An educator, while on school premises or at school-sponsored activities involving students, refrains from:

1. a) using, possessing and/or being under the influence of alcohol or unauthorized drugs/substances, and/or possessing items prohibited by law, or

2. b) possessing or using tobacco or tobacco-related products, e-cigarettes, e-liquid, or vapor products, or

3. c) abusing/misusing prescription medications or other authorized substances as evidenced by impairment

Guidance (Rules Governing the Code of Ethics for Arkansas Educators, 2022): This standard sets forth the expectation of the professional educator concerning using, possessing, or being under the influence of the listed substances while on school premises or at school-sponsored activities involving students or being in violation of state law governing the using, possessing or being under the influence of alcohol, tobacco, or unauthorized/illegal drugs/substances while on school property or at school-sponsored activities involving students.

Discuss

Scenario 1: Ms. P has been a kindergarten teacher for ten years. She recently obtained a prescription for medical marijuana due to an ongoing injury. She was recently observed acting impaired in the classroom with her students. Her principal had no choice but to remove her from the classroom and send her home.

Scenario 2: A teacher, 46-year-old Ms. L, was charged with public intoxication and child endangerment. Local news says she was responsible for 53 students during her workday and had taught classes all morning. When police arrived onsite after receiving a call from school administrators at 11:51 a.m., they said that Ms. L initially denied being drunk, but tests and evaluations from Drug Recognition Experts (DREs) showed otherwise. “She consented to a preliminary alcohol screening test which showed she was more than three times the legal limit (if she was driving a vehicle). When confronted with the results of the test, she admitted to consuming some alcohol that morning,” police told the news. “It was the opinion of the DRE officer that due to her intoxication level, Ms. L was unable to care for the safety of the children while they were in her classroom.” (https://www.counton2.com/news/national-news/police-california-teacher-was-drunk-in-classroom/)

What other standards in the Code of Ethics might have been violated?

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?

(Discussion questions by the Connecticut Code of Professional Responsibility Training Guide.)