The Code of Ethics and Principles of Professional Conduct

“By virtue of their leadership capacity, teachers are traditionally held to a high moral standard in a community.”

The State Board of Education Rule 6-B1.006 states that teachers must not violate the Code of Ethics and that they may be subject to revocation or suspension of their educator's certificate or other penalties as provided by law.

The Code of Ethics is broken into three major areas:

• Obligation to the student
• Obligation to the public
• Obligation to the profession of education

It is important for a professional teacher to be aware of the code and to understand the basic ramifications for not following it in the workplace.

Please click to download a copy of the Code of Ethics, detailing each of the three major areas.

The Code of Ethics of The Education Profession in Florida
(1) The educator values the worth and dignity of every person, the pursuit of truth, devotion to excellence, acquisition of knowledge, and the nurture of democratic citizenship. Essential to the achievement of these standards are the freedom to learn and to teach and the guarantee of equal opportunity for all.

(2) The educator’s primary professional concern will always be for the student and for the development of the student’s potential. The educator will therefore strive for professional growth and will seek to exercise the best professional judgment and integrity.

(3) Aware of the importance of maintaining the respect and confidence of one’s colleagues, of students, of parents, and of other members of the community, the educator strives to achieve and sustain the highest degree of ethical conduct.

Adams v. State of Florida Professional
Practices Council, 406 So 2nd 1170 Fl.
1st DCA 1981