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
to see what I believe.”
- Sister Helen Prejean
What does Spring Branch believe?
What does Spring Branch believe?
A great school system builds on the
strengths and gifts of each child.
What does Spring Branch believe?
A great school system provides
students from poverty the same
opportunities for success after high
school as students from non-poverty
homes.
What does Spring Branch believe?
A great school system instills in
every student the belief that they
can achieve more than they think
possible.
What does Spring Branch believe?
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 ethical
choices.
So…we have ethical
choices.
Some are
OBVIOUS.
So…we have ethical
choices.
Some are
OBVIOUS.
Some are NOT
OBVIOUS but are
IMPORTANT.
So…we have ethical
choices.
Some are
OBVIOUS.
Some are NOT
OBVIOUS but are
IMPORTANT.
And some are just policy.
Some ethical choices are OBVIOUS!
Obvious Ethical Choices
• 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
Some ethical choices are NOT OBVIOUS
but are IMPORTANT
Not Obvious But Important
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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
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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
Not Obvious But Important
• 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
Not Obvious But Important
• 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
Not Obvious But Important
• 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
Not Obvious But Important
• 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
Not Obvious But Important
• 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.
Not Obvious But Important
• Matters of Commitment
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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)
Not Obvious But Important
• 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
Not Obvious But Important
• 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
• 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
• 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
• 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
• 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.
SBISD Employee Standards & Conduct
(Policy DH)
• 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.
SBISD Employee Standards & Conduct
(Policy DH)
• 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.
Educators’ Code of Ethics: Professional Ethical
Conduct, Practices and Performance
• 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.
Educators’ Code of Ethics: Professional Ethical
Conduct, Practices and Performance
• 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.
Educators’ Code of Ethics: Professional Ethical
Conduct, Practices and Performance
• 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.
Educators’ Code of Ethics: Ethical Conduct
Towards Professional Colleagues
• 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.
Educators’ Code of Ethics: Ethical Conduct
Towards Professional Colleagues
• 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.
Educators’ Code of Ethics: Ethical Conduct
Towards Students
• 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.
Educators’ Code of Ethics: Ethical Conduct
Towards Students
• 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.
Educators’ Code of Ethics: Ethical Conduct
Towards Students
• 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.
Educators’ Code of Ethics: Ethical Conduct
Towards Students
• 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;
Educators’ Code of Ethics: Ethical Conduct
Towards Students
• 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”?
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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!
Spring
Branch
Independent School District
Inspiring minds. Shaping lives.