Mississippi Educator Code of Ethics EDUCATOR AND PRE-SERVICE

Mississippi Educator Code of Ethics
EDUCATOR AND PRE-SERVICE TRAINING
Office of Teaching and Leading
Divisions of Educator Preparation, Educator Licensure, and
Educator Effectiveness
Purpose for Code of Ethics
2
To promote students’ and educators’:
Health
Safety
Welfare
Discipline and morals
In accordance with the rules established by the Mississippi State
Board of Education, the Mississippi Educator Code of
Ethics/Standards of Conduct protect the health, safety and
general welfare of students and educators. It addresses ethical
conduct, which promotes the health, safety, welfare, discipline
and morals of students and colleagues.

Unethical conduct is any conduct that impairs the license
holder’s ability to function in his/her employment position or a
pattern of behavior that is detrimental to the health, safety,
welfare, discipline, or morals of students and colleagues.
Any educator or administrator license may be revoked or
suspended for engaging in unethical conduct relating to an
educator/student relationship (Standard 4). Superintendents
shall report to the Mississippi Department of Education license
holders who engage in unethical conduct relating to an
educator/student relationship (Standard 4).
Purpose for Training
3
"Ethics training is an important part of the
To ensure administrators and teachers are prepared to make
professional decisions, this training:
Provides educators with a case study on poor ethical choices
Displays extreme behaviors that are not tolerated by educational
professionals
"Ethics training is an important part of the process of educating
administrators and teachers to ensure they are adequately
prepared to make professional decisions" (Beck & Murphy;
Hutchings, as cited in Davenport, Thompson, & Templeton,
2015).

The module is for educator training purposes only. "Ethics
training is an important part of the process of educating
administrators and teachers to ensure they are adequately
prepared to make professional decisions" (Beck & Murphy;
Hutchings, as cited in Davenport, Thompson, & Templeton,
2015).
The Mississippi Department of Education (MDE) takes ethical
violations very seriously! To provide educators with a case
study on poor ethical choices, the MDE developed this training
module to display behaviors that are not tolerated as an
education professional.
Reporting of Code Violations
4
Mississippi Department of Education
359 North West Street
Jackson, MS 39201
Office of Educator Misconduct
601-359-2742 Main number
www.mde.k12.ms.us
All code violations should be reported to the Office of Educator
Misconduct.
Training Overview
5
Provides examples of violations of each Standard
Uses characters, locations and situations that are purely
fictional.
Shows the progression and development of the violation and the

consequences of making poor choices
Includes scenarios and questions after the discussion of each
standard.
The training provides examples of violations of each Standard.
All characters, locations and situations are purely fictional. Any
similarities to anyone living or deceased are merely a
coincidence. This scenarios in this presentation are not intended
to portray any actual school, students, or personnel in
Mississippi. In each example, you should see the progression
and development of the violation and the consequences of
making poor choices including loss of teaching credentials, and
in some instances jail time.
The training includes scenarios and questions after the
presentation of each standard. A minimum score of 80% for
correctly answered questions is required to receive credit for the
course.
Professional Conduct
Standard 1
An educator should demonstrate conduct that follows generally
recognized professional standards.
6
Standard 1: Professional conduct--An educator should
demonstrate conduct that follows generally recognized
professional standards.

Standard 1: Professional Conduct Overview
Professional educator responsibilities include:
Exemplifying high standards
Abstaining from discrimination
Collaborating with other professionals
Maintaining positive relationships with colleagues
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“Since educators hold important positions requiring a high level
of public trust and responsibility in working with children,
educators are expected to observe high standards of moral and
ethical conduct” (Umpstead, Brady, Lugg, Klinker, &
Thompson, 2013, p. 184).
Standard 1 discusses the professional responsibilities of an
educator.
Since educators hold important positions requiring a high level
ethical conduct (Umpstead, Brady, Lugg, Klinker, & Thompson,
2013, p. 184).
This prohibits discrimination and promotes collaboration with
other professionals and maintenance of positive relationships
with colleagues, which will be discussed in the next slides.
Standard 1: Professional Conduct- Ethical Conduct
1.1. Ethical conduct includes, but is not limited to, the
following:
Maintaining high standards
Respecting fellow educators

Learning collaboratively to promote student learning
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d) Providing professional education services in a
nondiscriminatory manner
Maintaining competence
Maintaining a professional relationship with parents
Standard 1 discusses the professional responsibilities of an
educator.
Since educators hold important positions requiring a high level
ethical conduct (Umpstead, Brady, Lugg, Klinker, & Thompson,
2013, p. 184).
This prohibits discrimination and promotes collaboration with
other professionals and maintenance of positive relationships
with colleagues.
Under standard 1.1. -- Ethical conduct includes, but is not
limited to, the following:
a. Encouraging and supporting colleagues in developing and
maintaining high standards in front of students
b. Respecting fellow educators and participating in the
development of a professional teaching environment
c. Engaging in a variety of individual and collaborative learning
experiences essential to professional development designed to
promote student learning
d. Providing professional education services in a
e. Maintaining competence regarding skills, knowledge, and
dispositions relating to his/her organizational position, subject
matter and pedagogical practices

f. Maintaining a professional relationship with parents of
students and establishing appropriate communications related to
the welfare of their children.
Standard 1: Professional Conduct- Unethical Conduct
1.2. Unethical conduct includes, but is not limited to, the
following:
Harassment of colleagues
Misuse or mismanagement of tests or test materials
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Inappropriate language
Physical altercations
Failure to provide appropriate student supervision
Under standard 1.2.-- Unethical conduct includes, but is not
a. Harassment of colleagues
b. Misuse or mismanagement of tests or test materials
c. Inappropriate language on school grounds or any school -
related activity
d. Physical altercations
e. Failure to provide appropriate supervision of students and
reasonable disciplinary actions.
Standard 1: Professional Conduct- Ethical Conduct
10
Scenario 1: Mrs. Dixon has been teaching 6th grade English for

several years and is very active in the community and her local
church. Recently, a student from another country moved to the
area and was placed in her class. Mrs. Dixon disapproves of the
student’s religious practices. She places him in the back of the
classroom and often isolates him. She never calls on him
during instruction nor does she provide additional learning
opportunities.
Which of the Standard 1 ethical conduct examples does Mrs.
Dixon’s behavior violate?
Respecting fellow educators and participating in the
development of a professional teaching environment
Engaging in a variety of individual and collaborative learning
experiences to promote student learning
Providing professional education services in a
Maintaining competence regarding skills, knowledge, and
dispositions relating to his/her organizational position, subject
matter and pedagogical practices
Let’s check your understanding of Standard 1. We will read and
answer Scenario 1 together. Then, you will complete the
Standard 1 assessment questions.
Assessment Q1: Mr. Jackson has taught 8th grade math for 10
years at Eastover Middle School. For the first 7 years, he had
the highest scores in 8th grade math on the state assessment.
He has been concerned about declining scores for the last 3

years and wants to see exactly what types of questions students
see on the state assessment. While proctoring the state
assessment, he snaps a few pictures of a student’s screen while
she is taking the 8th grade math assessment.
11
Mr. Jackson’s behavior describes which component of Standard
1 Unethical Conduct?
Inappropriate language on school grounds or any school-related
activity
Physical altercations
Assessment Q2: Coach Richard has been the football coach at
Highland High School for years. His team won the state
championship last year. Coach Richard believes his success is
attributed to the hard work and coaching tactics he learned from
his former coach. The principal visits one of Coach Richard’s
practices and overhears him using profanity excessively toward
the coaching staff and students.
12
Coach Richard’s behavior describes which component of
Standard 1 Unethical Conduct?

activity
Failure to provide appropriate supervision of students and
Assessment Q3: Mrs. Johnson is a first year 4th grade teacher at
Greene Elementary School. The copy machine was being used
by another teacher after school yesterday, which prevented her
from making copies for the unit assessment. It’s 8 AM, and her
students are entering the room. Mrs. Johnson runs to the
teacher’s lounge to make copies. The principal passes Mrs.
Johnson’s room and notices the students in the room alone.
13
Mrs. Johnson’s behavior describes which component of
activity
Failure to provide appropriate supervision of students and

Trustworthiness
Standard 2
An educator should exemplify honesty and integrity in the
course of professional practice.
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Standard 2: Trustworthiness--An educator should exemplify
honesty and integrity in the course of professional practice and
does not knowingly engage in deceptive practices regarding
official policies of the school district or educational institution.
Standard 2: Trustworthiness Overview
Educators should be honest in all of his/her actions, including
but not limited to:
Providing truthful information concerning credentials,
background information, employment, etc.
Evaluating students or personnel
Providing leave time, reasons for job absences, and educational
content matter
Participating in any type of investigation
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The educator must be honest and exemplify integrity in all of
his/her actions.
The educator should not knowingly deceive any school district,
the state department of education, or any educational institution

related to information concerning credentials, background
information, employment, etc.
Educators should also be honest when evaluating students or
personnel. Grades and scores should reflect the actual effort
given without inflation or unfair grading practices.
It is unlawful to be dishonest about leave time, reasons for job
absences, and educational content matter.
Educators should also be honest when required to participate in
any type of investigation.
Standard 2: Trustworthiness- Ethical Conduct
following:
Properly representing facts concerning an educational matter
Advocating for fair and equitable opportunities for all children
Embodying for students the characteristics of honesty,
diplomacy, tact, and fairness.
16
Under standard 2.1. Ethical conduct includes, but is not limited
to, the following:
a. Properly representing facts concerning an educational matter
in direct or indirect public expression
b. Advocating for fair and equitable opportunities for all
children
c. Embodying for students the characteristics of honest y,
diplomacy, tact, and fairness.

Standard 2: Trustworthiness- Unethical Conduct
following:
a. Falsifying, misrepresenting, omitting, or erroneously
reporting any of the following:
employment history, professional qualifications, criminal
history, certification/recertification
information submitted to local, state, federal, and/or other
governmental agencies
information regarding the evaluation of students and/or
personnel
reasons for absences or leave
information submitted in the course of an official inquiry or
investigation
b. Falsifying records or directing or coercing others to do so
17
Under standard 2.2. Unethical conduct includes, but is not
a. Falsifying, misrepresenting, omitting, or erroneously
reporting any of the following:
1. employment history, professional qualifications, criminal
2. information submitted to local, state, federal, and/or other
3. information regarding the evaluation of students and/or

personnel
4. reasons for absences or leave
5. information submitted in the course of an official inquiry or
investigation
b. Falsifying records or directing or coercing others to do so.
Standard 2: Trustworthiness- Ethical Conduct
Scenario 2: Brently Middle School holds an annual reading
contest. The homeroom class that reads the most books receives
a free field trip to the Mississippi Children’s and Natural
Science Museums. After a student reads a book, he/she
completes a book report and turns it in to the
homeroom teacher. Each teacher turns in the book reports to
the librarian for tallying and determining the winner. With
hopes her class will win, Mrs. Creedmore tells her students they
really don’t have to read the books. She instructs them to copy
the book cover summary and submit it so their class can win the
free field trip.
18
Which of the Standard 2 ethical conduct examples does Mrs.
Creedmore’s behavior violate?
Properly representing facts concerning an educational matter
in direct or indirect
public expression
b) Advocating for fair and equitable opportunities for all
children
c) Embodying for students the characteristics of honesty,
diplomacy, tact,
and fairness.

Assessment Q1: Dr. Hardy’s educator’s license expires on June
30th of this school year. He did not complete the appropriate
amount of continuing education units (CEUs) to renew his
license. His wife is also a teacher. She completed several
workshops over the past year. Dr. Hardy decides he will alter
some of his wife’s workshop certificates and submit them as his
credentials to get his license renewed.
19
Dr. Hardy’s behavior describes which component of Standard 2
Unethical Conduct?
Falsifying employment history, professional qualifications,
criminal history, certification/recertification
Falsifying information regarding the evaluation of students
and/or personnel
Falsifying reasons for absences or leave
Falsifying records or directing/coercing others to do so.

Assessment Q2: Ms. Cobb has been having a challenging year.
She teaches Algebra I and II at Terrace High School and has
used all of her personal days for the year. She wants to take a
week long vacation to get a break from her students. Her best
friend Ann is a doctor. She asks Ann to write her a doctor’s
excuse “saying” that she has the flu and recommends she takes
one week of medical leave. Ann writes her the excuse, and Ms.
Cobb submits it to her school.
20
Ms. Cobb’s behavior describes which component of Standard 2
Unethical Conduct?
Falsifying, misrepresenting, omitting, or erroneously reporting
any of the following:
1. employment history, professional qualifications, criminal
2. information submitted to local, state, federal, and/or other
3. information regarding the evaluation of students and/or
personnel
4. reasons for absences or leave
Assessment Q3: Mr. Haynes is the principal of Southland High
School. His son Jason attends the school. Last year, Jason took
Mrs. Smith for English III. Despite Mrs. Smith’s interventions
and efforts, Jason did not pass English III and had to attend
summer school. Mr. Haynes was not happy about his son

failing the class and felt that Mrs. Smith should have passed
him. Because she failed his son, Mr. Haynes gives Mrs. Smith
very low ratings on the Mississippi Professional Growth System
despite her being an effective teacher and having good
observations throughout the year.
21
Mr. Hand’s behavior describes which component of Standard 2
Unethical Conduct?
Falsifying…employment history, professional qualifications,
criminal history, certification/recertification
Falsifying…information regarding the evaluation of students
and/or personnel
Falsifying…reasons for absences or leave
Falsifying records or directing/coercing others to do so.
Unlawful Acts
Standard 3
An educator shall abide by federal, state, and local laws and
statutes and local school board policies.
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Standard 3: Unlawful Acts--An educator shall abide by federal,
state, and local laws and statutes and local school board
policies.

Standard 3: Unlawful Acts Overview
Standard 3 encompasses the adherence to all laws, which
includes federal, state, local, and policies implemented by the
local school Board of Education.
The educator should be an upstanding, law abiding citizen.
The Educator Code of Ethics operates in conjunction with all
other federal, state and local laws and policies.
“In many states, codes of ethics are tied to discipline systems
because educational professionals are legally obligated to the
care to the children they oversee and instruct. This legal duty
can be enforced directly by government bodies” (Umpstead,
Brady, Lugg, Klinker, & Thompson, 2013, p. 187).
23
Standard 3 encompasses the adherence to all laws, which
includes federal, state, local, and policies implemented by the
local school board of education.
The educator should be an upstanding, law abiding citizen who
does not willfully commit crimes. “In many states, codes of
ethics are tied to discipline systems because educational
professionals are legally obligated to the care to the children
they oversee and instruct. This legal duty can be enforced
directly by government bodies” (Umpstead, Brady, Lugg,
Klinker, & Thompson, 2013, p. 187).
The Educator Code of Ethics operates in inclusion of all other
federal, state and local laws and policies.
Standard 3: Unlawful Acts - Unethical conduct
Unethical conduct includes, but is not limited to:

the commission or conviction of a felony or sexual offense
conviction includes a finding or verdict of guilty, or a plea of
no contest (admitting no guilt for the crime)
24
Unethical conduct includes, but is not limited to:
The commission or conviction of a felony or sexual offense.
Conviction includes a finding or guilty verdict, or a plea of no
contest, regardless of whether an appeal of the conviction has
been sought or situation where first offender treatment without
judgment of guilt pursuant to the charge was granted.
Standard 3: Unlawful Acts- Unethical conduct
Scenario 3: Mr. Gibson was convicted of a felony for assaulting
his girlfriend last spring. Is a felony conviction considered
unethical behavior for an educator?
Yes
No
25
Now apply your understanding of Standard 3. Read the scenario
3 and answer the question that follows.
Educator/Student Relationships

Standard 4
An educator should always maintain a professional relationship
with all students, both in and outside the classroom.
26
Standard 4: Educator/Student Relationships--An educator
should always maintain a professional relationship with all
students, both in and outside the classroom.
Standard 4: Educator/Student Relationships Overview
Standard 4 violations are considered the most serious ethical
infractions.
Any Standard 4 suspected violation must be reported to MDE
within10 days.
Any educator or administrator license may be revoked or
suspended for violating Standard 4.
27
Educators should use positions of authority to ensure the safety
of all students.
Educators should never take advantage of or coerce students
into inappropriate relationships and/or sexual acts.
“By the nature of the role, a teacher has inherent authority over
a student, and as such, a sexual interaction between a teacher
and a student represents a violation of boundaries” (Fromuth &
Holt, 2008, p. 165).

Standard 4 violation is often considered the most serious of the
ethical infractions. The school district should report any
Standard 4 suspected violation directly to the Mississippi
Department of Education --Office of Educator Misconduct
within 10 days of receipt of the information.
Educators should pay close attention to what is considered
ethical and unethical conduct listed in Standard 4. Any
educator or administrator license may be revoked or suspended
for engaging in unethical conduct relating to an
educator/student relationship.
Unfortunately, the education profession is riddled with
educators who consistently make the egregious decision to
violate this serious standard. This violation not only has
negative and lasting repercussions for the educator, but also for
the students involved and their families. “By the nature of the
role, a teacher has inherent authority over a student, and as
such, a sexual interaction between a teacher and a student
represents a violation of boundaries” (Fromuth & Holt, 2008, p.
165). It is imperative that the educator uses his/her position of
authority with prudence to ensure the safety of all students and
never to take advantage of /or coerce students into engaging in
inappropriate relationships and/or sexual acts.
Standard 4: Educator/Student Relationships Ethical Conduct
following:
Fulfilling the roles of mentor and advocate for students
Nurturing the intellectual, physical, emotional, social and civic
potential of all students
28

Providing an environment void of unnecessary embarrassment
or disparagement
Creating, supporting, and maintaining a challenging learning
environment
Under ethical standard 4.1. --Ethical conduct includes, but is
not limited to, the following:
a. Fulfilling the roles of mentor and advocate for students in a
professional relationship. A professional relationship is one in
which the educator maintains a position of teacher/student
authority, while expressing concern, empathy, and
encouragement for students.
b. Nurturing the intellectual, physical, emotional, social and
civic potential of all students
c. Providing an environment that does not needlessly expose
students to unnecessary embarrassment or disparagement
d. Creating, supporting, and maintaining a challenging learning
environment for all students.
Standard 4: Educator/Student Relationships Unethical Conduct
4.2. Unethical conduct includes, but is not limited to the
following:
Committing any act of child abuse
Committing any act of cruelty to children or any act of child
endangerment
Committing or soliciting any unlawful sexual act
Engaging in harassing behavior on the basis of race, gender,
national origin, religion or disability

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Furnishing tobacco, alcohol, or illegal/unauthorized drugs to
any student
Soliciting, encouraging, participating or initiating
inappropriately written, verbal, electronic, physical or romantic
relationship with students.
Under ethical standard 4.2. --Unethical conduct includes, but is
not limited to the following:
a. Committing any act of child abuse
b. Committing any act of cruelty to children or any act of child
endangerment
c. Committing or soliciting any unlawful sexual act
d. Engaging in harassing behavior on the basis of race, gender,
e. Furnishing tobacco, alcohol, or illegal/unauthorized drugs to
any student or allowing consumption of alcohol or illegal drugs
f. Soliciting, encouraging, participating or initiating
inappropriately written, verbal, electronic, physical or romantic
relationship with students.
Standard 4: Educator/Student Relationships Unethical Conduct
Examples of these acts may include but not be limited to:
301. sexual jokes8. threats of physical harm2. sexual remarks9.
sexual assault3. sexual kidding or teasing10. electronic

communication such as texting4. sexual innuendo11. invitation
to social networking5. pressure for dates or sexual favors12.
remarks about a student’s body6. inappropriate touching,
fondling, kissing or grabbing13. consensual sex
7. rape
Examples of acts of unethical conduct may include but are not
be limited to:
1. sexual jokes
2. sexual remarks
3. sexual kidding or teasing
4. sexual innuendo
5. pressure for dates or sexual favors
6. inappropriate touching, fondling, kissing or grabbing
7. rape
8. threats of physical harm
9. sexual assault
10. electronic communication such as texting
11. invitation to social networking
12. remarks about a student’s body
13. consensual sex
Standard 4: Educator/Student Relationships
Scenario 4: Mr. Harris has been the director for the Fairley
High School Mean Green Marching Band for 20 years. He is
proud of the band’s annual all-superior ratings during state
competitions. Mr. Harris believes being a part of this band is a
privilege for any student. He is aware that upperclassmen in the

band perform illegal initiations and hazing of incoming
freshmen but does nothing to stop this.
31
Mr. Harris’ behavior describes which component of Standard 4
Unethical Conduct?
endangerment
Committing or soliciting any unlawful sexual act
Furnishing tobacco, alcohol, or illegal/unauthorized drugs to
any student or allowing a student to consume alcohol or
illegal/unauthorized drugs
Soliciting, encouraging, participating or initiating inappropriate
written, verbal, electronic, physical or romantic relationship
with students.
Assessment Q1: Ms. Jackson is very fond of a male student
Marcus. Marcus comes to Ms. Jackson’s class during her
planning period to talk. She often writes him an excuse to the
teacher’s class he skips while visiting with her. She and
Marcus begin communicating via text, and he eventually comes
to her home. The principal has been informed that a possible
relationship exists between the two. An investigation uncovers
a four month long sexual relationship. The violation is reported
immediately to the MDE Office of Educator Misconduct. Ms.

Jackson goes before the Licensure Commission resulting in
permanent suspension of her educator license.
32
Ms. Jackson’s behavior describes which component of Standard
4
Unethical Conduct?
endangerment
with students.
Assessment Q2: Mr. Larry teaches 8th grade social studies. He
has a new student Alex, who is having trouble adjusting to the
school. He discovers that he and Alex share a hobby of
watching World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE). He feels that
connecting with Alex about wrestling will assist him in
adjusting to the school. Mr. Larry gives Alex his cell number
enabling texting and chatting about the wrestling matches that
come on throughout the week.
Since the student and teacher’s conversation via text is only
about wrestling, does it violate the Mississippi Educator Code
of Ethics?

Yes
No
33
Assessment Q3: Mr. Baker teaches World History at Kalestone
High School, which has a diverse student body. While teaching
a unit on world religions, Mr. Baker makes fun of the dress
code of various cultures. He often makes these types of rude
and insulting comments about race and religion that offend
many students.
34
Mr. Baker’s behavior describes which component of Standard 4
Unethical Conduct?
endangerment
with students.

Educator/Collegial Relationships
Standard 5
An educator should always maintain a professional relationship
with colleagues inside and outside of the classroom.
35
Standard 5: Educator/Collegial Relationships--An educator
should always maintain a professional relationship with
colleagues inside and outside of the classroom.
Standard 5: Educator/Collegial Relationships Overview
Standard 5 discusses the importance of educator-collegial
relationships to encourage professional growth. Participating in
the following relationship-building situations are helpful:
professional learning communities
departmental committees
co-chairing events
team teaching
collaborative lesson planning
education related organizations
“Teachers’ relationships, such as those in collegial
communities, are important sources of social capital, defined as
the potential and actual set of cognitive, social, and material
resources made available through direct and indirect
relationships with others” (Bourdieu, 1986; Coleman, 1988; Lin,
2001) as quoted in (Bridwell-Mitchell & Cooc, 2016, p. 7).
36

Standard 5 discusses the importance of educator-collegial
relationships. The interactions with fellow educators helps one
to grow in many ways in his/her profession; therefore, educators
should be intentional in developing healthy, meaningful
relationships. There are several ways educators can establish
these types of relationships, such as being a part of a
professional learning community, departmental committees, co-
chairing events, team teaching, collaborative lesson planning,
and joining other education related organizations. As an
educator, seek ways to build professional relationships with
your colleagues.
Standard 5: Educator/Collegial Relationships
5. Unethical conduct includes but is not limited to the
following:
Revealing confidential health or personnel information
concerning colleagues
Knowingly making false statements about a colleague or the
school system
Interfering with a colleague’s exercise of political, professional,
or citizenship rights and responsibilities
Discriminating against based on race, religion, national origin,
age, sex, disability or family status
Using coercive means or promise of special treatment to
influence professional decisions
37
Under Standard 5. Unethical conduct includes but is not limited
to the following:
a. Revealing confidential health or personnel information

concerning colleagues unless disclosure serves lawful
professional purposes or is required by law
b. Harming others by knowingly making false statements about
a colleague or the school system
c. Interfering with a colleague’s exercise of political,
professional, or citizenship rights and responsibilities
d. Discriminating against or coercing a colleague on the basis of
race, religion, national origin, age, sex, disability or family
status
e. Using coercive means or promise of special treatment in
order to influence professional decisions of colleagues.
Scenario 14: Mrs. Smith and Mrs. Davis teach next door to
each other and share the same students. In Mrs. Smith class, the
students are very loud and unruly and make very little efforts to
follow classroom norms. Mrs. Davis experiences none of the
behavior problems. The principal visits both of their rooms and
informs Mrs. Smith that she should have better classroom
management. She mentions how those same students behave
well in Mrs. Davis classroom. Feeling embarrassed and
defeated, Mrs. Smith tells the principal and other teachers that
Mrs. Davis is doing unethical things in her classroom, such as:
giving all students good grades; playing games all day instead
of teaching; allowing the use of cell phones during class for
non-academic purposes; and allowing students to skip their
other classes to hangout in her room. The principal investigates
the accusations Mrs. Smith made and found none of them to be
true.
38

Scenario 14 Question:
Mrs. Smith’s behavior describes which component of Standard 5
Unethical Conduct?
Discriminating against or coercing a colleague on the basis of
status
Using coercive means or promise of special treatment in order
to influence professional decisions of colleagues.
Harming others by knowingly making false statements about a
colleague or the school system
39
Assessment Q1: Brinson Academy has an opening for an
assistant principal. The principal, Mrs. Ackron, and a panel
made up of teachers, community members, and parents
interviewed several candidates for the position. Of all the
candidates, Mr. Hallman was determined to be, by far, the most
qualified and best fit for the position. The committee voted and
agreed to offer the position to Mr. Hallman. Just before the
principal submits the hiring paperwork to the Human Resources
office, she decides to look up Mr. Hallman on social media.
She discovers he is married to someone of the same gender.
She fears what negative attention this would bring to her school
if people in the community find out this information about Mr.
Hallman. Mrs. Ackron decides to offer the position to another
candidate, Mrs. Davis. She was scored much lower by the
interview panel, and her most recent rating on the Professional

Growth System Teacher Rubric was 2. The principal’s
behavior describes which component of Standard 5 Unethical
Conduct?
status
40
Assessment Q2: The Social Studies team at Blakemont Middle
School must choose between 2 new curriculums to use next
school year: X Curriculum and DA Curriculum. Mr. Pettis, the
social studies team leader, will make his recommendation for
the better product to the assistant principal. He reviewed both
options thoroughly. X Curriculum would require more work for
the teachers in preparing lessons and activities, but he truly
feels it would improve student outcomes. Mrs. Tinsel has also
reviewed them. She agrees with Mr. Pettis that X Curriculum is
better for improving outcomes and student engagement;
however, she does not want to do all of the additional required
preparatory work. She informs Mr. Pettis that if he votes for the
DA Curriculum, she will cover his rowdiest class every Friday
for two months. Being influenced by Mrs. Tinsel, Mr. Pettis

chooses DA Curriculum for the department.
41
Mrs. Tinsel’s behavior describes which component of Standard
status
Assessment Q3: Mrs. Johns has been the principal of
Persimmon Street Middle School for 5 years and has developed
a great rapport with her staff. In fact, she sees them more as
her family. Ms. French was hired by Mrs. Johns to teach 8th
grade English. During the interview, Ms. French revealed to
Mrs. Johns that she tested positive for a communicable disease
but has been doing very well with ongoing treatment. She
informs Mrs. Johns that she may have to miss a day periodically
for check-ups. She provides Mrs. Johns with medical
documentation as evidence for her appointments. Mrs. Johns
learns that a couple of the male teachers have interest in Ms.
French and want to date her. She is very fond of the male
teachers and fears for their health if they choose to date Ms.
French. In private, she tells each of the men that he may want

to reconsider his interest in dating Ms. French and vaguely
alludes to her health condition.
Mrs. John’s behavior describes which component of Standard 5
Unethical Conduct?
Interfering with a colleague’s exercise of political, professional,
or citizenship rights and responsibilities
Neither: She was right to share that information with the male
teachers since this posed a possible threat to their health.
42
Assessment Q4: The Teacher of the Year (TOY) program is a
big deal in the Mahaffey School District. Each school is
allowed to select a TOY who receives $1,000. Each school’s
TOY then competes for the district teacher of the year for the
opportunity to win $3,000 and be the district representative at
the state recognition program. The counselor is responsible for
the program at Mahaffey Elementary School. The two finalists
are Ms. Jackson and Mrs. Evers. All teachers in the building
vote for the school TOY by turning in their ballots to the
counselor. The counselor receives all ballots, and Ms. Jackson
has the most votes. The counselor decides that since Ms.
Jackson is single and has no children, she doesn’t have much
need for the money. Mrs. Evers has a family and could
definitely use the money from winning TOY. Although Ms.
Jackson received more votes for TOY, the counselor decides to

announce Mrs. Evers as the winner.
The counselor’s behavior describes which component of
status
43
Alcohol, Drug and Tobacco Use or Possession
Standard 6
An educator should refrain from the use of alcohol and/or
tobacco during the course of professional practice and should
never use illegal or unauthorized drugs.
44
Standard 6: Alcohol, Drug and Tobacco Use or Possession
An educator should refrain from the use of alcohol and/or
tobacco during the course of professional practice and should
never use illegal or unauthorized drugs.

Overview
Should never use illegal or unauthorized drugs
Perform school related activities without being impaired or
under the influence of illegal drugs or alcohol
Discuss with students the dangers of using these substances and
ways to abstain from usage
Be proactive in finding ways to prevent and deter substance
abuse among students.
45
Standard 6 discusses the educator’s responsibility to provide
safety for all students.
Standard 6 discusses the educator’s responsibility of provide
safety for all students.
As an educator, you are responsible for the safety and welfare
of all students. One must perform his or her job without being
impaired or under the influence of illegal drugs or alcohol. It is
mandatory that educators are not under the influence on school
premises or while performing school-related activities. With
reasonable suspicion of drugs or alcohol, a public employer may
search a public employee’s office (e.g. desk and file cabinet
where personal correspondence is stored) (O’Connor v. Ortega,
480 U.S. 709 [1987]). Therefore, if your actions and/or
information received warrants a search or testing for
drugs/alcohol, you are required to comply. Not only should
educators not engage in the use of alcohol and/or tobacco while
working and never use illegal or unauthorized drugs, but
educators should also discuss with students the dangers of using

these substances and ways to abstain from usage. Be proactive
in finding ways to prevent and deter substance abuse among
students.
Ethical Conduct
following:
Factually representing the dangers of alcohol, tobacco and
illegal drug use and abuse to students
46
Under standard 6.1. Ethical conduct includes, but is not limited
to, the following:
a. Factually representing the dangers of alcohol, tobacco and
illegal drug use and abuse to students during the course of
professional practice.
Unethical Conduct
following:
Being under the influence of or possessing, using, consuming
illegal or unauthorized drugs
Being impaired by drugs or alcohol while on school premises or
at a school-related activity involving students
Using tobacco on school premises or at a school-related activity
involving students.
A school-related activity includes but is not limited to any
school sponsored activity with students that is designed to
enhance the school curricula.

47
Under Standard 6.2. --Unethical conduct includes, but is not
Being under the influence of, possessing, using, or consuming
illegal or unauthorized drugs
Being on school premises or at a school-related activity
involving students while documented as being under the
influence of, possessing, or consuming alcoholic beverages.
c) Being on school premises or at a school-related activity
involving students while documented using tobacco.
A school-related activity includes but is not limited to any
school sponsored activity with students that is designed to
enhance the school curricula. (A Club field trip is an example.)
Scenario 6: Mrs. Dunson desires to teach her students about the
dangers of consuming alcohol and illegal drugs.
Which of the following activities would be the least effective
way to teach the students about substance abuse?
Students will complete an activity in which they learn of the
effects various drugs have on the brain.
Students will discuss in groups how they should respond if
being pressured by a peer to use drugs and alcohol.
Students will watch an R-rated movie that contains violence and
shows drug abuse and its effect on a major city.
Invite a health professional to class to discuss the dangers of
substance abuse and ways to avoid
Students are introduced to four short stories, each involving use

of an illicit drug. The students must use clues from the stories,
witnesses, scenes, and doing laboratory experiments to develop
a hypothesis and identify the drug in the story.
48
What should Mr. Brunson do?
Go about his day and do nothing
Talk to Coach Grisham about not using drugs. Inform him that
if he is under the influence of drugs again on school property,
he will report him to the principal.
He doesn’t want to ruin the championship game for the school,
so he waits until the following day to inform the principal of
what he observed of Coach Grisham.
He goes to the principal immediately and reports what he
observed of Coach Grisham.
49
Assessment Q1: Today is the football championship game day
for Fairley High School. Mr. Brunson pulls into the school
parking lot and notices the football coach, Coach Grisham,
sitting in his truck smoking what appears to be marijuana. As
the two men enter the building, Mr. Brunson smells the scent of
marijuana on Coach Grisham. Coach Grisham’s eyes are red,
and his speech is slower. They both sign-in and go to their
rooms.

Assessment Q2: Mrs. Townsend is over the academic debate
team at Johnson Performing Arts High School. She travels to
Southaven with the debate team for a competition. Mrs.
Townsend and the students select to eat at a local restaurant for
dinner. Mrs. Townsend orders an alcoholic beverage with her
dinner.
Does Mrs. Townsend’s decision to order an alcoholic beverage
violate ethical behavior for an educator?
No. It is after work hours, and she is not on school property.
Yes
50
Public Funds and Property
Standard 7
An educator shall not knowingly misappropriate, divert, or use
funds, personnel, property, or equipment committed to his or
her charge for personal gain or advantage.
51
Standard 7: Public Funds and Property
An educator shall not knowingly misappropriate, divert, or use
funds, personnel, property, or equipment committed to his or
her charge for personal gain or advantage.

Standard 7: Public Funds and Property Overview
Mismanagement of funds, property, and equipment
Misrepresenting oneself to misappropriate school funds or
property
Practices punishable by termination, fines, and/or jail time
Being informed of district, state, and federal policies related to
appropriate management is essential.
52
Standard 7 discusses public funds and deceptive practices that
include but are not limited to the following:
Educator misconduct is more than mismanaging relationships
with students and colleagues, it also includes the
mismanagement of funds, property, and equipment. It violates
the educator code of ethical conduct to misrepresent oneself in
order to misappropriate school funds or property.
These types of deceptive practices may be punishable by
termination, fines, and/or jail time. When handling funds and
equipment, be sure to know and follow all district, state, and
federal policies related to appropriate management. Attend
trainings and read related manuals that deal directly with this
topic if this is one of your job functions.
Standard 7: Public Funds and Property Ethical Conduct
following:
Maximizing the positive effect of school funds

Modeling for students and colleagues the responsible use of
public property
53
following:
a. Maximizing the positive effect of school funds through
careful use of said funds
b. Modeling for students and colleagues the responsible use of
public property.
Standard 7: Public Funds and Property Unethical Conduct
following:
Knowingly misappropriating, diverting or using funds,
personnel, property for personal gain
Failing to account for collected funds
Submitting fraudulent requests for reimbursement
Co-mingling public or school-related funds with personal funds
or checking accounts
Using school property without the approval
54
following:
a. Knowingly misappropriating, diverting or using funds,
personnel, property or equipment committed to one’s charge for

personal gain
b. Failing to account for funds collected from students, parents
or any school-related function
c. Submitting fraudulent requests for reimbursement of expenses
or for pay
d. Co-mingling public or school-related funds with personal
funds or checking accounts
e. Using school property without the approval of the local board
of education/governing body.
Scenario 7: Ms. Jacobs is the literacy coach for a rural school
district. She works with teachers in all of the different schools,
some of which are very far out in the county. At the end of
each month, she completes a mileage report and is reimbursed
for travel. Ms. Jacobs actually travels about 550 miles per
month for work, however, she claims 850 miles on her monthly
mileage report.
55
Mrs. Jacob’s behavior describes which component of Standard
Failing to account for funds collected from students, parents or
any school-related function
Submitting fraudulent requests for reimbursement of expenses
or for pay
Using school property without the approval of the local board of
education/governing body.

Assessment Q1: Mr. Clifton has been the band director for
several years. At the end of the summer, each of the band
students must pay fees to cover uniforms and other costs for the
year. He collects the money himself and does not issue
receipts. Many parents complain that many of the things they
paid for were never received. An investigation also revealed
that he used some of the money for personal spending.
56
Mr. Clifton’s behavior describes which components of Standard
7 Unethical Conduct? Check all that apply.
personnel, property or equipment committed to his or her charge
for personal gain
or for pay
Assessment Q2: Ms. Hardy is the sponsor of the student council
at Royal Springs High School. The student council held a dance

raising over $1,000. Ms. Hardy is responsible for depositing
the money in the student council checking account. She arrives
to her local bank just before closing time, but realizes she left
the student council bank account number in her classroom safe.
Since she has an account at the bank, she decides she will
deposit the student council funds into her personal checking
account and move the funds later to the student council account.
57
Ms. Hardy’s behavior describes which component of Standard 7
Unethical Conduct?
or for pay
Using school property without the approval of the local board of
education/governing body.
Assessment Q3: Mr. Davis works for Gosher School District as
an art and graphics design teacher. He is one of the best
graphic artists in the city. Many people from the community
request his services to create flyers, brochures, logos, etc. He
loves helping the people of his community and charges only a
nominal fee for his services; usually the fee is just to replace
what he used to make the product. While at work, he uses the
school district equipment to create the materials for his clients.

58
Mr. Davis’ behavior describes which component of Standard 7
Unethical Conduct?
personnel, property or equipment committed to his or her charge
for personal gain
or for pay
Neither since he is not making much of a profit from the service
he provides.
Remunerative Conduct
Standard 8
An educator should maintain integrity with students, colleagues,
parents, patrons, or businesses when accepting gifts, gratuities,
favors, and additional compensation.
59
Standard 8: An educator should maintain integrity with
students, colleagues, parents, patrons, or businesses when
accepting gifts, gratuities, favors, and additional compensation.

Standard 8: Remunerative Conduct Overview
As an educator, it is imperative that you handle all school
related business transactions and relationships with integrity.
Avoid using your position with your district to promote
personal business ventures.
Districts should have internal controls in place to discover
financial misconduct among employees.
This internal control measures should involve investigating
allegations of waste, fraud, financial mismanagement and
employee misconduct (Sullivan, 2016).
Regardless, educators are responsible for ensuring the district
gets the best quality for the best price without fraud, bri bery,
favors, and promises of personal gain.
60
Standard 8 discusses the importance of educators handling all
school related business transactions and relationships with
integrity. For example, it is unethical to use your position with
your district to promote or solicit personal business ventures.
Your judgment in business matters should not be impaired by
potential personal gain. Districts should have internal controls
in place to discover financial misconduct among employees.
This internal control measures should involve investigating
allegations of waste, fraud, financial mismanagement and
employee misconduct (Sullivan, 2016). If you are an educator
that performs duties related to business and financial matters,
you are responsible to ensure the district gets the best quality
for the best price without fraud, bribery, favors, and promises
of personal gain.
Standard 8: Remunerative Conduct Ethical Conduct

following:
a. Insuring that institutional privileges are not used for personal
gain
b. Insuring that school policies or procedures are not impacted
by gifts or gratuities
61
following:
a. Insuring that institutional privileges are not used for personal
gain
b. Insuring that school policies or procedures are not impacted
by gifts or gratuities from any person or organization.
Standard 8: Remunerative Conduct Unethical Conduct
following:
Soliciting students or parents of students to purchase
equipment, supplies, or services from the educator that financial
benefit the educator
Tutoring students assigned to the educator for remuneration
unless approved by the local school board
Accepting or offering 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, or other
persons or organizations in recognition or appreciation of
service.)
62

following:
a. Soliciting students or parents of students to purchase
equipment, supplies, or services from the educator or to
participate in activities that financially benefit the educator
unless approved by the local governing body
b. Tutoring students assigned to the educator for remuneration
c. 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, or other persons or organiza tions in recognition or
appreciation of service.)
Standard 8: Remunerative Conduct
Scenario 8: Dr. Grant is the district’s administrator for online
learning and is responsible for selecting a vendor to provide
online courses. He has met with several vendors who have
made great presentations. Two representatives from one of the
vendors ask to take him out to dinner as an appreciation for him
listening to their presentation. While at dinner, the
representatives inform him that if he chooses their company,
they will send him a personal check of $5,000 to his home
address. Dr. Grant accepts this deal and chooses this company
as the vendor for the online courses for his district.
Dr. Grant’s behavior describes which component of Standard 8
Unethical Conduct?

The educator shall neither accept nor offer gratuities, gifts, or
advantage.
63
Assessment Q1: Greg is the star basketball player at Griffith
High School, but he struggles in math. If he fails the semester
exam in Mr. Teal’s algebra class, he will be ineligible to play
basketball for the rest of the season. He asks Mrs. Anderson,
another math teacher, if she would tutor him 3 days per week,
and she agrees. With Mrs. Anderson’s help, Greg successfully
passes the exam. Greg and his parents are very appreciative of
Mrs. Anderson for tutoring Greg and give her a $50 gift
certificate to Massage Envy Spa.
Is it ethical for Mrs. Anderson to accept this gift?
Yes
No
64

Assessment Q2: Mrs. Sylvester is a teacher at Dixon Valley
Elementary School. She makes gift baskets and sells them from
her home. It’s the beginning of February, and she knows people
will be purchasing Valentine’s Day gifts soon. As each of her
students’ parents come to pick up his/her child, she informs
them that she will be selling Valentine’s Day gift baskets and
gives them her personal business card.
Mrs. Sylvester’s behavior describes which component of
advantage. (This standard shall not restrict the acceptance of
gifts or tokens offered and accepted openly from students,
parents, or other persons or organizations in recognition or
appreciation of service.)
65
Assessment Q3: Mr. Davis is the principal at Blueville Middle
School. He and his wife have recently applied to be a part of a
very prestigious country club. The club’s president, Mr. Fields,
has a son who attends Blueville. Mr. Fields’ son earned a
failing grade in science. Mr. Fields tells the principal if he
changes his son’s grade, he will guarantee that Mr. Davis and
his wife are accepted into the country club with the highest

level of membership privileges. After all teacher grades have
been entered into SAMS student system, Mr. Davis accesses the
system and changes the student’s grade.
Mr. Davis’ behavior describes which component of Standard 8
Unethical Conduct?
advantage.
66
Maintenance of Confidentiality
Standard 9
An educator shall comply with state and federal laws and local
school board policies relating to confidentiality of student and
personnel records, standardized test material, and other
information covered by confidentiality agreements.
67
Standard 9: Maintenance of Confidentiality:
An educator shall comply with state and federal laws and local
school board policies relating to confidentiality of student and
personnel records, standardized test material, and other

information covered by confidentiality agreements.
Standard 9: Maintenance of Confidentiality Overview
Standard 9 discusses the need for educators to maintain the
highest degree of confidentiality when handling sensitive and
private student and adult information.
Working together to ensure confidentiality and proper sharing
of information
Holding oneself and others accountable for protecting student
and adult privacy is essential
Developing a shared understanding and working knowledge of
one another's ethical, legal, and professional responsibilities
68
Developing a shared understanding and working knowledge of
one another's ethical, legal, and professional responsibilities
can lead to a collaborative and cohesive working alliance in the
safe management of information (Williams & Wehrman, 2010).
Standard 9 discusses the need for educators to maintain with the
highest degree of confidentiality since they handle sensitive and
private student and adult information on a daily basis. The
ethical principle of confidentiality is at the core of all
professional educators. However, the protection of
confidentiality is not an absolute guarantee since exceptions are
mandated both in ethical codes and in law (Lehr, Lehr, &
Sumarah, 2007). Standard 9 discusses the different
circumstances in which educators are allowed to share
information and what information should remain confidential at
all times. Educators must work together to ensure
confidentiality and proper sharing of information. This
involves ensuring oneself practices confidentiality of sensitive
information and holding others accountable. Developing a

shared understanding and working knowledge of one another's
ethical, legal, and professional responsibilities can lead to a
collaborative and cohesive working alliance in the safe
management of information (Williams & Wehrman, 2010).
Standard 9: Maintenance of Confidentiality Ethical Conduct
following:
Protecting student information obtained during professional
service unless disclosure is appropriate or required by law
Maintaining the security of standardized test supplies and
resources
69
following:
a. Keeping in confidence information about students that has
been obtained in the course of professional service unless
disclosure serves a legitimate purpose or is required by law
b. Maintaining diligently the security of standardized test
supplies and resources.
Standard 9: Maintenance of Confidentiality Unethical Conduct
following:
Sharing confidential information concerning student records
concerning academic/disciplinary, health/medical, family
status/income, and assessment/testing results, etc.
Violating confidentiality agreements related to standardized
testing including: copying/teaching identified test items,

publishing/distributing test items or answers, discussing test
items, and violating local school board or state test directions
Violating other confidentiality agreements required by state or
local policy
70
following:
a. Sharing confidential information concerning student
academic and disciplinary records, health and medical
information family status/income and assessment/testing results
unless disclosure is required or permitted by law.
b. Violating confidentiality agreements related to standardized
testing including copying or teaching identified test items,
publishing or distributing test items or answers, discussing test
items, and violating local school board or state directions for
the use of tests
c. Violating other confidentiality agreements required by state
or local policy.
Standard 9: Maintenance of Confidentiality
Scenario 9: Mr. Hobbs 7th Grade English scores have been the
highest in the district for the last 5 years. He works with the
state department to write MAAP test items. The principal
discovered that Mr. Hobbs copies the state test items and shares
them with his students.
Mr. Hobbs’ behavior describes which component of Standard 9
Unethical Conduct?
Sharing confidential information concerning student academic
and disciplinary records, health and medical information family
status/income and assessment/testing results unless disclosure is

required or permitted by law.
the use of tests
local policy.
71
Assessment Q1: Mrs. Jointer has a student Shelly who has
significant cognitive disabilities. Mrs. Jointer runs into
Shelly’s mom at the beauty salon. She recognizes her from the
IEP meetings. Once Shelly’s mom leaves the beauty shop, Mrs.
Jointer discusses Shelly’s disabilities with her stylist and the
other women in the beauty salon. Mrs. Jointer’s behavior
describes which component of Standard 9 Unethical Conduct?
Sharing confidential information concerning student academic
and disciplinary records, health and medical information famil y
status/income and assessment/testing results unless disclosure is
required or permitted by law.
the use of tests

local policy.
72
MDE Test Security Violations
Cheating and/or questionable test behavior on any of MDE's
tests
Accessing questions prior to the test
Taking photos or making copies of test questions or test
materials
Posting test questions on the internet (social media or websites)
Test Administrators who are not allowing students the proper
accommodations based upon their Individualized Education Plan
(IEP); or
Test administrator and/or test proctor misconduct (such as
providing answers and/or questions to test takers, telling
students to change their answers, allowing electronic devices to
be used during testing, and/or permitting test takers to talk
among themselves during testing).
73
Assessment Q2: You are aware that a teacher on your hall has
committed one of the MDE test security violations listed on the
left, what should you do?
Tell the teacher to stop or he/she will be reported to the
principal.
Nothing. Reports of test security are not taken seriously by the

district or MDE.
Report his/her actions to the MDE Test Security Hotline.
Record him/her with your phone as evidence of their
misconduct.
Assessment Q3: Which of the following violates confidentiality
of student information?
Mrs. Johnson has been observing Adam for weeks. He has
trouble keeping up with his classmates and lacks many basic
skills needed for his grade. She shares her findings with the
counselor and the principal and recommends the student be
tested for special education and/or other services.
At the beginning of the year, Mr. Henson notices several bruises
on one of his students. He believes the student is being abused
at home due to several signs and symptoms he’s observed and
documented. She has started to become a behavior problem.
She doesn’t complete assignments, is combative with the
teacher and other students, and wears clothing not appropriate
for the season. She often complains that she isn’t feeling well
and wants to just sleep in class. He reports his observation to
the school social worker.
Anna is a student in Mr. Cannon’s PE class, and her family
attends the same church with him. Anna has several behavior
problems. Mr. Cannon has been asked to sit in on several
conferences with Anna and her parents. Mr. Cannon feels that
her parents are not supporting the school in helping to modify
Anna’s ongoing behavior problems. Mr. Cannon talks to the
pastor in detail about what is happening with Anna and seeks
his advice.

74
Breach of Contract or Abandonment of Employment
Standard 10
An educator should fulfill all of the terms and obligations
detailed in the contract with the local school board or
educational agency for the duration of the contract.
75
Standard 10: Breach of Contract or abandonment of
employment: An educator should fulfill all of the terms and
obligations detailed in the contract with the local school board
or educational agency for the duration of the contract.
Standard 10: Breach of Contract or Abandonment of
Employment Overview
Standard 10 discusses the educator’s responsibility in fulfilling
contractual obligations, which includes but is not limited to the
following:
includes proper instruction of content
timely grading and assessment of student progress
properly supervising students and managing the classroom
ensuring the safety and welfare of all students.
fulfilling the entire duration of teaching contract
If you resign from a position or quit without being released,
your district may pursue a suspension of your educator license
for one year due to breach of contract and abandonment of
employment. This applies to superintendent, principal, and any
licensed employee. Miss. Code § 37-9-57

76
Standard 10 discusses the educator’s responsibility of fulfilling
contractual obligations. As an educator, you are required to
fulfill all job duties and responsibilities as detailed in your
contract. As a teacher, this includes proper instruction of
content, timely grading and assessment of student progress,
properly supervising students and managing the classroom, and
ensuring the safety and welfare of all students. Also, you must
fulfill the entire duration of your contract. For instance, if your
last day of service for the year is May 28th, then you must work
until that day. If you resign before this time without being
released, your district may pursue a suspension of your educator
license for one year due to breach of contract and abandonment
of employment. This applies to superintendent, principal, and
any licensed employee. Miss. Code § 37-9-57
Employment Unethical Conduct
10. Unethical conduct includes, but is not limited to, the
following:
Abandoning the contract for professional services without prior
release from the contract by the school board
Refusing to perform services required by the contract
77
Unethical conduct includes, but is not limited to, the following:

Refusing to perform services required by the contract
Employment
Scenario 10: In each situation, match the action of the educator
with the Standard 10 unethical behavior.
1. Mr. Burton signed his contract agreeing to return to
McDonald Middle School. Over the summer, he lands a one-
year internship at a local chemical company. He decides to take
the internship at the company and not return to McDonald
Middle School as a teacher.
2. Mrs. Milton teaches 5th grade math and science at Butler
Elementary School. Several parents have complained to the
principal that Mrs. Milton doesn’t grade student work or post
grades online as other teachers. The students say that they do
not receive any instruction all day. She assigns a couple of
workbook pages each day. Once students complete the work,
they are allowed to talk to their friends as long as they don’t get
too loud. Mrs. Milton spends most the day on the computer or
talking on her cell phone during class time and sometimes
leaves the students unattended.
Unethical behaviors
Refusing to perform services required by the contract.
78
Now apply your knowledge to scenario 33.

Inquiries and Reporting
For questions and inquiries related to the Code of Ethics
training, contact the Office of Teaching and Leading at 601-
359-3631.
To report an educator misconduct case, contact the Office of
Educator Misconduct at 601-359-2472.
79
Thank you for participating in the Mississippi Ethics – Code of
Conduct training. For questions and inquiries related to the
training, contact the Office of Teaching and Leading at 601-
359-3631.
To report an educator misconduct case, contact the Office of
Educator Misconduct at 601-359-2472.

Mississippi Educator Code of Ethics EDUCATOR AND PRE-SERVICE

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