An educator maintains integrity regarding the acceptance of any gratuity, gift, compensation or favor that might impair or appear to influence professional decisions or actions and shall refrain from using the educator’s position for personal gain.

Guidance (Rules Governing the Code of Ethics for Arkansas Educators, 2022): The standard is intended to prohibit that conduct which is solely for personal gain and creates an appearance of a conflict of interest in the role as an educator. The standard of conduct called for by this section involves an examination of the total circumstances surrounding the gratuity, gift, compensation, or favor. Factors to consider include the value of the gratuity, gift or favor, the reasonableness of any compensation; the timing of the gratuity, gift, compensation, or favor; and the relationship between the educator and the person from whom the gratuity, gift, compensation, or favor comes. Pursuant to Ark. Code Ann. § 6-24-113 an educator may accept awards and grants as provided for therein. Ark. Code Ann. § 6-24-112 contains some specific prohibited transactions involving gratuities or offers of employment. The second part of this standard requires that the educator does not use the position for personal gain.

Read more: https://ethics.assets.ets.org/prod/lesson/b6930e51-fa71-413b-a48e-d65184a1efb1/frames/Interaction_4_WhatCanGoWrong_Foundations/resource/M3MGR7.pdf

Discuss: (The following is a scenario by the Connecticut Code of Professional Responsibility Training Guide.) Ms. W, a fourth-grade music teacher, emails parents using the school’s email, notifying them that she is available on weekends and after school to teach violin to students at a reasonable hourly rate. Several of her violin students have been struggling with their lessons. Ms. W feels that the extra time out of school will benefit the students. How is this scenario an example of a Standard 5 violation and Standard 4 violation?

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