State Departments of Education Codes of Conduct/Ethics
Alabama Educator Code of Ethics
Includes this provision: “Unethical conduct includes, but is not limited to the following: …Committing or soliciting any unlawful sexual act. [and]…Soliciting, encouraging, or consummating an inappropriate written, verbal, or physical relationship with a student.”
Connecticut Code of Professional Responsibility for Educators
Includes this provision: “The professional educator, in full recognition of his or her obligation to the student, shall not: Abuse his or her position as a professional with students for private advantage; [and]…Sexually or physically harass or abuse students”.
Florida The Code of Ethics and The Principles of Professional Conduct of The Education Profession in Florida<
Contains the provision: “Obligation to the student requires that the individual: …Shall not exploit a relationship with a student for personal gain or advantage [and] Shall make reasonable effort to protect the student from conditions harmful to learning and/or to the student’s mental and/or physical health and/or safety.”
Geogia Professional Standards Commission – THE CODE OF ETHICS FOR EDUCATORS
Includes the provision: “Unethical conduct includes but is not limited to: …Committing any sexual act with a student or soliciting such from a student; …Engaging in or permitting harassment of or misconduct toward a student that would violate a state or federal law; …Soliciting, encouraging, or consummating an inappropriate written, verbal, electronic, or physical relationship with a student…”
Mississippi Educator Code of Ethics and Standards of Conduct
This Code of Ethics defines the professional behavior of teachers. It was created by a 20 person team that included Mississippi Department of Education (MDE) representatives, educators, elected officials and others. In addition to the new code, there is proposed legislation to amend Section 37-3-2 of Minnesota state law which allows revocation or suspension of a teacher or administrator’s license for sexual misconduct. It also demands that Superintendents report directly to MDE any unethical conduct relating to an educator/student relationship.
MRC NOTE: We applaud MDE for making this change. We invite all schools to take the next step to create a code of ethics for all school employees and volunteers—not just teachers.
Pennsylvania Code Of Professional Practice And Conduct For Educators
Includes the provision: “The professional educator may not: …Sexually harass or engage in sexual relationships with students.”
Texas Administrative Code: Code of Ethics and Standard Practices for Texas Educators
Standard 3.6 includes the provision: “The educator shall not solicit or engage in sexual conduct or a romantic relationship with a student or minor.”
