Special Education Professional Ethical Principles
Professional special educators are guided by the CEC professional ethical principles and practice standards in ways that respect the diverse characteristics and needs of individuals with exceptionalities and their families. They are committed to upholding and advancing the following principles: A. Maintaining challenging expectations for individuals with exceptionalities to develop the highest possible learning outcomes and quality of life potential in ways that respect their dignity, culture, language, and background. B. Maintaining a high level of professional competence and integrity and exercising professional judgment to benefit individuals with exceptionalities and their families. C. Promoting meaningful and inclusive participation of individuals with exceptionalities in their schools and communities. D. Practicing collegially with others who are providing services to individuals with exceptionalities. E. Developing relationships with families based on mutual respect and actively involving families and individuals with exceptionalities in educational decision making. F. Using evidence, instructional data, research, and professional knowledge to inform practice. G. Protecting and supporting the physical and psychological safety of individuals with exceptionalities. H. Neither engaging in nor tolerating any practice that harms individuals with exceptionalities. I. Practicing within the professional ethics, standards, and policies of CEC; upholding laws, regulations, and policies that influence professional practice; and advocating improvements in laws, regulations, and policies. J. Advocating for professional conditions and resources that will improve learning outcomes of individuals with exceptionalities. K. Engaging in the improvement of the profession through active participation in professional organizations. L. Participating in the growth and dissemination of professional knowledge and skills. Adopted by the CEC Board of Directors, January 2010 |
Our Perspective:
Austin Clay:
I believe that these ethical principles help educators ensure that they truly understand the importance of using appropriate ethics when working with people with disabilities and their families. As a teacher, it is important to approach every child with professionalism and understanding. It is your job to advocate for you students to ensure that they are receiving the best possible education. Lessons should be planned with each students' learning goals in mind. This means that classroom activities should be adapted to your students' learning styles, disabilities, and deficits. Educators should also ensure that they are actively gauging their students' learning and modifying their teaching accordingly. Allysa D'Amour:
When working with any students, not just students with disabilities, I believe that it is most important for a teacher to first understand the rules and regulations that must be followed in order to meet all student’s needs. The Code of Ethics provides educators with guidelines that are to be followed when teaching children with exceptionalities, but the guidelines should not make a teacher feel limited. All teachers should want to challenge their students to strive towards their highest potential and they should want to promote an environment in their classroom where all children feel accepted and equal to one another. |
Sarah Pacheco:
Every child deserves the right to a free and appropriate education as outlined in IDEA. I believe that these regulations and ethics are essential to ensuring each child receives their education in a form that allows them to be successful. Every child is different, regardless of the disabilities he or she might have. Every child has different needs and accommodations should be made when necessary. As a teacher, it is my job to work with each child, parent, and teacher to ensure the students I work with can be successful in both their academics and their lives. This Code of Ethics guides educators to ensure every student's needs are being met. |