Personal Conduct and Boundaries
What is the primary purpose of a teacher code of ethics?
To guide teachers in making professional, ethical decisions that protect students.
What does “equal access” mean in education?
Every student has the same opportunity to learn.
What federal law protects student education records?
What is one example of an inappropriate boundary between teacher and student?
Example: Communicating with students on private social media accounts.
Which law protects students with disabilities from discrimination in schools?
Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act.
Can a teacher share a student’s grades with another student?
No, this violates FERPA
A teacher accepts small gifts from a student weekly. Which ethical principle may this violate?
Conflict of interest / maintaining professional boundaries.
A school consistently tracks EL students into lower-level courses. What ethical issue does this represent?
Systemic inequity / discriminatory tracking.
Which individuals can access a student’s educational records without the parent's consent?
School officials with a legitimate educational interest.
A teacher posts about their students’ behavior on their personal TikTok. What ethical issue is this?
Breach of confidentiality / unprofessional public conduct.
A teacher adapts instruction only for high-performing students. What principle is being violated?
Fairness & meeting diverse learner needs.
A teacher accidentally leaves graded papers with personal info sitting in the hallway. What ethical issue is this?
Violation of student confidentiality.
Name a situation where a dual relationship with a student or parent becomes ethically unacceptable.
When the relationship gives unfair advantage, bias, or risk of exploitation.
Provide one example of an ethical dilemma related to unequal school funding.
Teachers in underfunded schools buying supplies with personal money to ensure access.
Name one scenario where a teacher can legally share confidential student information.
If there is a safety concern or mandated reporting requirement.