6A-10.080 Code of Ethics of the Education Profession in Florida

6A-10.080 Code of Ethics of the Education Profession in Florida.

1. The educator values the worth and dignity of every person, the pursuit of truth, devotion to excellence, acquisition of knowledge, and the nurture of democratic citizenship. Essential to the achievement of these standards are the freedom to learn and to teach and the guarantee of equal opportunity for all.
2. The educator's primary professional concern will always be for the student and for the development of the student's potential. The educator will therefore strive for professional growth and will seek to exercise the best professional judgment and integrity.
3. Aware of the importance of maintaining the respect and confidence of one's colleagues, of students, of parents, and of other members of the community, the educator strives to achieve and sustain the highest degree of ethical conduct.

Rulemaking Authority 1001.02, 1012.51, 1012.53 FS. Law Implemented 1012.32, 1012.34, 1012.51, 1012.53, 1012.795, 1012.796 FS. History-New 3-24-65, Amended 8-9-69, Repromulgated 12-5-74, Amended 8-12-81, 7-6-82, Formerly 6B-1.01, 6B-1.001.

6A-10.081 Principles of Professional Conduct for the Education Profession in Florida.

1. The following disciplinary rule shall constitute the Principles of Professional Conduct for the Education Profession in Florida.
2. Violation of any of these principles shall subject the individual to revocation or suspension of the individual educator's certificate, or the other penalties as provided by law.
3. Obligation to the student requires that the individual:
   1. 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.
   2. Shall not unreasonably restrain a student from independent action in pursuit of learning.
   3. Shall not unreasonably deny a student access to diverse points of view.
   4. Shall not intentionally suppress or distort subject matter relevant to a student's academic program.
   5. Shall not intentionally expose a student to unnecessary embarrassment or disparagement.
   6. Shall not intentionally violate or deny a student's legal rights.
   7. Shall not harass or discriminate against any student on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, age, national or ethnic origin, political beliefs, marital status, handicapping condition, sexual orientation, or social and family background and shall make reasonable effort to assure that each student is protected from harassment or discrimination.
   8. Shall not exploit a relationship with a student for personal gain or advantage.
   9. Shall keep in confidence personally identifiable information obtained in the course of professional service, unless disclosure serves professional purposes or is required by law.
4. Obligation to the public requires that the individual:
   1. Shall take reasonable precautions to distinguish between personal views and those of any educational institution or organization with which the individual is affiliated.
   2. Shall not intentionally distort or misrepresent facts concerning an educational matter in direct or indirect public expression.
   3. Shall not use institutional privileges for personal gain or advantage.
   4. Shall accept no gratuity, gift, or favor that might influence professional judgment.
   5. Shall offer no gratuity, gift, or favor to obtain special advantages.
5. Obligation to the profession of education requires that the individual:
   1. Shall maintain honesty in all professional dealings.
   2. Shall not on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, age, national or ethnic origin, political beliefs, marital status, handicapping condition if otherwise qualified, or social and family background deny to a colleague professional benefits or advantages or participation in any professional organization.
   3. Shall not interfere with a colleague's exercise of political or civil rights and responsibilities.
   4. Shall not engage in harassment or discriminatory conduct which unreasonably interferes with an individual's performance of professional or work responsibilities or with t