StudentReply1

Student #1

The Model Code of Ethics for Educators (MCEE) serve as a general basis for defining ethics for those in the field of education. While reading the provisions set forth in the code, it is very basic as compared to the Georgia state code of ethics. Throughout my career, I have only served as an educator in the state of Georgia and am required to adhere to the Georgia Code of Ethics (GCE) when serving students in this state. In Georgia, the state code is extremely detailed, and some may argue oversteps the purpose of ethical regulation to educators in specific areas.

Most of the MCEE codes are echoed in the GCE as it pertains to basic responsibilities to the field of education, the students we serve, and being a competent educator. Both codes maintain that ignorance of required ethics does not excuse an educator from adhering to the outlined principles. Rather, as professionals it is our duty to know and understand the regulations that are in place to protect students as well as our livelihoods and longevity in our chosen field.

Every year, my school district shows a Georgia Code of Ethics video where officials from the Professional Standards Commission (state regulatory agency for educators) discuss issues and mistakes made by educators in the past. One idea that is presented in this video every year has really stuck with me. As educators, we deal with the two most important things that people possess: their children and their tax dollars. It only makes sense for educators to abide by the highest ethical principles to protect these valuables. Due to this, the two most significant codes to me are the ones dealing with sexual misconduct and the responsible management of funds.

There is possibly no greater offense an educator could commit next to an inappropriate relationship with a child. This will forever affect the life of that student and severely diminishes the trust between the community and school district. This type of offense is rather extreme and probably not most prevalent as a violation for educators. Another significant code is the dealing with public funds. It is here that I believe the most offenses occur.

Teachers often sponsor clubs, sport activities, and extra-curricular trips which involves them in the collection of money. There is always the potential for carelessness and errors when handling funds. Failure to deposit the funds in a timely manner and failure to receipt those monies properly are often large contributors to problems in this area. In addition, improper supervision of funds has led to theft of student monies. When this occurs, the educator is absolutely liable for the funds in his or her possession. In recent years, a highly publicized incident occurred in Georgia where thousands of dollars were taken from a teacher’s desk. Those funds were collected from students by their teacher for a senior trip. Unfortunately, it was later discovered that the theft was an inside job and the teacher took the funds for her own personal use while claiming another party took the cash. Money can often distort an educator’s judgment and open them up to sanctions from the state regulatory agency.

Because the Georgia Code of Ethics is so detailed, I do not there was anything left out by the state. I do not think anything should be added. However, I do think Georgia imposes unnecessary hardships through one aspect of the code: breach of contract. Educators are asked to sign teaching contracts earlier and earlier every year in our state. Just last year, most teachers were required by their school districts to sign a contract before the end of February to teach for the upcoming year (August-May). Nearly all school districts do not begin hiring for the next school year until March or April, forcing teachers to remain in their posts and thereby eliminating them from furthering their careers.

The only solution to this from the educator’s perspective has been to not sign teaching agreements for the upcoming year in hopes of landing a better assignment. However, this is a risky practice and often ends in the educator giving up their post without being able to secure a job elsewhere. The other alternative is to sign a teaching contract and break that contract when another more desirable assignment is secured. However, in recent years school districts have imposed large fines of $1,000 or more to “break” a contract even when several months’ notice is given. Often times, this process completes in May which is months away from the start of the next school year and in plenty of time for administrators to hire a replacement.

Code of ethics are established by every state to define expectations for educators. The MCEE serves as an outline for ethical behavior. However, many states such as my home state of Georgia have expanded ethical requirements. Educators work with children in various capacities: in the classroom, on the sports field, and through extra-curricular clubs. Those working with young people should stay current with ethical codes and regulations in order to protect their positions and to be successful in the long term. However, ethics should not be used to forcibly keep educators in a role that they no longer desire. This does not benefit any party: the educator, child, or school. Hopefully, ethics will continue to evolve to meet the needs of students, teachers and school districts equitably.

References

National Association of State Directors of Teacher Education and Certification. (2015). Model code of ethics for educators (MCEE). Retrieved from https://www.nasdtec.net/page/MCEE_Doc#PrinI.44

Georgia Professional Standards Commission. The Code of Ethics for Educators (2018). Retrieved from https://www.gapsc.com/Rules/Current/Ethics/505-6-.01.pdf