Artifact #3: DASA Certificate:

DASA is an acronym for the Dignity for All Students Act. The Dignity Act is designed to

provide students with an educational environment that is free of discrimination and harassment.

This act mandates the promotion of a positive school community that is culturally sensitive and

one, which embraces diversity through curriculum. In today’s schools, it is essential that

educators be fully aware of the stipulations of the Act to prevent acts of bullying, harassment,

racial profiling, etc. Prior to the introduction of cellular phones and computers in our lives,

aspects of bullying were not fully realized as these acts went unnoticed and students were

intimidated into not reporting these incidents from fear of reprisals. However, in current society,

cellular phones and computers have become prolific and a part of our lives. In today’s society,

social media clearly impacts our lives and incidents against ethical principles, e.g. bullying

become evident when they are displayed via YouTube and videos.

This training has definitely taught me that I should be aware of what goes on within the

school setting and provided me insight into how I should handle unethical acts against students

and colleagues. This certificate will provide proof of my completion of the DASA training. The

knowledge attained from the training will help in enhancing my professional disposition and

signify my preparedness to practice due diligence in reinforcing objectives such as awareness

and sensitivity to a variety of experiences with specific student populations. It will also assist me

to examine my own personal biases when I interact with families of aggressors and the victims. I

am confident that I am now better equipped to deal with bullying, harassment and discrimination,

and have been trained to look for the early indicators and warning signs of victims and

aggressors.
Connection to Standards:

INTASC Standards:

Standard #9: Professional Learning and Ethical Practice:

The teacher engages in ongoing professional learning and uses evidence to continually

evaluate his/her practice, particularly the effects of his/her choices and actions on others

(learners, families, other professionals, and the community), and adapts practice to meet the

needs of each learner.

9(o): The teacher understands the expectations of the profession including codes of ethics,

professional standards of practice, and relevant law and policy.

TEAC/CAEP Claims 1-3:

Claim 1: Medaille College graduates know the subject matter in their certification area(s)

Claim 2: Medaille College graduates meet the needs of diverse learners through effective

pedagogy and best teaching practices

Claim 3: Medaille College graduates are caring educators.

NYS Code of Ethics for Educators:

Principle 5: Educators collaborate with parents and community, building trust and respecting

confidentiality.

Educators will partner with parents and other members of the community to enhance school

programs and to promote student learning. They also recognize how cultural and linguistic

heritage, gender, family and community shape experience and learning. Educators respect the

private nature of the special knowledge they have about students and their families and use that

knowledge only in the students’ best interests. They advocate for fair opportunity for all children.
The Ontario Ethical Teacher Standards:

Trust: The ethical standard of Trust embodies fairness, openness and honesty. Members’

professional relationships with students, colleagues, parents, guardians and the public are based

on trust.