3211  CODE OF ETHICS
The Board of Education endorses the code of ethics for professional educators published by the National Education Association (NEA).
Preamble 
The educator, believing in the worth and dignity of each human being, recognizes the supreme importance of the pursuit of truth, devotion to excellence, and the nature of democratic principles. Essential to these goals is the protection of freedom to learn and to teach and the guarantee of equal educational opportunity for all. The educator accepts the responsibility to adhere to the highest ethical standards. 
The educator recognizes the magnitude of the responsibility inherent in the teaching process. The desire for the respect and confidence of one's colleagues; of students; of parent(s); and of the members of the community provides the incentive to attain and maintain the highest possible degree of ethical conduct. The Code of Ethics of the Education Profession indicates the aspiration of all educators and provides standards by which to judge conduct. 
The remedies specified by the NEA and/or its affiliates for the violation of any provision of this Code shall be exclusive and no such provision shall be enforceable in any form other than one specifically designated by the NEA or its affiliates. 
Principle I – Commitment to the Student 
The educator strives to help each student realize their potential as a worthy and effective member of society. The educator therefore works 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 educator:
1.     	Shall not unreasonably restrain the student from 			independent action in the pursuit of learning.

2.     	Shall not unreasonably deny the student access to varying 		points of view.

3.     	Shall not deliberately suppress or distort subject matter 		relevant to the student's progress.

4.     	Shall make reasonable effort to protect the student from 		conditions harmful to learning or to health and safety.

5.     	Shall not intentionally expose the student to embarrassment 	or disparagement.

6.     	Shall not, on the basis of any of the protected categories 		listed at N.J.A.C. 6A:7-1.1(a) unfairly:

	a.     	Exclude any student from participation in any 			program;

	b.     	Deny benefits to any student; or

	c.     	Grant any advantage to any student.

7.     	Shall not use professional relationships with students for 		private advantage.

8.     	Shall not disclose information about students obtained in 		the course of professional service, unless disclosure serves 		a compelling professional purpose or is required by law. 
Principle II – Commitment to the Profession 
The education profession is vested by the public with a trust and responsibility requiring the highest ideals of professional service. 
In the belief that the quality of the services of the education profession directly influences the nation and its citizens, the educator shall exert every effort to raise professional standards to promote a climate that encourages the exercise of professional judgment, to achieve conditions which attract persons worthy of the trust to careers in education, and to assist in preventing the practice of the profession by unqualified persons.
In fulfillment of the obligation to the profession, the educator:
1.     	Shall not in an application for a professional position 		deliberately make a false statement or fail to disclose a 		material fact related to competency and qualifications.

2.     	Shall not misrepresent their professional qualifications.

3.     	Shall not assist entry into the profession of a person known 		to be unqualified in respect to character, education, or other 	relevant attribute.

4.     	Shall not knowingly make a false statement concerning the 		qualifications of a candidate for a professional position.

5.     	Shall not assist a non-educator in the unauthorized practice 		of teaching.

6.     	Shall not disclose information about colleagues obtained in 		the course of professional service unless disclosure serves a 	compelling professional purpose or is required by law.

7.     	Shall not knowingly make false or malicious statements 		about a colleague.

8.     	Shall not accept any gratuity, gift, or favor that might 		impair or appear to influence professional decisions or 		actions. 
N.J.A.C. 6A:7-1.1; 6A:7-1.3

Date Adopted:	September 21, 2009
Date Revised:  April 30, 2024