Code of Ethics

Code of Ethics
Andrea M. Selig
University of St. Thomas
Educational Leadership EDUC 5390
Dr. Nicole Walters
September 26, 2013

Code of Ethics

Andrea Seligs Code of Ethics

I.

Honesty
Be truthful
Honorable

II.

Confidentiality
Respect student and staff personal information.
Follow the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996
(HIPAA) Privacy Rules

III.

Dedication
Passionate
Committed to student success and independence
On-going professional development

IV.

Compassion
Use student-first language
Act in the best interest of students
Empathetic towards others

V.

Tolerance
Open-mindedness
Patient
Flexible

VI.

Collaboration
Advocating inclusion for students with exceptionalities.
Research and Data based decisions
Maintain open communication with all staff.

Code of Ethics

As a special education leader, I must know the Texas Administrative Code (TAC)
of Ethics so that I am able to implement and follow all policies and procedures. My
personal code of ethics includes the following: honesty, confidentiality, dedication, and
compassion.
As a leader, I must be honest and remain professional on a daily basis. I will be
truthful when I communicate with my colleagues, use data to compile reports, and speak
and act on truth. I actions are guided by ethical principles and morals as stated in the
TAC and the Houston Independent School District (HISD) policies and procedures. My
intentions are honorable and I will always rely of truth. Speaking the truth shows others
that I am a trustworthy leader. I believe honesty is a crucial quality for leaders to
encompass.
I believe honesty and confidentiality go hand-in-hand. As a leader, I value the
privacy of my staff and my students. In my opinion, confidentiality means to follow the
Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA) Privacy Rules. In
addition to HIPPA, I will not disclose teacher performance information, nor will I talk
about teachers to other staff members. I will ensure all student information is kept
private.
Dedication to my students and staff is essential. I think educators need to be
committed to student achievement and foster independence. When we are dedicated to
our students, they will be more successful in all they do. I am passionate in all aspects of
teaching and as I become a special education leader, I will continue my passion for
educating all students. In order to remain dedicated, I will attend on-going professional
development. Professional development helps me be a more effective leader.

Code of Ethics

It is important for a special education leader to demonstrate compassion.

Educators must use student-first language. Students are more than their disability.
Educators must advocate for their students and act in their best interest. As a special
education leader, I will emphasis and model the importance of student-first language. I
am cognizant of others feelings and empathetic towards their needs.
Tolerance is an essential trait for leaders. I will keep an open-mind when dealing
with staff concern and issues. I will actively listen and be fair to everyone. I am also
patient with my students and staff. When I am patient with others, it shows I am
respectful to individual needs. I am also flexible with others.
Collaboration is needed to guarantee communication between general education
and special education teachers. Collaborating with others opens many pathways to
learning, which benefits the students. Collaboration also promotes inclusion for students
with exceptionalities. I will maintain open communication with all staff to model to
others the importance of collaborating. All decisions made when collaborating will be
based off research and data.
As a special education leader, I will refer to my personal code of ethics on a daily
basis. I believe my personal code of ethics will help me stay positive and remind me of
why I love students with exceptionalities. I hope to pass my love for students with
exceptionalities to my future staff.

Code of Ethics

5
References

Bucholz, J. L., Keller, C. L., & Brady, M. P. (2007). Teachers' ethical dilemmas: What
would you do? TEACHING Exceptional Children, 40(2-), 60-64.
Council for Exceptional Children. Council for Exceptional Children (CEC),
(2010). Special education professional ethical principles. Arlington, VA: Council
for Exceptional Children (CEC).