Ethics of Educators: Court Cases Involving Violations of Alcohol and Drug Policies

Believing that alcohol and drugs can impair the educator's ability to fulfill the primary duty demonstrated in the above code of ethics should be rational grounds for not engaging in such acts. Moreover, engaging in such cases violates District Policy 317 and FP 417 while contradicting the responsibilities of a professional educator in Pennsylvania (Pennsylvania Code 237.1, 2022). Mr. Cummings' case evokes a potential ethical code violation, thus calling for suspension and revocation of his teaching certificate. The medal violation of the case invokes ethical issues concerning preserving the trust and respect from the public and other professionals in the education system. It is crucial for teachers to value the rights and privileges that are accorded to them (especially due to public confidence in their leadership role) and, therefore, need to avoid actions and professions that contradict the reputation of an instructor (Pennsylvania Department of Education, 20202).

References

Pennsylvania Code. (2022). Retrieved from https://www.pacodeandbulletin.gov/Display/pacode?filename=237/stsrca.htm

Pennsylvania Department of Education. (20002). Code of Professional Practice and Conduct for Educational Leaders. Retrieved from https://www.education.pa.gov/ROLES%20AND%20PERMITTIONS/Professional%20Conduct/Pages/code-of-ethics.aspx

Shahidullah, M., & Ullah, M. (2020). Role Models in Education: Who Wants to be a Role Model? Tulsa Studies in. Best Evidence in Chinese Education, 34, 789-806. DOI: 10.2139/ssrn.3683052