The Ohio Department of Education is in the process of revising the Licensure Code of Professional Conduct for Ohio Educators. The Code provides a guide for conduct in situations that have professional implications for all individuals credentialed by the State Board of Education, such as teachers, principals, superintendents, educational aides, coaches, and substitute teachers.
The Code is broken down into separate principles that the state believes are fundamental to high-quality educators. All of the original eight principles have been revised, and ODE added a ninth principle. The full draft Code is accessible here, and shows the exact language of all proposed changes. The most significant proposed changes are identified below.
Principle One added that an educator violates the Code by having a continuing physical or mental inability, incapacity, or addiction that significantly impacts the educator’s ability to carry out his or her professional responsibilities and also renders the educator incapable of safely maintaining the care, custody, and control of students. Failing to verify that an educator is properly credentialed by ODE prior to hiring is now a violation. Principle One also expressly lists sexual harassment and academic dishonesty as violations of the Principle of Professional Behavior. Finally, educators are also in violation of the Code if they assist another educator in violating the Code.
Principle Two was revised to expressly prohibit grooming a student or minor (described as befriending and establishing an emotional connection) for the purpose of an inappropriate emotional, romantic, or sexual relationship. Educators are now also prohibited from encouraging or engaging in an inappropriate relationship with any individual who was a student in the preceding 12 months.
Principle Three clarifies how an educator could violate the requirement to accurately report information, such as falsifying, intentionally misrepresenting, willfully omitting or being negligent in reporting information (including prior discipline regarding the educator’s license) during an official investigation or when applying for employment or licensure.
Principle Five now prohibits violating local, state, or federal procedures or laws relating to the confidentiality of standardized tests, test supplies, and resources.
Principle Six includes specific reference to an educator’s requirement to be a positive role model, and extends that requirement to an educator’s personal behavior outside of school. It is now a violation for educators to engage in habitual and excessive abuse of alcohol, which is defined as two or more alcohol-related convictions within a five-year span or a severe alcohol-related conviction, such as a high blood alcohol content, significant injury or property damage, or an incident involving minors.
Principle Seven, previously titled “Accepting Compensation for Self Promotion or Personal Gain” was retitled “Financial Management and Improper Compensation for Personal Gain.” ODE expressly states that educators must ensure all school funds and accounts are managed in a responsible and transparent manner, and in accordance with board policies as well as local, state, or federal laws.
Principle Eight, “Commitment to Contract,” was revised to clarify that consent is required to break an employment contract outside of the statutory period in ORC 3319.15, or 3314.103 for community schools.
ODE added a new proposed Principle to address “Appropriate and Responsible Use of Technology.” Educators are required to use technology, electronic communications, and social media in a responsible and professional manner, as well as appropriately safeguard the unauthorized use or access to electronic devices and data entrusted to them. This includes maintaining appropriate boundaries with colleagues, students, and the school community when using technology. While recognizing educator’s constitutional rights, the Code reminds educators that “the words they chose, and the content of their statements can reflect negatively on their position, school, and profession.” The Code outlines the specific conduct that violates this Principle:
Failing to prevent students and others from accessing improper, inappropriate, or confidential material or data on the educator’s personal device or school-owned device;
Using a school-owned device to access inappropriate and non-school-related material;
Presenting inappropriate, non-school-related media to students;
Using electronic communications to inappropriately communicate with students, such as using social media with students excessively for non-educational purposes;
Failing to report or address electronic or online harassment, bullying, or intimidation of a student;
Failing to appropriately intervene when made aware of inappropriate or illegal images or material involving minors in electronic forms;
Using technology to host, post, or distribute improper or inappropriate material that could reasonably be accessed by the school community (including, but not limited to, pornography, obscene material, promotion of drug use or underage consumption of alcohol, promotion of violence, disparagement of students, and disparagement based upon gender, gender identity, race, sex, ethnicity, sexual orientation, disability, military status, or religion); and
Using school technology to run, manage, or promote a personal business venture.
The Code outlines disciplinary actions for violating the new Principle Nine, which ranges from a letter of admonishment up to suspension (one day to five years).
The public comment period on the draft revisions ends next week.