Section 22.20  Code of Ethics

a)         Responsibility to Students

The Illinois educator is committed to creating, promoting and implementing a learning environment that is accessible to each student, enables students to achieve the highest academic potential, and maximizes their ability to succeed in academic and employment settings as a responsible member of society.  Illinois educators:

1)         Embody the Standards for the School Support Personnel Endorsements (23 Ill. Adm. Code 23), the Illinois Professional Teaching Standards (23 Ill. Adm. Code 24.130), and Standards for Administrative Endorsements (23 Ill. Adm. Code 29), as applicable to the educator, in the learning environment;

2)         Respect the inherent dignity and worth of each student by assuring that the learning environment is characterized by respect and equal opportunity for each student, regardless of race, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, disability, religion, language or socio-economic status;

3)         Maintain a professional relationship with students at all times;

4)         Provide a curriculum based on high expectations for each student that addresses individual differences through the design, implementation and adaptation of effective instruction; and

5)         Foster in each student the development of attributes that will enhance skills and knowledge necessary to be a contributing member of society.

b)         Responsibility to Self

Illinois educators are committed to establishing high professional standards for their practice and striving to meet these standards through their performance.  Illinois educators:

1)         Assume responsibility and accountability for their performance and continually strive to demonstrate proficiency and understanding of current trends in both content knowledge and professional practice;

2)         Develop and implement personal and professional goals with attention to professional standards through a process of self-assessment and professional development;

3)         Represent their professional credentials and qualifications accurately; and

4)         Demonstrate a high level of professional judgment.

c)         Responsibility to Colleagues and the Profession

The Illinois educator is committed to collaborating with school and district colleagues and other professionals in the interest of student learning.  Illinois educators:

1)         Collaborate with colleagues in their respective schools and districts to meet local and State educational standards;

2)         Work together to create a respectful, professional and supportive school climate that allows all educators to maintain their individual professional integrity;

3)         Seek out and engage in activities that contribute to the ongoing development of the profession;

4)         Promote participation in educational decision-making processes;

5)         Encourage promising candidates to enter the education profession; and

6)         Support the preparation, induction, mentoring and professional development of educators. 

d)         Responsibility to Parents, Families and Communities

The Illinois educator will collaborate, build trust and respect confidentiality with parents, families and communities to create effective instruction and learning environments for each student.  Illinois educators:

1)         Aspire to understand and respect the values and traditions of the diversity represented in the community and in their learning environments;

2)         Encourage and advocate for fair and equal educational opportunities for each student;

3)         Develop and maintain professional relationships with parents, families and communities;

4)         Promote collaboration and support student learning through regular and meaningful communication with parents, families and communities; and

5)         Cooperate with community agencies that provide resources and services to enhance the learning environment.

e)         Responsibility to the Illinois State Board of Education

Illinois educators are committed to compliance with the School Code [105 ILCS 5] and its implementing regulations, and to State and federal laws and regulations relevant to their profession.  Illinois educators:

1)         Provide accurate communication to the Illinois State Board of Education concerning all educator licensure matters;

2)         Maintain appropriate educator licensure for employment; and

3)         Comply with State and federal laws and regulations.

(Source:  Amended at 38 Ill. Reg. 6224, effective February 27, 2014)