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violating local school system or state directions for the use of tests or test items, etc.; and 4. violation of other
confidentiality agreements required by state or local policy. (h)
Standard 8: Abandonment of Contract - An educator shall fulfill all of the terms and obligations detailed in the
contract with the local board of education or education agency for the duration of the contract. Unethical
conduct includes but is not limited to: 1. abandoning the contract for professional services without prior release
from the contract by the employer, and 2. willfully refusing to perform the services required by a contract. (i)
Standard 9: Required Reports - An educator shall file reports of a breach of one or more of the standards in the
Code of Ethics for Educators, child abuse (O.C.G.A. §19-7-5), or any other required report. Unethical conduct
includes but is not limited to: 1. failure to report all requested information on documents required by the Commission
when applying for or renewing any certificate with the Commission; 2. failure to make a required report of a
violation of one or more standards of the Code of Ethics for educators of which they have personal knowledge as
soon as possible but no later than ninety (90) days from the date the educator became aware of an alleged
breach unless the law or local procedures require reporting sooner; and 3. failure to make a required report of any
violation of state or federal law soon as possible but no later than ninety (90) days from the date the educator
became aware of an alleged breach unless the law or local procedures require reporting sooner. These reports
include but are not limited to: murder, voluntary manslaughter, aggravated assault, aggravated battery,
kidnapping, any sexual offense, any sexual exploitation of a minor, any offense involving a controlled substance
and any abuse of a child if an educator has reasonable cause to believe that a child has been abused.
Standard 10: Professional Conduct - An educator shall demonstrate conduct that follows generally recognized
professional standards and preserves the dignity and integrity of the education profession. Unethical conduct
includes but is not limited to any conduct that impairs and/or diminishes the certificate holder’s ability to function
professionally in his or her employment position, or behavior or conduct that is detrimental to the health, welfare,
discipline, or morals of students.
Standard 11: Testing – An educator shall administer state-mandated assessments fairly and ethically. Unethical
conduct includes but is not limited to: 505-6-.01 Page 5 1. committing any act that breaches Test Security; and 2.
compromising the integrity of the assessment. (4) Reporting (a) Educators are required to report a breach of one or
more of the Standards in the Code of Ethics for Educators as soon as possible but no later than ninety (90) days from
the date the educator became aware of an alleged breach unless the law or local procedures require reporting
sooner. Educators should be aware of legal requirements and local policies and procedures for reporting unethical
conduct. Complaints filed with the Georgia Professional Standards Commission must be in writing and must be
signed by the complainant (parent, educator, or other LUA/school district employee, etc.). (b) The Commission
notifies local and state officials of all disciplinary actions. In addition, suspensions and revocations are reported to
national officials, including the NASDTEC Clearinghouse. (5) Disciplinary Action (a) The Georgia Professional
Standards Commission is authorized to suspend, revoke, or deny certificates, to issue a reprimand or warning, or to
monitor the educator’s conduct and performance after an investigation is held and notice and opportunity for a
hearing are provided to the certificate holder. Any of the following grounds shall be considered cause for
disciplinary action against the holder of a certificate: 1. unethical conduct as outlined in The Code of Ethics for
Educators, Standards 1-11 (GaPSC Rule 505-6-.01); 2. disciplinary action against a certificate in another state on
grounds consistent with those specified in the Code of Ethics for Educators, Standards 1-11 (GaPSC Rule 505-6-.01);
3. order from a court of competent jurisdiction or a request from the Department of Human Resources that the
certificate should be suspended or the application for certification should be denied for non-payment of child
support (O.C.G.A. §19-6-28.1 and §19-11-9.3); 4. notification from the Georgia Higher Education Assistance
Corporation that the educator is in default and not in satisfactory repayment status on a student loan guaranteed
by the Georgia Higher Education Assistance Corporation (O.C.G.A. §20-3-295); 5. suspension or revocation of any
professional license or certificate; 6. violation of any other laws and rules applicable to the profession; and 7. any
other good and sufficient cause that renders an educator unfit for employment as an educator. (b) An individual
whose certificate has been revoked, denied, or suspended may not serve as a volunteer or be employed as an
educator, paraprofessional, aide, substitute teacher or in any other position during the period of his or her
revocation, suspension or denial for a violation of The Code of Ethics. The superintendent and the educator
designated by the superintendent/Local Board of Education shall be responsible for assuring that an individual
whose certificate has been revoked, denied, or 505-6-.01 Page 6 suspended is not employed or serving in any
capacity in their district. Both the superintendent and the superintendent’s designee must hold GaPSC certification.
Should the superintendent’s certificate be revoked, suspended, or denied, the Board of Education shall be
responsible for assuring that the superintendent whose certificate has been revoked, suspended, or denied is not
employed or serving in any capacity in their district. Authority O.C.G.A. § 20-2-200; 20-2-981 through 20-2-984.5A
I have read and understand the Code of Ethics for Educators.
Teacher Education – ATE Application Package R
Signature: _______________________________________ Date: ______________