Teacher Handbook Essay Example for Free

Teacher Handbook seeDeciding to be a groom watcher does non mean one has to throw away(p) their rights granted by the United States Constitution. Teachers be required to maintain moral and ethical look and their rights as citizens be non taken away. Teachers should understand that they are incessantly instructors and role models whether they are in the classroom or non and should always maintain a passkey demeanor when in the usual eye. Teachers are held to a higher standard in their actions and behaviors because of their employment position. Teachers influence and mold the ideas and thought of girlish people.There is an inherent responsibility of being a role model whether the teacher is in the classroom or in the grocery store. Teachers are granted the same individual(prenominal) freedoms as clannish citizen, except need to make sure their personal choices do not affect their ability to perform in the classroom as a school board employee. The following is a teacher enchiridion outlining the rights and responsibilities of teachers including pedantic freedoms, freedom of intimacy, and freedom of expression, freedom of godliness, employment rights and responsibilities, and code of ethics.Academic freedom Teachers are afforded a special(a) amount of freedom with regards to direction in the classroom. This comes from a teachers right to teach and scholarly persons right to learn (Essex, 2012). The idea of academic freedom is a very limited ideal in public schools. Academic freedom is the idea that teachers clear the freedom to decide how they teach not what they teach. Curriculums are determined by the State, what teachers have is the opportunity to bring these concepts to life and inspire learning, discovery, research, and inquisition in students.Teachers moldiness bring through their instruction indoors the realm of their subject certification and age level and matureness of students (2012). In the case, Fowler v. age of Educati on of Lincoln County, Kentucky, a tenured teacher was terminated because she showed an R rated film to her student with inappropriate subject matter and nudity (Essex, 2012). The video was not part of the curriculum and it was imbed that the teacher did not have First Amendment rights in this circumstance (2012).Teachers may not offer students instruction on subject they are not certified in. Teachers will not use their classroom as a platform to promote or persuade their students beliefs to their own beliefs. The classroom is not a place for teachers to promote their personal agendas including religious or political beliefs or opinions. Teachers must keep their instruction focused on the curriculum determined by the State. What academic freedom teachers have is in the way they present and teach the provided curriculum. Freedom of railroad tie.Teachers have the same rights as another(prenominal) citizens when it comes to freedom of association as provided by the First Amendmen t. Teachers are free to associate with whatever groups they choose without fear of punishment. It is heavy for teachers to understand that although they are afforded the same rights as other individual, they do have an inherent responsibility to be unadventurous of their actions because of the position they hold. Teachers should avoid putting themself in a position where they have to explain their behavior or where its their word against another persons word.Maintain a professional reputation in the community. It is advised that teachers are cautious of the impressions they make in public and how their actions may affect their ability to perform as a district employee. Teachers are role models, and students look to them with respect and for guidance. The Supreme Court stated, A teacher serves as a role model for his students, exerting a subtle just important influence over their perceptions and determine (Essex, 2012). Teachers are free to be associated with any group they wish. However, the teacher must make sure that their association with ant particular group does not conflict with their responsibilities of being an employee of the school district and their ability to teach the state appointed curriculum to their students. Freedom of expression Teachers have the rights of freedom of expression and speech within limits. Outside the classroom teachers reserve the freedom of expression like other citizens. It is important to note that teachers are held to a higher standard than average citizens because of the impressionable role the hold and the age of the subjects they teach.Teachers are always role models and it is recommended that teachers express themselves in a professional manner at all times. The limitations on the rights teachers have to free speech depend on not causing material disruption to the school board. In other words, the teachers speech arousenot interfere with the school board or any other school entity and the education system (Essex, 2 012). Use common sense and good judgment. Teacher should ask themselves how somebody else could perceive their comments or actions and if they can be taken out of context and/or misinterpreted.When teachers wishes to exercise their right to free speech it is highly advised that the teacher states that their statements are those of a private citizen and not an employee of the school board (2012). Although teachers have the right to free speech it is advised that teachers are cautious of statements they make in public because of the nature of their position in the community. Teachers statements need to be truthful and not slanderous or defaming in nature. Teachers wishing to make personal statements must do so on their personal time and may not use school district property or telecommunications to do so.Teachers may not make public statements during the time bound of when they are working as employees of the school district. Teachers may not use school equipment including computers, phones, cameras, recording devices, or video cameras, to product personal statements. Using the school telecommunication means, like the school board electronic mail system, is prohibited. All email sent through the school boards is property of the school board and can be used in teacher liabilities. Freedom of holiness.Teachers reserve the right to practice any religion they choose on their free time and outside of the classroom. The school will not discriminate against individuals base on religion. Due to designation VII, the school must make reasonable accommodations for employees religious beliefs (Essex, 2012). Teachers may not bring their personal religious beliefs into the classroom. Teachers may not bring their religion into the classroom in an effort to persuade student beliefs. Teachers may not use their classroom as a platform to preach personal religious beliefs or discuss religion that is not curriculum based.Employment rights and responsibilities Individuals pursua nce employment with the school district have the right to not be discriminated against based on Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, which prohibited employment discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, or discipline origin (Essex, 2012). It is the responsibility of the individual seeking employment to provide the required documents required for employment including but not limited to, teaching certificates, background check, finger printing and drug screening.Providing false information regarding teacher certification or other documentation will disqualify the application. Teacher Code of Ethics Teachers must maintain a code of ethics. Teachers have an obligation to maintain the ethical code to the students, the public, and the profession of education. The teachers first priority will always be the success and development of the student. It is the teachers duty and responsibility to provide students with a safe enriching environment where they are free to learn.Tea chers will not exploit relationships with students for personal gain. Aware of the importance of maintaining the respect and confidence of ones colleagues, of students, of parents, and of other members of the community, the teacher strives to achieve and sustain the highest degree of ethical conduct (The Code, 2012). The teacher values the worth and dignity of both person, the pursuit of truth, devotion to excellence, and the acquisition of knowledge (2012). Teachers are private citizens and are afforded the same rights guaranteed by the U. S. Constitution.Teachers should be cautious of the image they portray in the public eye, but they are free to make decisions on what they do, where they do it, and what they say about it. Teachers have the right to teach how they want to teach as gigantic as the method supports the curriculum. Teachers have the right to freedom of assemble and expression, but need to maintain professional demeanor and be moral and ethical and moral in practice. Teachers also have the freedom of religion on their personal time, but may not bring religion into the classroom unless it relates to curriculum.They following handbook provides teachers with an understanding of their rights and responsibilities inherent of being a part of the school district. References Essex, N. L. (2012). School law and the public school, a practical guide for educational leaders. New Jersey Pearson Education, Inc. Fowler v. Board of Education of Lincoln County,Kentucky, U. S. Court of Appeals, sixth Cir. 817 F. 2d 657 (1987). The Code of Ethics and the Principles of Professional Conduct of the Education Profession in Florida. (2012). State Board of Education Rule 6B-1. 001, FAC. www. fldoe. org.