Current through Register Vol. 54, No.43, October 26, 2024
Section 235.5c - Commitment to the professionIn fulfillment of the commitment to the profession, educators:
(1) Shall comply with all Federal, State, and local laws and regulations and with written school entity policies.(2) Shall apply for, accept or assign a position or a responsibility on the basis of professional qualifications and abilities.(3) Shall not knowingly assist entry into or continuance in the education profession of an unqualified person or recommend for employment a person who is not certificated appropriately for the position.(4) Shall not intentionally or knowingly falsify a document or intentionally or knowingly make a misrepresentation on a matter related to education, criminal history, certification, employment, employment evaluation or professional duties.(5) Shall not falsify records or direct or coerce others to do so.(6) Shall accurately report all information required by the local school board or governing board, State education agency, Federal agency or State or Federal law.(7) Shall not knowingly or intentionally withhold evidence from the proper authorities and shall cooperate fully during official investigations and proceedings.(8) Shall comply with all local, State or Federal procedures related to the security of standardized tests, test supplies or resources. Educators shall not intentionally or knowingly commit, and shall use reasonable efforts to prevent, any act that breaches test security or compromises the integrity of the assessment, including copying or teaching identified test items, publishing or distributing test items or answers, discussing test items, providing unauthorized assistance to students, unauthorized alteration of test responses, results or data, and violating local school board or State directions for the use of tests.(9) Shall not accept or offer gratuities, gifts or favors that impair or appear to influence professional judgment, decisions, or actions or to obtain special advantage. This section shall not restrict the acceptance of de minimis gifts or tokens offered and accepted openly from students, parents of students, or other persons or organizations in recognition or appreciation of service.(10) Shall not exploit professional relationships with students, parents or colleagues for personal gain or advantage.(11) Shall use school funds, property, facilities, and resources only in accordance with local policies and local, State and Federal laws.The provisions of this §235.5c added August 20, 2021, effective 8/21/2021, 51 Pa.B. 5199. The provisions for this §235.5c added under section 5(a)(10) of the Educator Discipline Act (24 P.S. § 207.5(a)(10)).