The Professional Code of Ethics were designed to guide educators in their best practices. The privacy,
safety, and care for all students should be an educator's top priority. Protecting the rights of students,
protecting their mental, and physical health, not discriminating against any students, and maintaining a
professional relationship with students and their caregivers are just some of the safeguards spelled out in the
Professional Code of Ethics (FDOE, 2016).
Continuing effective professional development and maintaining professional ethics should be seen as interrelated. The world
of education is continuously changing, and educators must grow and change to meet the growing needs of students. One goal of an
educator is to prepare students to become functioning and contributing members of society. In today's world, this means that
educators must teach new techniques and new standards that reflect what each upcoming generation of students need to know. In
past years, students were positioned in rows and asked to memorize facts and ideas. In today's classroom, students are placed in
groups to promote conversation and collaboration, and are taught strategies to push their thinking. In order to keep up with our
ever changing classroom educators must continuously work to develop new teaching strategies and techniques that will still work
within the confines of our ethical standards. This could include attending district approved classes, attending Learning Community
meetings, creating study groups, or taking part in continuing eductaion.
References
Florida Department of Education. (2017).
Retrieved from http://www.fldoe.org/teaching/professional-practices/code-of-ethics-principles-of-professio.stml
Gissy, Cynthia L. Elementary Teachers' Attitudes about Professional Development: Professional Development Schools Versus
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Guerrant, Lisa Y. A Qualitative Case Study Exploring an Early Childhood Educator Professional Development Program
Linking Teacher Efficacy, Engagement, and Retention. Capella University, 2016 Ann ArborProQuest. 21 Jan. 2018 .
Hoag, Joel T., and Haley A. Richardson. Aligning Professional Development: Measuring the Impacts of a Rubric Aligned
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