Lincoln Public Schools

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PERSONAL AND PROFESSIONAL CONDUCT

Professional Ethics Standards

Lincoln Public Schools expects its gifted mentors to adhere to the professional ethics standards established by the Nebraska Department of Education as such standards may be modified from time to time. The professional ethics standards that gifted mentors are expected to adhere to include those set forth below.

The gifted mentor shall believe in the worth and dignity of human beings. Recognizing the supreme importance of the pursuit of truth, the devotion to excellence and the nurture of democratic citizenship, the gifted mentor shall regard as essential to these goals the protection of the freedom to learn and to teach and the guarantee of equal educational opportunity for all. The gifted mentor shall accept the responsibility to practice the profession to these ethical standards.

The gifted mentor shall recognize the magnitude of the responsibility he/she has accepted in choosing to mentor highly gifted students in the educational forum, and engages, individually and collectively with other educators, to judge his/her colleagues, and to be judged by them, in accordance with the provisions of this code of ethics.

The standards listed in this section are held to be generally accepted minimal standards for all educators, including gifted mentors, with respect to ethical and professional conduct.

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Commitment as a Professional Educator

Fundamental to the pursuit of high educational standards is the maintenance of a profession possessed of individuals with high skills, intellect, integrity, wisdom, and compassion. The gifted mentor shall exhibit good moral character, maintain high standards of performance and promote equality of opportunity.

In fulfillment of professional responsibilities, the gifted mentor:

• Shall not interfere with the exercise of political and citizenship rights and responsibilities of students, colleagues, parents, school patrons, or school board members.
• Shall not discriminate on the basis of race, color, creed, sex, marital status, age, national origin, ethnic background, or handicapping condition.
• Shall not use coercive means, or promise or provide special treatment to students, colleagues, school patrons, or school board members in order to influence professional decisions.
• Shall not make any fraudulent statement or fail to disclose a material fact for which the gifted mentor is responsible.
• Shall not exploit professional relationships with students, colleagues, parents, school patrons, or school board members for personal gain or private advantage.
• Shall not sexually harass students, parents or school patrons, employees, or board members.
• Shall not have had revoked for cause in another state a teaching certificate, administrative certificate, or any certificate enabling a person to engage in any of the activities for which a special services counseling certificate is issued in Nebraska.
• Shall not engage in conduct involving dishonesty, fraud, deceit, or misrepresentation in the performance of professional duties.
• Shall report to the Superintendent any known violation of the above listed directives.
• Shall seek no reprisal against any individual who has reported a violation of this rule.

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Commitment to the Student

Mindful that a profession exists for the purpose of serving the best interests of the client, the gifted mentor shall practice the profession of mentoring highly gifted students with genuine interest, concern, and consideration for the student. The gifted mentor shall work to stimulate the spirit of inquiry, the acquisition of knowledge and understanding, and the thoughtful formulation of worthy goals.

In fulfillment of the obligation to the student, the gifted mentor:

• Shall permit the student to pursue reasonable independent scholastic effort, and shall permit the student access to varying points of view.
• Shall not deliberately suppress or distort subject matter for which the gifted mentor is responsible.
• Shall make reasonable effort to protect the student from conditions which interfere with the learning process or are harmful to health or safety.
• Shall conduct professional educational activities in accordance with sound educational practices that are in the best interest of the student.
• Shall keep in confidence personally identifiable information that has been obtained in the course of professional service, unless disclosure serves professional purposes, or is required by law.
• Shall not discipline students using corporal punishment.

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Commitment to the Public

The magnitude of the responsibility inherent in the education process requires dedication to the principles of our democratic heritage. The gifted mentor bears responsibility for instilling an understanding of the confidence in the rule of law, respect for individual freedom, and a responsibility to promote respect by the public for the integrity of the profession.

In fulfillment of the obligation to the public, the gifted mentor:

• Shall not misrepresent an institution with which he/she is affiliated, and shall take added precautions to distinguish between his/her personal and institutional views.
• Shall not use institutional privileges for private gain or to promote political candidates, political issues, or partisan political activities.
• Shall neither offer nor accept gifts or favors that will impair professional judgment.
• Shall support the principle of due process and protect the political, citizenship, and natural rights of all individuals.
• Shall not commit any act of moral turpitude, nor commit any felony under the laws of the United States or any state or territory.
• Shall, with reasonable diligence, attend to the duties of his/her professional position.

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Commitment to the Profession

In belief that the quality of the services to the education profession directly influences the nation and its citizens, the gifted mentor shall exert every effort to raise professional standards, to improve service, to promote a climate in which the exercise of professional judgment is encouraged. The gifted mentor shall believe that sound professional relationships with colleagues are built upon personal integrity, dignity, and mutual respect.

In fulfillment of the obligation to the profession, the gifted mentor:

• Shall not misrepresent his/her professional qualifications, nor those of colleagues.

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Commitment to Professional Employment Practices

The gifted mentor shall believe that sound personnel relationships with governing boards are built upon personal integrity, dignity, and mutual respect.

In fulfillment of the obligation to professional employment practices, the gifted mentor:

• Shall apply for, accept, offer, or assign a position or responsibility on the basis of professional preparation and legal qualifications.
• Shall not knowingly withhold information regarding a position from an applicant or employer, or misrepresent an assignment or conditions of employment.
• Shall give prompt notice to the employer of any change in availability of service.
• Shall not assign to unqualified personnel, tasks for which a gifted mentor is responsible.
• Shall permit no commercial or personal exploitation of his or her professional position.
• Shall use time on duty for the purpose for which intended.

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Role Model

Gifted mentors serve as role models for students and their actions and conduct reflect on the school as a whole. Gifted mentors are, in all respects, to conduct themselves in a professional manner.

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Relationships

It is important for gifted mentors to maintain an effective working relationship with the administration and all co-workers, including other teachers and support staff. gifted mentors are also to maintain appropriate relationships with students. Appropriate relationships are established by extending social courtesies, following through on commitments and promises, complying with administrative directives and Board polices, being honest and consistent, and not intruding into personal matters outside the scope of duties or gossiping or spreading rumors about others.

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Professional Attire

It is important for gifted mentors to project a professional image to students, parents and co-workers. Appropriate attire and grooming is one of the means of projecting a professional image. Gifted mentors are expected to maintain conservative and professional attire and grooming when on duty. As professionals, gifted mentors are expected to be aware of the standard to be maintained. As a minimal guide, gifted mentors should not wear clothing which students would not be permitted to wear at school. The administration may establish more detailed guidelines for individual gifted mentors should that be necessary.

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Private Tutoring

Gifted mentors are encouraged to provide individual assistance to students as a part of their duties. Gifted mentors who engage in private tutoring for pay (compensation of any kind from a source other than the District) are subject to the following rules:

• The gifted mentor is not to provide private tutoring in a school building.
• The gifted mentor is not to provide private tutoring during duty time.