Confidentiality and Ethics
July 31, 2009
In order to protect the rights of students, parents, and professionals, paraeducators must be aware of and practice appropriate confidentiality and ethical behavior. Confidentiality must be maintained and protected, and the rights of students to due process, dignity, privacy, and respect must be promoted. Paraeducators must also demonstrate honesty, loyalty, dependability, cooperation, accountability, and a willingness to learn. All employees of SCKSEC convey a certain image of the cooperative to other professionals, parents, and to the community. We want this to be a favorable image. Do not forget that you-- the instructional paraeducator--have an important part in creating this image, as does the supervising professional staff. Therefore, your manner should be professional at all times.
The following is a code of ethics for paraeducators, but is applicable for all of us as educators.
Accepting Responsibilities
• Engage only in instructional and other activities for which you are qualified or trained.
• Do not communicate progress or concerns about students to parents, community members, or other teachers, who may not have the right to know.
• Refer concerns expressed by parents, students, or others to your supervising professional.
• Recognize that the supervising professional has the ultimate responsibility for instruction and management and follow the prescribed directions given by him/her.
• Help to see that the best interests of individual students are met.
Relationships with Students and Parents
• Discuss a child's progress, limitations, and/or educational program only with the supervising professional or assigned general education professional in an appropriate setting.
• Express differences of opinion with your supervising professional only when students are absent from the room.
• Discuss school problems and confidential matters only with appropriate personnel.
• Do not engage in discriminatory practices based on a student's race, sex, cultural background, religion, or disability.
• Respect the dignity, privacy, and individuality of all students, parents and staff members.
• Be a positive role model.
Relationship with the Teacher
• Recognize the teacher as your supervising professional.
• Establish positive communication and relationship with the professional(s) you are assisting.
• When problems/concerns cannot be resolved, request assistance from the building administrator, or the SCKSEC administration.
• Discuss concerns about the teacher or their teaching methods directly with the professional staff person.
