Department of Education Studies Master’s Degree and Licensure Programs: Code of Professional Conduct
UOTeach Pre-Service Students,
As part of admissions to the UO Master’s and Licensure Curriculum and Teaching Program, you were asked to carefully read and agree to the following UOTeach Code of Professional Conduct. These guidelines are based on the Oregon Standards for Competent and Ethical Performance of Oregon Educators (Oregon Administrative Rules 584-020-005 through 584-020-0045) and on the values of the University of Oregon including educational equity, accountability, honesty, responsibility, multicultural competence, and community. The University of Oregon Student Code of Conduct can be found at http://policies.uoregon.edu/vol-3-administration-student-affairs/ch-1-conduct/student-conduct-code.
As teacher candidates, it is critical that you understand and operate with insight into these standards, as you will be expected to act in a way that exemplifies these values throughout your time in the program.
I. University of Oregon Graduate School and College of Education Academic Student Conduct
UOTeach is a state of Oregon Teacher Standards and Practice Commission (TSPC) accredited teacher preparation program. UOTeach is responsible for a specific approved graduate course of study for licensure and for evaluating student’s ability to demonstrate satisfactory professional conduct performance, this conduct includes the following:
- Communicating professionally with faculty, staff, administrators, colleagues, students, and others,
- UOTeach communication guidelines also apply to all field placements as related to school district faculty, k-12 parents/guardians and youth.
- Successfully completing all coursework, mandatory meetings, and field experiences for program of study and licensure,
- Complying with the TSPC and UOTeach professional conduct and program conduct guidelines.
UOTeach students shall uphold College of Education professional educator values which include:
- Encourage an environment free of bigotry, bias, discrimination, violence, or intimidation of any kind. Treat each other with respect, recognizing each other’s diversity relating to disability, gender and sexuality, U.S. minorities, cultural, racial, ethnic background and academic standing.
- Pursue skills and knowledge relevant to a future licensed teacher. This includes attending local and or regional training workshops and conferences.
- Practice personal and academic integrity and expect it from others.
- Promote a culture of respect and professionalism. This should be reflected in all touch points with the educational community, including phone and e-mail communications, as well as personal interactions.
- Seek out diversity of opinions, ideas, and backgrounds to enrich educational discourse.
- Abstain from posting any information, photos, or mention any student name(s) on public or private social networking sites, blogs, discussion boards or in chat rooms.
- Remain flexible and cooperative in working with others.
II.Clinical Practice | Field Placement | Student Teaching | Student Conduct
As an Oregon teaching candidate you are agreeing to comply with the state of Oregon Teacher Standards and Practice Commission (TSPC) Standards for Competent and Ethical Performance (Oregon Administrative Rules 584-020-005 through 584-020-0045). TSPC requires licensed Oregon teachers to comply with the following ethical standards:
1.The Competent Educator – The educator demonstrates a commitment to:
- Recognize the worth and dignity of all persons and respect for each individual
- Encourage scholarship
- Promote democratic and inclusive citizenship
- Raise educational standards
- Use professional judgment
- Promote equitable learning opportunities
2. Curriculum and Instruction – The competent educator measures success by the progress of each student toward realization of personal potential as a worthy and effective citizen. The competent educator stimulates the spirit of inquiry, the acquisition of knowledge and understanding, and the thoughtful formulation of goals as they are appropriate for each individual.
3. Supervision and Evaluation – The competent educator assumes responsibility for the activities planned and conducted through the district’s program, and assists colleagues to do the same. The competent educator gathers relevant information and uses it in the planning and evaluation of instructional activities.
4. Student Safety and Wellbeing
- Sexual Conduct – Abide by all laws related to sexual conduct, sexual harassment, and sexual assault.
- Mandatory Reporting – Oregon state law mandates that student teachers and Oregon teachers make reports if they have reasonable cause to suspect abuse or neglect. [UOTeach will train all candidates in mandatory reporting prior to practicum.]
5. Management Skills – The competent educator is a person who is able to relate to students in constructive and culturally competent ways. The competent educator establishes and maintains positive rapport. The competent educator maintains records as required and as needed to assist the growth of students.
6. Human Relations and Communications – The competent educator works effectively with others — Students, staff, parents, patrons and communities.
7. Ethical Educator – The ethical educator is a person who accepts the requirements of membership in the teaching profession and acts at all times in ethical ways. In so doing, the ethical educator considers the needs of the students, the district, and the profession.
UOTeach requires all admitted participants demonstrate that they can maintain the above level of ethics and professionalism. Failure to comply may result in corrective action, disciplinary action and potential dismissal from the program. It may also result in additional College of Education, University of Oregon, or legal action.