I. Commitment to the Student.
The educator measures success by the progress of each student toward realization of potential as a worthy and effective citizen. The educator therefore works to stimulate the spirit of inquiry, the acquisition of knowledge and understanding, and the thoughtful formulation of worthy goals. In fulfilling obligations to the student, the educator:
- Shall not without just cause restrain the student from independent action in a pursuit of learning and shall not without just cause deny the student access to varying points of view.
- Shall not deliberately suppress or distort subject matter for which the educator bears responsibility.
- Shall make reasonable effort to protect the student from conditions harmful to learning or to health and safety.
- Shall conduct professional business in such a way that the educator does not expose the student to unnecessary embarrassment or disparagement.
- Shall not on the basis of race, color, creed, age, sex, physical or mental handicap, marital status, or national origin exclude any student from participation in or deny the student benefits under any program nor grant any discriminatory consideration or advantage.
- Shall not use professional relationships with students for private advantage.
- Shall keep in confidence information that has been obtained in the course of professional service, unless disclosure serves professional purposes or is required by law.
- Shall not tutor for remuneration students assigned to the educator’s classes, unless no other qualified teacher is reasonably available.
II. Commitment to the Public.
The educator believes that patriotism in its highest form requires dedication to the principles of our democratic heritage. The educator shares with all other citizens the responsibility for the development of sound public policy and assumes full political and citizenship responsibilities. The educator bears particular responsibility for the development of policy relating to the extension of educational opportunities for all and for interpreting educational programs and policies to the public. In fulfilling an obligation to the public, the educator:
- Shall not misrepresent an institution or organization with which the educator is affiliated and shall take adequate precautions to distinguish between personal and institutional or organizational views.
- Shall not knowingly distort or misrepresent the facts concerning educational matters in direct and indirect public expressions.
- Shall not interfere with a colleague’s exercise of political and citizenship rights and responsibilities.
- Shall not sue institutional privileges for monetary private gain or to promote political candidates or partisan political activities.
- Shall accept no gratuities, gifts, or favors that might impair or appear to impair professional judgment, not offer any favor, service, or thing of value to obtain special advantage.
III. Commitment to the Profession.
The educator believes that the quality of the services of the education profession directly influences the nation and its citizens. The educator therefore exerts every effort to raise professional standards, to improve service, to promote a climate in which the exercise of professional judgment is encouraged, and to achieve conditions which attract persons worthy of the trust to careers in education. In fulfilling an obligation to the profession, the educator:
- Shall not discriminate on the basis of race, color, creed, age, sex, physical or mental handicap, marital status, or national origin for membership in the profession, nor interfere with the participation or nonparticipation of colleagues in the affairs of their professional associations.
- Shall accord just and equitable treatment to all members of the profession in the exercise of their professional rights and responsibilities.
- Shall not use coercive means or promise special treatment in order to influence professional decisions of colleagues.
- Shall withhold and safeguard information acquired about colleagues in the course of employment, unless disclosure serves professional purposes.
- Shall not refuse to participate in a professional inquiry when requested by the commission board.
- Shall provide upon the request of the aggrieved party a written statement of specific reason for recommendations that lead to the denial of increments, significant change in employment, or termination of employment.
- Shall not misrepresent professional qualifications.
- Shall not knowingly distort evaluations of colleagues.
IV. Commitment to Professional Employment Practices.
The educator regards the employment agreement as a pledge to be executed both in spirit and in fact in a manner consistent with the highest ideals of professional service. The educator believes that sound professional personnel relationships with governing boards are built upon personal integrity, dignity and mutual respect. The administrator discourages the practice of the profession by unqualified persons. In fulfilling the obligation to professional employment practices, the educator:
- Shall apply for, accept, offer, or assign a position or responsibility on the basis of professional preparation and legal qualifications.
- Should recognize salary schedules and the salary clause of an individual teacher’s contract as a binding document on both parties. The educator should not in anyway violate the terms of the contract.
- Shall not knowingly withhold information regarding a position from an applicant or misrepresent an assignment or conditions of employment.
- Shall give prompt notice to the employing agency of any change in availability of service, and the employing agent shall give prompt notice of change in availability or nature of a position.
- Shall adhere to the terms of a contract or appointment unless these terms have been legally terminated, falsely represented, or substantially altered by unilateral action of the employing agency.
- Shall not delegate assigned tasks to unqualified personnel.
- Shall use time or funds granted for the purpose for which they were intended.
V. Commitment of Board Members and Staff.
The board members and staff will be independent and impartial and not use the public office for private gain. In fulfilling their obligation the board employees will not:
- Receive any remuneration for services, other than that payable by law.
- Solicit, accept or agree to accept any gifts, loans, gratuities, discounts, favors, hospitalities or services from anyone with vested interests in board matters.
- Disclose confidential information garnered from official duties.
- Solicit, accept or agree to accept compensation contingent upon board actions.
- Hold positions, perform duties, or engage in activities not compatible with official capacity.
These rules are intended to implement Iowa Code, chapter 272.
Violation of this policy may be grounds for disciplinary action, up to and including termination.
Approved: July 25, 2018
Reviewed: July 25, 2018
Revised: July 25, 2018
