Pertaining to Teachers and Educators

 Misconduct is defined by the Webster as: unacceptable or improper behavior, esp. by an employee or professional person. In the educational setting misconduct occurs when there is direct or indirect harm to students or an act detrimental to the education profession.

 Misconduct by educators can take place either on the school campus or within the school community and it does not have to involve students. All allegations of sexual misconduct do not involve physically having sexual intercourse with a student, some of the types of misconduct involving teachers are: sexual harassment, non-consensual sexual contact and sexual exploitation

 The majority of schools in the United States have rules against teacher sexual misconduct. Employees and personnel are encouraged to report all incidents of sexual misconduct. Schools are obligated under federal law to investigate reports of sexual misconduct to prevent its reoccurrence and its adverse effects. What should you do if you suspect teacher sexual misconduct? You should report the incident immediately to the person in charge of the school and/or the Department of Social Services (DSS). The person in charge of the school has the responsibility of filing a written report with DSS within 48 hours.

 If you are a teacher or educator there are steps you can take to prevent yourself from becoming a target or perpetrator of sexual misconduct:  Avoid activities that may reasonably raise concerns as to their propriety.  Refrain from engaging in activities directed towards developing a relationship with a student beyond the recognized boundaries of a teacher/student regardless of the student's age.  Avoid making comments of a personal nature or suggestive in tone to a student.

 Avoid any sexual or romantic contact with a student regardless of the student's age or apparent consent.  Avoid inviting students to your home; also avoid seeing students in isolated or private situations.  Do not share information of a personal nature about yourself with students.  Avoid exchanging notes, s or other communications with a student of a personal nature.  Avoid situations which could be construed as posing a risk to the student or facilitating an inappropriate relationship with students.  Do not give personal or inappropriate gifts to students.  Always understand the rules and laws that oversee your conduct, including the Code of Professional Practice and Conduct for Educators, policies of employer, and pertinent state and federal laws.

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