Georgia Professional Standards Commission

2. 20-2-984.1. Adoption of a Code of Ethics. (a)  It shall be the duty of the commission to adopt standards of performance and a code of ethics for educators… which are generally accepted by educators of this state.  

3. 20-2-984.1. Adoption of a Code of Ethics. The standards of performance and code of ethics adopted by the commission shall be limited to: professional performance and professional ethics.  

4. Why change the Short Titles? Criminal Act Legal Compliance Abuse of Students Conduct with Students Misrepresentation Honesty And Falsification IRC RC

5. Legal Compliance Standard 1 Standard Two states that an educator should always maintain a professional relationship with all students, both in and outside the classroom. The first three examples in this standard would also be criminal acts and would require reporting under the statute concerning child abuse. The fourth example relates to harassment. Educators should never harass a student on the basis of race, gender, national origin, religion or disability. Sarcasm is usually a deadly weapon in the hands of a teacher who has great influence in a student’s sense of self-worth. The fifth example involves personal relationships with students. Teachers should be warned about encouraging an inappropriate relationship by means of email, telephone, written messages (notes, letters, cards, etc.) Educators should not date students . Educators should not develop a personal relationship with students that creates an emotional dependency on the educator. Educators should not furnish or allow a student to consume alcohol, illegal or unauthorized drugs. Educators should not furnish tobacco to students. Standard Two states that an educator should always maintain a professional relationship with all students, both in and outside the classroom. The first three examples in this standard would also be criminal acts and would require reporting under the statute concerning child abuse. The fourth example relates to harassment. Educators should never harass a student on the basis of race, gender, national origin, religion or disability. Sarcasm is usually a deadly weapon in the hands of a teacher who has great influence in a student’s sense of self-worth. The fifth example involves personal relationships with students. Teachers should be warned about encouraging an inappropriate relationship by means of email, telephone, written messages (notes, letters, cards, etc.) Educators should not date students . Educators should not develop a personal relationship with students that creates an emotional dependency on the educator. Educators should not furnish or allow a student to consume alcohol, illegal or unauthorized drugs. Educators should not furnish tobacco to students.

6. 20-2-984.3. …the commission shall be authorized to investigate: Alleged violations by an educator of any law of this state pertaining to educators or the profession of education; Alleged violations by an educator of the code of ethics of the commission; Alleged violations by an educator of rules, regulations, or policies of the state board or the commission; Complaints alleging a failure by an educator to meet or comply with standards of performance of the commission or the state board; or Complaints alleging that an educator has been convicted of any felony or of any crime involving moral turpitude…

7. Legal Compliance Unethical conduct includes but is not limited to the commission or conviction of: a felony or of any crime involving moral turpitude. any criminal offense involving the manufacture, distribution, trafficking, sale, or possession of a controlled substance or marijuana. of any sexual offense as specified in Code Section 16. any laws applicable to the profession.

8. Conviction includes: a finding or verdict of guilty, or a plea of nolo contendere, regardless of whether an appeal of the conviction has been sought; a situation where first offender treatment without adjudication of guilt pursuant to the charge was granted; and a situation where an adjudication of guilt or sentence was otherwise withheld or not entered on the charge or the charge was otherwise disposed of in a similar manner in any jurisdiction.

9. 20-2-984.2. Requests by Local Boards for Investigation of Criminal Offenses (a)  Superintendents, associate or assistant superintendents, or directors of personnel shall make an immediate written report to the local board of education upon receiving a written report from any identified school system personnel or parent or custodian of a child enrolled in the school system that any school system educator employed by the local unit of administration has committed any of the following specifically identified crimes:  

10. 20-2-984.2. Requests by Local Boards for Investigation of Criminal Offenses Murder, voluntary manslaughter, aggravated assault, aggravated battery, or kidnapping, Any sexual offense, Any sexual exploitation of a minor Any offense involving marijuana or a controlled substance Any offense involving theft Unlawfully operating a motor vehicle after being declared a habitual violator

11. 20-2-984.2. Requests by Local Boards for Investigation of Criminal Offenses (b)  If the local board of education determines that the matters reported under subsection (a) of this Code section warrant investigation, then the local board of education shall, within a reasonable period of time but not later than 30 days from receipt of the report, transmit such report to the commission with a request for investigation.

12. 20-2-984.2. Requests by Local Boards for Investigation of Criminal Offenses The reporting administrator and the local board of education shall have a good faith, reasonable basis to believe that the incident occurred or evidence exists and shall, in the written report, set forth such basis and detail the nature of the incident, evidence, and names of any and all known witnesses.

13. 20-2-984.2. Requests by Local Boards for Investigation of Criminal Offenses (c)  The willful failure of any such local school system administrator to comply with subsection (a) of this Code section shall be grounds for the commission's recommending to the local board of education or the State Board of Education, or both, imposition on the administrator of any of the disciplinary actions set forth in Code Section 20-2-984.5.  

14. Conduct with Students Standard 2 Standard Two states that an educator should always maintain a professional relationship with all students, both in and outside the classroom. The first three examples in this standard would also be criminal acts and would require reporting under the statute concerning child abuse. The fourth example relates to harassment. Educators should never harass a student on the basis of race, gender, national origin, religion or disability. Sarcasm is usually a deadly weapon in the hands of a teacher who has great influence in a student’s sense of self-worth. The fifth example involves personal relationships with students. Teachers should be warned about encouraging an inappropriate relationship by means of email, telephone, written messages (notes, letters, cards, etc.) Educators should not date students . Educators should not develop a personal relationship with students that creates an emotional dependency on the educator. Educators should not furnish or allow a student to consume alcohol, illegal or unauthorized drugs. Educators should not furnish tobacco to students. Standard Two states that an educator should always maintain a professional relationship with all students, both in and outside the classroom. The first three examples in this standard would also be criminal acts and would require reporting under the statute concerning child abuse. The fourth example relates to harassment. Educators should never harass a student on the basis of race, gender, national origin, religion or disability. Sarcasm is usually a deadly weapon in the hands of a teacher who has great influence in a student’s sense of self-worth. The fifth example involves personal relationships with students. Teachers should be warned about encouraging an inappropriate relationship by means of email, telephone, written messages (notes, letters, cards, etc.) Educators should not date students . Educators should not develop a personal relationship with students that creates an emotional dependency on the educator. Educators should not furnish or allow a student to consume alcohol, illegal or unauthorized drugs. Educators should not furnish tobacco to students.

15. A STUDENT is anyone: enrolled in a Georgia public or private school from preschool through grade 12, or anyone under the age of 18. There are several definitions at the beginning of the code. A student is any individual enrolled in GA’s private or public schools from preschool through grade 12 or any individual between and including the ages of 3 and 17. An 18-year-old who is enrolled in school is a student. A 17-year old who has graduated is a student. Please emphasize with educators that it is not permissible to have a relationship with any student anywhere.There are several definitions at the beginning of the code. A student is any individual enrolled in GA’s private or public schools from preschool through grade 12 or any individual between and including the ages of 3 and 17. An 18-year-old who is enrolled in school is a student. A 17-year old who has graduated is a student. Please emphasize with educators that it is not permissible to have a relationship with any student anywhere.

16. For the purposes of the Code of Ethics, the enrollment period for a graduating student ends on August 31 of the year of graduation.

17. committing any act of child abuse, including physical and verbal abuse; committing any act of cruelty to children or any act of child endangerment; committing any unlawful sexual act with a student or soliciting such from a student; engaging in harassing behavior or permitting harassment of or misconduct toward a student on the basis of race, gender, sex, national origin, religion or disability; Unethical Conduct Includes:

18. soliciting, encouraging, or consummating an inappropriate written, verbal, electronic, or physical relationship with a student; and furnishing tobacco, alcohol, or illegal/unauthorized drugs to any student or allowing a student under the educator’s supervision or control (including but not limited to the educator’s residence) to consume alcohol, or illegal/unauthorized drugs. Unethical Conduct Includes:

19. HB 250 The staff of the commission shall be authorized, without notification to the commission, to immediately open an investigation submitted to the commission by a local school superintendent, with approval of the local board of education, of a complaint by a student against an educator alleging a sexual offense, as provided for in Code Sections 16-6-1 through 16-6-17, 16-6-20, 16-6-22.2, or 16-12-100."

20. HB 250

21. Alcohol or Drugs Standard 3 Standard Two states that an educator should always maintain a professional relationship with all students, both in and outside the classroom. The first three examples in this standard would also be criminal acts and would require reporting under the statute concerning child abuse. The fourth example relates to harassment. Educators should never harass a student on the basis of race, gender, national origin, religion or disability. Sarcasm is usually a deadly weapon in the hands of a teacher who has great influence in a student’s sense of self-worth. The fifth example involves personal relationships with students. Teachers should be warned about encouraging an inappropriate relationship by means of email, telephone, written messages (notes, letters, cards, etc.) Educators should not date students . Educators should not develop a personal relationship with students that creates an emotional dependency on the educator. Educators should not furnish or allow a student to consume alcohol, illegal or unauthorized drugs. Educators should not furnish tobacco to students. Standard Two states that an educator should always maintain a professional relationship with all students, both in and outside the classroom. The first three examples in this standard would also be criminal acts and would require reporting under the statute concerning child abuse. The fourth example relates to harassment. Educators should never harass a student on the basis of race, gender, national origin, religion or disability. Sarcasm is usually a deadly weapon in the hands of a teacher who has great influence in a student’s sense of self-worth. The fifth example involves personal relationships with students. Teachers should be warned about encouraging an inappropriate relationship by means of email, telephone, written messages (notes, letters, cards, etc.) Educators should not date students . Educators should not develop a personal relationship with students that creates an emotional dependency on the educator. Educators should not furnish or allow a student to consume alcohol, illegal or unauthorized drugs. Educators should not furnish tobacco to students.

22. Alcohol or Drugs Unethical conduct includes but is not limited to: being on school premises or at a school-related activity involving students while under the influence of, possessing, using, or consuming illegal or unauthorized drugs;

24. Alcohol or Drugs Unethical conduct includes but is not limited to: 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. and

25. Georgia's Legal Definitions for "Under the Influence" An alcohol concentration of 0.08 grams or more at any time within three hours. Driving - O.C.G.A. § 40-6-391 and Discharging Firearm - O.C.G.A. § 16-11-134 An alcohol concentration of 0.10 grams or more at any time within three hours. Operation of Watercraft - O.C.G.A. § 52-7-12 and Hunting - O.C.G.A. § 27-3-7 0.04 percent or more by weight of alcohol in a person's blood, breath, or urine. Driving a Commercial Vehicle - O.C.G.A. § 40-6-391

26. Georgia's Legal Definitions for "NOT Under the Influence" If there was a blood alcohol concentration of 0.05 grams or less, it shall be presumed that the person was not under the influence of alcohol. O.C.G.A. § 40-6-392 Driving O.C.G.A. § 52-7-12. Operation of Watercraft O.C.G.A. § 27-3-7 Hunting

27. ? Under the Influence ? A blood alcohol concentration in excess of 0.05 grams but less than 0.08 grams shall not give rise to any presumption that the person was or was not under the influence of alcohol…, but such fact may be considered with other competent evidence in determining whether the person was under the influence of alcohol…

28. Possession Possession of a CONTAINER of alcoholic beverage (not in the blood stream). DO NOT DISCARD the evidence!

29. Alcohol or Drugs Unethical conduct includes but is not limited to: failing to monitor and/or prevent the use of alcohol or illegal or unauthorized drugs by students who are under the educator’s supervision (including but not limited to at the educator’s residence or any other private setting).

30. Honesty Standard 4 Standard Two states that an educator should always maintain a professional relationship with all students, both in and outside the classroom. The first three examples in this standard would also be criminal acts and would require reporting under the statute concerning child abuse. The fourth example relates to harassment. Educators should never harass a student on the basis of race, gender, national origin, religion or disability. Sarcasm is usually a deadly weapon in the hands of a teacher who has great influence in a student’s sense of self-worth. The fifth example involves personal relationships with students. Teachers should be warned about encouraging an inappropriate relationship by means of email, telephone, written messages (notes, letters, cards, etc.) Educators should not date students . Educators should not develop a personal relationship with students that creates an emotional dependency on the educator. Educators should not furnish or allow a student to consume alcohol, illegal or unauthorized drugs. Educators should not furnish tobacco to students. Standard Two states that an educator should always maintain a professional relationship with all students, both in and outside the classroom. The first three examples in this standard would also be criminal acts and would require reporting under the statute concerning child abuse. The fourth example relates to harassment. Educators should never harass a student on the basis of race, gender, national origin, religion or disability. Sarcasm is usually a deadly weapon in the hands of a teacher who has great influence in a student’s sense of self-worth. The fifth example involves personal relationships with students. Teachers should be warned about encouraging an inappropriate relationship by means of email, telephone, written messages (notes, letters, cards, etc.) Educators should not date students . Educators should not develop a personal relationship with students that creates an emotional dependency on the educator. Educators should not furnish or allow a student to consume alcohol, illegal or unauthorized drugs. Educators should not furnish tobacco to students.

31. Honesty Unethical conduct includes but is not limited to, falsifying, misrepresenting, or omitting or erroneously reporting: professional qualifications, criminal history, college or staff development credit and/or degrees, academic award, and employment history when applying for employment and/or certification or when recommending an individual for employment, promotion, or certification; information submitted to federal, state, local school districts and other governmental agencies;

32. Honesty Unethical conduct includes but is not limited to, falsifying, misrepresenting, or omitting or erroneously reporting: information regarding the evaluation of students and/or personnel; reasons for absences or leaves; and information submitted in the course of an official inquiry/investigation.; and information submitted in the course of professional practice.

33. Public Funds & Property Standard 5 Standard Two states that an educator should always maintain a professional relationship with all students, both in and outside the classroom. The first three examples in this standard would also be criminal acts and would require reporting under the statute concerning child abuse. The fourth example relates to harassment. Educators should never harass a student on the basis of race, gender, national origin, religion or disability. Sarcasm is usually a deadly weapon in the hands of a teacher who has great influence in a student’s sense of self-worth. The fifth example involves personal relationships with students. Teachers should be warned about encouraging an inappropriate relationship by means of email, telephone, written messages (notes, letters, cards, etc.) Educators should not date students . Educators should not develop a personal relationship with students that creates an emotional dependency on the educator. Educators should not furnish or allow a student to consume alcohol, illegal or unauthorized drugs. Educators should not furnish tobacco to students. Standard Two states that an educator should always maintain a professional relationship with all students, both in and outside the classroom. The first three examples in this standard would also be criminal acts and would require reporting under the statute concerning child abuse. The fourth example relates to harassment. Educators should never harass a student on the basis of race, gender, national origin, religion or disability. Sarcasm is usually a deadly weapon in the hands of a teacher who has great influence in a student’s sense of self-worth. The fifth example involves personal relationships with students. Teachers should be warned about encouraging an inappropriate relationship by means of email, telephone, written messages (notes, letters, cards, etc.) Educators should not date students . Educators should not develop a personal relationship with students that creates an emotional dependency on the educator. Educators should not furnish or allow a student to consume alcohol, illegal or unauthorized drugs. Educators should not furnish tobacco to students.

34. Public Funds & Property Unethical conduct includes but is not limited to: misusing public or school-related funds; failing to account for funds collected from students or parents; submitting fraudulent requests or documentation for reimbursement of expenses or for pay (including requests for compensation based on fraudulent, purchased or plagiarized degrees, documents, or coursework);

35. Public Funds & Property Unethical conduct includes but is not limited to: co-mingling public or school-related funds with personal funds or checking accounts; and using school property without the approval of the local board of education/governing board or authorized designee.; and using school system property for personal gain.

36. Remunerative Conduct Standard 6 Standard Two states that an educator should always maintain a professional relationship with all students, both in and outside the classroom. The first three examples in this standard would also be criminal acts and would require reporting under the statute concerning child abuse. The fourth example relates to harassment. Educators should never harass a student on the basis of race, gender, national origin, religion or disability. Sarcasm is usually a deadly weapon in the hands of a teacher who has great influence in a student’s sense of self-worth. The fifth example involves personal relationships with students. Teachers should be warned about encouraging an inappropriate relationship by means of email, telephone, written messages (notes, letters, cards, etc.) Educators should not date students . Educators should not develop a personal relationship with students that creates an emotional dependency on the educator. Educators should not furnish or allow a student to consume alcohol, illegal or unauthorized drugs. Educators should not furnish tobacco to students. Standard Two states that an educator should always maintain a professional relationship with all students, both in and outside the classroom. The first three examples in this standard would also be criminal acts and would require reporting under the statute concerning child abuse. The fourth example relates to harassment. Educators should never harass a student on the basis of race, gender, national origin, religion or disability. Sarcasm is usually a deadly weapon in the hands of a teacher who has great influence in a student’s sense of self-worth. The fifth example involves personal relationships with students. Teachers should be warned about encouraging an inappropriate relationship by means of email, telephone, written messages (notes, letters, cards, etc.) Educators should not date students . Educators should not develop a personal relationship with students that creates an emotional dependency on the educator. Educators should not furnish or allow a student to consume alcohol, illegal or unauthorized drugs. Educators should not furnish tobacco to students.

37. Remunerative Conduct Unethical conduct includes but is not limited to: 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 board of education/governing board or authorized designee; accepting gifts from vendors or potential vendors for personal use or gain where there may be the appearance of a conflict of interest;

38. Remunerative Conduct Unethical conduct includes but is not limited to: tutoring students assigned to the educator for remuneration unless approved by the local board of education/governing board or superintendent or authorized designee; and coaching, instructing, promoting athletic camps, summer leagues, etc. that involves students in an educator’s school system and from whom the educator receives remuneration unless approved by the local board of education/governing board or the superintendent authorized designee. These types of activities must be in compliance with all rules and regulations of the Georgia High School Association.

39. Confidential Information Standard 7 Standard Two states that an educator should always maintain a professional relationship with all students, both in and outside the classroom. The first three examples in this standard would also be criminal acts and would require reporting under the statute concerning child abuse. The fourth example relates to harassment. Educators should never harass a student on the basis of race, gender, national origin, religion or disability. Sarcasm is usually a deadly weapon in the hands of a teacher who has great influence in a student’s sense of self-worth. The fifth example involves personal relationships with students. Teachers should be warned about encouraging an inappropriate relationship by means of email, telephone, written messages (notes, letters, cards, etc.) Educators should not date students . Educators should not develop a personal relationship with students that creates an emotional dependency on the educator. Educators should not furnish or allow a student to consume alcohol, illegal or unauthorized drugs. Educators should not furnish tobacco to students. Standard Two states that an educator should always maintain a professional relationship with all students, both in and outside the classroom. The first three examples in this standard would also be criminal acts and would require reporting under the statute concerning child abuse. The fourth example relates to harassment. Educators should never harass a student on the basis of race, gender, national origin, religion or disability. Sarcasm is usually a deadly weapon in the hands of a teacher who has great influence in a student’s sense of self-worth. The fifth example involves personal relationships with students. Teachers should be warned about encouraging an inappropriate relationship by means of email, telephone, written messages (notes, letters, cards, etc.) Educators should not date students . Educators should not develop a personal relationship with students that creates an emotional dependency on the educator. Educators should not furnish or allow a student to consume alcohol, illegal or unauthorized drugs. Educators should not furnish tobacco to students.

40. Confidential Information Unethical conduct includes but is not limited to: sharing of confidential information concerning student academic and disciplinary records, personal confidences, health and medical information, family status and/or income, and assessment/testing results unless disclosure is required or permitted by law; sharing of confidential information restricted by state or federal law;

41. Confidential Information Unethical conduct includes but is not limited to: violation of confidentiality agreements related to standardized testing including copying or teaching identified test items, publishing or distributing test items or answers, discussing test items, violating local school system or state directions for the use of tests or test items, etc.; and violation of other confidentiality agreements required by state or local policy.

42. Confidential Information Annual performance evaluation records of school personnel Health services provided to an insured Identifiable individual student performance data, information and reports School records of students with disabilities A student's education record

43. Confidential Information FERPA allows schools to disclose those records, without consent, to the following parties…: School officials with legitimate educational interest; Other schools to which a student is transferring; Specified officials for audit or evaluation purposes; Appropriate parties in connection with financial aid; Organizations conducting certain studies; Accrediting organizations; To comply with a judicial order or subpoena; Appropriate officials in health and safety emergencies; State and local authorities, within a juvenile justice system, pursuant to specific State law.

44. Abandonment of Contract Standard 8 Standard Two states that an educator should always maintain a professional relationship with all students, both in and outside the classroom. The first three examples in this standard would also be criminal acts and would require reporting under the statute concerning child abuse. The fourth example relates to harassment. Educators should never harass a student on the basis of race, gender, national origin, religion or disability. Sarcasm is usually a deadly weapon in the hands of a teacher who has great influence in a student’s sense of self-worth. The fifth example involves personal relationships with students. Teachers should be warned about encouraging an inappropriate relationship by means of email, telephone, written messages (notes, letters, cards, etc.) Educators should not date students . Educators should not develop a personal relationship with students that creates an emotional dependency on the educator. Educators should not furnish or allow a student to consume alcohol, illegal or unauthorized drugs. Educators should not furnish tobacco to students. Standard Two states that an educator should always maintain a professional relationship with all students, both in and outside the classroom. The first three examples in this standard would also be criminal acts and would require reporting under the statute concerning child abuse. The fourth example relates to harassment. Educators should never harass a student on the basis of race, gender, national origin, religion or disability. Sarcasm is usually a deadly weapon in the hands of a teacher who has great influence in a student’s sense of self-worth. The fifth example involves personal relationships with students. Teachers should be warned about encouraging an inappropriate relationship by means of email, telephone, written messages (notes, letters, cards, etc.) Educators should not date students . Educators should not develop a personal relationship with students that creates an emotional dependency on the educator. Educators should not furnish or allow a student to consume alcohol, illegal or unauthorized drugs. Educators should not furnish tobacco to students.

45. Abandonment of Contract Unethical conduct includes but is not limited to: abandoning the contract for professional services without prior release from the contract by the employer, and willfully refusing to perform the services required by a contract.

50. People Quit People, Not Companies.

51. Required Reports Standard 9 Standard Two states that an educator should always maintain a professional relationship with all students, both in and outside the classroom. The first three examples in this standard would also be criminal acts and would require reporting under the statute concerning child abuse. The fourth example relates to harassment. Educators should never harass a student on the basis of race, gender, national origin, religion or disability. Sarcasm is usually a deadly weapon in the hands of a teacher who has great influence in a student’s sense of self-worth. The fifth example involves personal relationships with students. Teachers should be warned about encouraging an inappropriate relationship by means of email, telephone, written messages (notes, letters, cards, etc.) Educators should not date students . Educators should not develop a personal relationship with students that creates an emotional dependency on the educator. Educators should not furnish or allow a student to consume alcohol, illegal or unauthorized drugs. Educators should not furnish tobacco to students. Standard Two states that an educator should always maintain a professional relationship with all students, both in and outside the classroom. The first three examples in this standard would also be criminal acts and would require reporting under the statute concerning child abuse. The fourth example relates to harassment. Educators should never harass a student on the basis of race, gender, national origin, religion or disability. Sarcasm is usually a deadly weapon in the hands of a teacher who has great influence in a student’s sense of self-worth. The fifth example involves personal relationships with students. Teachers should be warned about encouraging an inappropriate relationship by means of email, telephone, written messages (notes, letters, cards, etc.) Educators should not date students . Educators should not develop a personal relationship with students that creates an emotional dependency on the educator. Educators should not furnish or allow a student to consume alcohol, illegal or unauthorized drugs. Educators should not furnish tobacco to students.

52. Required Reports Unethical conduct includes but is not limited to: failure to report all requested information on documents required by the Commission when applying for or renewing any certificate with the Commission.; failure to make a required report of a violation of one or more standards of the Code of Ethics for educators of which they have personal knowledge as soon as possible but no later than ninety (90) days from the date the educator became aware of an alleged breach unless the law or local procedures require reporting sooner. ; and

53. Required Reports Unethical conduct includes but is not limited to: failure to make a required report of any violation of state or federal law soon as possible but no later than ninety (90) days from the date the educator became aware of an alleged breach unless the law or local procedures require reporting sooner. These reports include but are not limited to: murder, voluntary manslaughter, aggravated assault, aggravated battery, kidnapping, any sexual offense, any sexual exploitation of a minor, any offense involving a controlled substance and any abuse of a child if an educator has reasonable cause to believe that a child has been abused.

54. What is “reasonable cause to believe?”

56. Professional Conduct Standard 10 Standard Two states that an educator should always maintain a professional relationship with all students, both in and outside the classroom. The first three examples in this standard would also be criminal acts and would require reporting under the statute concerning child abuse. The fourth example relates to harassment. Educators should never harass a student on the basis of race, gender, national origin, religion or disability. Sarcasm is usually a deadly weapon in the hands of a teacher who has great influence in a student’s sense of self-worth. The fifth example involves personal relationships with students. Teachers should be warned about encouraging an inappropriate relationship by means of email, telephone, written messages (notes, letters, cards, etc.) Educators should not date students . Educators should not develop a personal relationship with students that creates an emotional dependency on the educator. Educators should not furnish or allow a student to consume alcohol, illegal or unauthorized drugs. Educators should not furnish tobacco to students. Standard Two states that an educator should always maintain a professional relationship with all students, both in and outside the classroom. The first three examples in this standard would also be criminal acts and would require reporting under the statute concerning child abuse. The fourth example relates to harassment. Educators should never harass a student on the basis of race, gender, national origin, religion or disability. Sarcasm is usually a deadly weapon in the hands of a teacher who has great influence in a student’s sense of self-worth. The fifth example involves personal relationships with students. Teachers should be warned about encouraging an inappropriate relationship by means of email, telephone, written messages (notes, letters, cards, etc.) Educators should not date students . Educators should not develop a personal relationship with students that creates an emotional dependency on the educator. Educators should not furnish or allow a student to consume alcohol, illegal or unauthorized drugs. Educators should not furnish tobacco to students.

57. Professional Conduct Unethical conduct includes but is not limited to: any conduct that impairs and/or diminishes the certificate holder’s ability to function professionally in his or her employment position, or a pattern of behavior or conduct that is detrimental to the health, welfare, discipline, or morals of students.

58. Testing Standard 11 Standard Two states that an educator should always maintain a professional relationship with all students, both in and outside the classroom. The first three examples in this standard would also be criminal acts and would require reporting under the statute concerning child abuse. The fourth example relates to harassment. Educators should never harass a student on the basis of race, gender, national origin, religion or disability. Sarcasm is usually a deadly weapon in the hands of a teacher who has great influence in a student’s sense of self-worth. The fifth example involves personal relationships with students. Teachers should be warned about encouraging an inappropriate relationship by means of email, telephone, written messages (notes, letters, cards, etc.) Educators should not date students . Educators should not develop a personal relationship with students that creates an emotional dependency on the educator. Educators should not furnish or allow a student to consume alcohol, illegal or unauthorized drugs. Educators should not furnish tobacco to students. Standard Two states that an educator should always maintain a professional relationship with all students, both in and outside the classroom. The first three examples in this standard would also be criminal acts and would require reporting under the statute concerning child abuse. The fourth example relates to harassment. Educators should never harass a student on the basis of race, gender, national origin, religion or disability. Sarcasm is usually a deadly weapon in the hands of a teacher who has great influence in a student’s sense of self-worth. The fifth example involves personal relationships with students. Teachers should be warned about encouraging an inappropriate relationship by means of email, telephone, written messages (notes, letters, cards, etc.) Educators should not date students . Educators should not develop a personal relationship with students that creates an emotional dependency on the educator. Educators should not furnish or allow a student to consume alcohol, illegal or unauthorized drugs. Educators should not furnish tobacco to students.

59. Testing Unethical conduct includes but is not limited to: committing any act that breaches Test Security; and compromising the integrity of the assessment.

60. Enforcing Sanctions The superintendent and the superintendent’s designee for certification shall be responsible for assuring that an individual whose certificate has been revoked, denied, or suspended is not employed or serving in any capacity in their district. Both the superintendent and the superintendent’s designee must hold GAPSC certification.