Responsibility to Profession:
Personal Time
In this scenario, the teacher is not violating any specific Tennessee ethic standard. However, drinking or purchasing alcohol in front of students could cause the educator to feel uncomfortable or it could go against local social norms, thus compromising the educator's credibility and effectiveness.
According the MCEE in section A-5, an educator should be "refraining from professional or personal activity that may lead to reducing one’s effectiveness within the school community". Teaching is a public profession! Your self-presentation and self-representation are a fraction of the PROFESSIONAL COMPETENCIES. Tennessee Code of Ethics 1003-b19 states that the educator will "Maintain a professional approach with the student at all times."
Before engaging in activity that might present yourself in a different light, take a moment to STOP, THINK, and REFLECT on all the possible outcomes. Remember- "An educator recognizes the magnitude of the responsibility inherent in the teaching process. The desire for the respect and confidence of one's colleagues, of students, of parents and of the members of the community provides the incentive to attain and maintain the highest possible degree of ethical conduct." Tennessee Teacher Code of Ethics 49-5-1002-2.
While going out for drinks with friends is not unethical, having your current students view you taking shots with your friends can reduce your effectiveness or image with your students and their parents/guardians. As an educator you are a role-model for your students, so take time to think about the affect seeing you being rowdy while drinking can have on their view of you.