, it’s complicated? Presented by: Human Resources

Spring Branch ISD Ethics

It’s complicated.Wait, it’s complicated?

Presented by: Human Resources

Objectives

• Support respect for members of the education profession by providing some moments of reflection on what we expect from ourselves and each other

• Provide an overview of Spring Branch ISD’s organizational commitment to ethics in the workplace so that employees new to SBISD may continue learning what’s expected of them as professionals

So what is Ethics?

So what is Ethics?

• Knowing right from wrong……and choosing to do what is right

• Reflecting before acting……and making careful decisions

Why Ethics? Why Now?

• We teach through modeling, and the decisions we make teach our students (and each other) how to behave.

• We are proud of our employees and wish to support their reputations as professionals.

• We want our employees to know our expectations.• We can learn from large and small mistakes.• The nation is looking to us for proof of what’s

possible in school systems.

“I watch what I do

- Sister Helen Prejean

to see what I believe.”

What does Spring Branch believe?


A great school system builds on the strengths and gifts of each child.


A great school system provides students from poverty the same

opportunities for success after high school as students from non-poverty

homes.


A great school system instills in every student the belief that they can achieve more than they think

possible.


A great school system assures that every adult in the system is committed to the successful

completion of some form of higher education for every child.

So…we have ethicalchoices.


Some areOBVIOUS.


Some areOBVIOUS.

Some are NOT OBVIOUS but are

IMPORTANT.


Some areOBVIOUS.

Some are NOT OBVIOUS but are

IMPORTANT.

Some are IM

PORTAN

T

but MISLEADIN

G.

And some are just policy.

Some ethical choices are OBVIOUS!

• Academic dishonesty & cheating• Stealing, fraud, misuse of funds• Coming to work under the influence of alcohol/illegal

drugs• Acts of violence• Sexual harassment• Discrimination• A romantic or inappropriate relationship with a student• Anything that would be considered criminal activity even

if outside the workplace

Obvious Ethical Choices

Some ethical choices are NOT OBVIOUSbut are IMPORTANT

• Matters of Integrity• Matters of Finance• Matters of Attendance• Matters of Instruction• Matters of Privacy• Matters of Loyalty• Matters of Commitment• Matters of Professional Growth• Matters of Safety

Not Obvious But Important

• Matters of Integrity– Acting with honesty and integrity– Representing facts accurately– Accurately reporting student progress– Providing our best efforts– Using funds appropriately– Honoring copyright laws– Demonstrating simple courtesies such as holding the door open for

each other– Demonstrating respect for others, even in challenging circumstances


• Matters of Finance– Appropriate use of district funds and resources (if

funds are to be used for instruction, they cannot be used for another reason)

– Acceptance of gifts (might cause integrity to be in question – influence, etc)

– Surplus District property cannot be given to employees, it must be auctioned

– Cannot accept pay for tutoring one’s own students

– Cannot use District facilities for private tutorials


• Matters of Attendance– Coming to work unless necessary to be absent– Commitment to getting the job done– Honesty in reporting absences and the reason for

an absence– Honesty in reporting work time– Being productive while at work


• Matters of Instruction– Teaching all the curriculum (not only our favorite parts)– Being adequately prepared for class– Deciding how we will determine grades– Accurately reporting student progress– Providing opportunity for all– Commitment to the success and the future of all

students– Equity– Academic integrity (aka cheating)– Honoring copyright laws


• Matters of Privacy– Confidentiality of information regarding students

or other employees– Maintaining boundaries between your

professional life and your personal life– Discretion in personal life– Respect the privacy of others in all forms of

communication, including social media


• Matters of Loyalty– Commitment to the organization that employs you– Following District policy– Representing the District and the community

appropriately– Intellectual property – materials developed as part

of our work for SBISD belong to SBISD. Employees cannot copyright or sell these products.

– Cleaning up after ourselves. Picking up trash we see.


• Matters of Commitment– Supporting the goals of SBISD– Contributing towards SBISD’s goals (T-2-4)– Dedication to our students– Coming to work, even if you have days you can spare– Quality of service– Following the Educators' Code of Ethics (more later

on this)


• Matters of Professional Growth– Striving to continuously improve the quality of our

work– Self awareness of our skills and where we need to

improve– Willingness to receive feedback– Commitment to use feedback to improve

competence– Self-reflection and being honest with ourselves– Willingness to accept responsibility for mistakes and

committing to improve


• Matters of Safety– Reporting child abuse and neglect– Reporting aggressive behavior or speech toward

students or coworkers– Reporting physical actions made in anger towards

students– No tolerance for violence or weapons– Demonstrating emotional control


Some ethical choices are IMPORTANT but MISLEADING

• Misunderstood or Misleading Matters– Free Speech– Reporting Arrests– Social Media & Electronic Media– Legal, but not Ethical

Misunderstood or Misleading

• Misunderstood or Misleading Matters– Free Speech• Employees do have the right to speak freely on matters

of public concern such as the District's tax rate or a bond election. Free speech in the workplace does not mean one can say anything about anyone else with no consequence.


• Misunderstood or Misleading Matters– Reporting arrests• Employees are required to report any arrest to Human

Resources within three days or before returning to work.


• Misunderstood or Misleading Matters– Social media / Electronic Media• Social media is truly “social” and is not private.• Employees could be responsible at the workplace for

their personal behavior.• SBISD has an “acceptable use policy” that includes

expectations of behaviors and especially expectations of the use of electronic and social media with students.• We are responsible for our own professional

reputation and for maintaining a positive working relationship with the community.


• Misunderstood or Misleading Matters– It’s not illegal…Some things are not illegal, but

might not be ethical• Gossip• Recording a conversation you are having with a

coworker without telling the coworker • Taking a video of a coworker without her permission


And some are just policy.

SBISD Employee Standards & Conduct (Policy DH)

• Did you know that SBISD has formal policies regarding employee conduct? Policies can be found online on the Board of Trustees webpage.• One of these policies is “Employee Standards and

Conduct”.• Here are main points of that policy.


• We should do our best.• We should be respectful and work

cooperatively with one another.• When we have a problem, we should talk first

with the person who could help solve that problem.


• We should be wise in our use of electronic media.

• We should keep our schools and workplaces safe, including providing a tobacco free , alcohol free, and drug free environment.

• Our relationships with students should always be professional and appropriate. Always.

Educators’ Code of Ethics

• Did you know that the State of Texas has a code of ethics governing certified educators?

• Certified educators: teachers, teacher assistants, counselors, principals, etc are bound to follow Texas standards of behavior as described in the Educators’ Code of Ethics.

• Let’s look at the Code of Ethics…

Educators’ Code of Ethics

The Texas educator shall comply with standard practices and ethical conduct toward students, professional colleagues, school officials, parents, and members of the community and shall safeguard academic freedom. The Texas educator, in maintaining the dignity of the profession, shall respect and obey the law, demonstrate personal integrity, and exemplify honesty. The Texas educator, in exemplifying ethical relations with colleagues, shall extend just and equitable treatment to all members of the profession. The Texas educator, in accepting a position of public trust, shall measure success by the progress of each student toward realization of his or her potential as an effective citizen. The Texas educator, in fulfilling responsibilities in the community, shall cooperate with parents and others to improve the public schools of the community.

Educators’ Code of Ethics: Professional Ethical Conduct, Practices and Performance

• Standard 1.1. The educator shall not intentionally, knowingly, or recklessly engage in deceptive practices regarding official policies of the District, educational institution, educator preparation program, the Texas Education Agency, or the State Board for Educator Certification (SBEC) and its certification process.

• Standard 1.2. The educator shall not knowingly misappropriate, divert, or use monies, personnel, property, or equipment committed to his or her charge for personal gain or advantage.

• Standard 1.3. The educator shall not submit fraudulent requests for reimbursement, expenses, or pay.


• Standard 1.4. The educator shall not use institutional or professional privileges for personal or partisan advantage.

• Standard 1.5. The educator shall neither accept nor offer gratuities, gifts, or favors that impair professional judgment or to obtain special advantage. This standard shall not restrict the acceptance of gifts or tokens offered and accepted openly from students, parents of students, or other persons or organizations in recognition or appreciation of service.

• Standard 1.6. The educator shall not falsify records, or direct or coerce others to do so.


• Standard 1.7. The educator shall comply with state regulations, written local Board policies, and other state and federal laws.

• Standard 1.8. The educator shall apply for, accept, offer, or assign a position or a responsibility on the basis of professional qualifications.

• Standard 1.9. The educator shall not make threats of violence against District employees, Board members, students, or parents of students.

• Standard 1.10. The educator shall be of good moral character and be worthy to instruct or supervise the youth of this state.


• Standard 1.11. The educator shall not intentionally or knowingly misrepresent his or her employment history, criminal history, and/or disciplinary record when applying for subsequent employment.

• Standard 1.12. The educator shall refrain from the illegal use or distribution of controlled substances and/or abuse of prescription drugs and toxic inhalants.

• Standard 1.13. The educator shall not consume alcoholic beverages on school property or during school activities when students are present.

Educators’ Code of Ethics: Ethical Conduct Towards Professional Colleagues

• Standard 2.1. The educator shall not reveal confidential health or personnel information concerning colleagues unless disclosure serves lawful professional purposes or is required by law.

• Standard 2.2. The educator shall not harm others by knowingly making false statements about a colleague or the school system.

• Standard 2.3. The educator shall adhere to written local Board policies and state and federal laws regarding the hiring, evaluation, and dismissal of personnel.


• Standard 2.4. The educator shall not interfere with a colleague’s exercise of political, professional, or citizenship rights and responsibilities.

• Standard 2.5. The educator shall not discriminate against or coerce a colleague on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, age, gender, disability, family status, or sexual orientation.


• Standard 2.6. The educator shall not use coercive means or promise of special treatment in order to influence professional decisions or colleagues.

• Standard 2.7. The educator shall not retaliate against any individual who has filed a complaint with the SBEC or who provides information for a disciplinary investigation or proceeding under this chapter.

Educators’ Code of Ethics: Ethical Conduct Towards Students

• Standard 3.1. The educator shall not reveal confidential information concerning students unless disclosure serves lawful professional purposes or is required by law.

• Standard 3.2. The educator shall not intentionally, knowingly, or recklessly treat a student or minor in a manner that adversely affects or endangers the learning, physical health, mental health, or safety of the student or minor.


• Standard 3.3. The educator shall not intentionally, knowingly, or recklessly misrepresent facts regarding a student.

• Standard 3.4. The educator shall not exclude a student from participation in a program, deny benefits to a student, or grant an advantage to a student on the basis of race, color, gender, disability, national origin, religion, family status, or sexual orientation.


• Standard 3.5. The educator shall not intentionally, knowingly, or recklessly engage in physical mistreatment, neglect, or abuse of a student or minor.• Standard 3.6. The educator shall not

solicit or engage in sexual conduct or a romantic relationship with a student or minor.


• Standard 3.7. The educator shall not furnish alcohol or illegal/unauthorized drugs to any person under 21 years of age unless the educator is a parent or guardian of that child or knowingly allow any person under 21 years of age unless the educator is a parent or guardian of that child to consume alcohol or illegal/unauthorized drugs in the presence of the educator.

• Standard 3.8. The educator shall maintain appropriate professional educator-student relationships and boundaries based on a reasonably prudent educator standard.


• Standard 3.9. The educator shall refrain from inappropriate communication with a student or minor, including, but not limited to, electronic communication such as cell phone, text messaging, e-mail, instant messaging, blogging, or other social network communication. Factors that may be considered in assessing whether the communication is inappropriate include, but are not limited to:

• The nature, purpose, timing, and amount of the communication;

• The subject matter of the communication;


• Whether the communication was made openly or the educator attempted to conceal the communication;

• Whether the communication could be reasonably interpreted as soliciting sexual contact or a romantic relationship;

• Whether the communication was sexually explicit; and• Whether the communication involved discussion(s) of

the physical or sexual attractiveness or the sexual history, activities, preferences, or fantasies of either the educator or the student.

So….

How do we model our practices as “ethical”?

• How we handle our positions and reputations• How we consciously act with integrity• How we interact with our students• How we respect each other’s privacy• How we achieve our goals• How we use technology and social media to

communicate

Here’s the “bottom line” about what makes us proud of SBISD employees.

• We come to work and do our best.• We demonstrate commitment to our students and by

extension, to our mission (T-2-4).• We take care of each other and “coach” each other

professionally.• We treat each other with kindness, or if we are having

a bad day, at least with courtesy!• We act with honesty and integrity.

Welcome back.

Thanks for listening.

Have a great year!

Inspiringminds. Shaping lives.

IndependentSchool District

SpringBranch

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Spring Branch ISD Ethics It’s complicated. Wait, it’s complicated? Presented by: Human Resources