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“Let each of you look not only to his own interest, but also to the interest of others.” Philippians 2:4
As we work with each other on committees or at school, we often become familiar with the students, parents and teachers. We learn of their strengths and apparent weaknesses. Sometimes, either deliberately or casually, we share information that should be kept in confidence. This Code of Ethics is designed to give some practical directives to help us all to know when and with whom to share our information.
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Teachers should discuss students’ achievements or problems only with those who need to know. A student’s individual weaknesses should not become common knowledge.
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Volunteers who work directly with students should discuss them only with the student’s teacher. Great care should be taken to avoid discussing students in casual conversation with other teachers, parents or students (including our own children).
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Teachers should remember their grade book and students’ personal files are confidential. Volunteers should not have access to them. A student’s rank in the class should also be kept confidential.
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When a teacher needs to talk to parents, care should be taken that it is done privately. Discussions about students should not be done when other students, parents or teachers are present.
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Teachers using volunteers to work with groups or individual students should share only the necessary information about the students to ensure meaningful learning experiences. Volunteers should report directly to the teacher.
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Parents, teachers, staff or students should refrain from talking about other parents, teachers, staff or students. Differences of opinion or concerns are to be taken up directly with the individual involved.
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Extreme caution should be taken when using names in general discussions amongst teachers, staff or committee members.
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Teachers, committee and board members must remember that discussions and decisions made at meetings are confidential.
Everyone working with the school should remember to speak words of encouragement and build up students, teachers, staff, parents, and board members. Problems and concerns should be brought up with those directly involved and should not become general knowledge. We must guard the integrity of the school body whether at home, school or in public. Step in and stop conversations that are out of place.
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