An educator maintains competence regarding his or her professional practice, inclusive of professional and ethical behavior, skills, knowledge, dispositions, and responsibilities relating to his or her organizational position.

Guidance (Rules Governing the Code of Ethics for Arkansas Educators, 2022): This standard addresses the professional educator’s obligation to implement best practices and maintain competence in skills and knowledge. An educator has many dispositions that are required in the course of instruction. Educators have a responsibility to exercise professionalism and competence when dealing with members of the school community. Members of the school community include, but are not limited to, administrators, teachers, staff, parents, guardians, school board members, residents of the school district’s community.

Discuss: (Iowa Educator Ethics Facilitator Handbook) Ms. N is a new 4th grade teacher, and her mentor is Mrs. E, who has 20 years of experience as an elementary teacher. They have been neighbors for many years and attend the same church. Mrs. E decides that they don’t need to meet as mentor/mentee because “she already knows that Ms. N is excellent”. The district pays for the teachers to attend a professional conference, and they skip most of the sessions to go sightseeing. The mentor receives the district stipend for the work, and later the principal signs a form verifying that the new teacher has completed the required mentoring program.

• What possible issues/concerns might this scenario raise?

• How could this situation become a violation of the law, the Code of Ethics or other school /district policies?

• In this situation, what are some potential negative consequences for the teacher, for the students and the school community?

• What responses/actions will result in a more positive outcome and/or what proactive measures?

Discuss: Many times violations of Standard 2 are found in conjunction to other standards and generally it is not a stand-alone violation. For example, it is common to find that a Standard 1 or 8 violation will also include a Standard 2 violation. What might be some of the reasons for this? What other standards might include a Standard 2 violation?