STATEMENTS OF POLICY
Title 22—EDUCATION
PROFESSIONAL STANDARDS AND
PRACTICES COMMISSION
[ 22 PA. CODE CH. 238 ]
Pennsylvania Model Code of Ethics for Educators—Statement of Policy
[52 Pa.B. 1009]
[Saturday, February 12, 2022]Statutory Authority
This statement of policy is authorized by section 5(a)(12.2) of the Educator Discipline Act (act) (24 P.S. § 2070.5(a)(12.2)).
Purpose and Background
The Professional Standards and Practices Commission (PSPC) is committed to providing leadership for improving the quality of education in this Commonwealth by establishing high standards for preparation, certification, practice and ethical conduct in the teaching profession.
Educators are often faced with ''gray areas'' where there is no clear ''right'' or ''wrong'' path. The Model Code of Ethics for Educators (MCEE), which was developed as a collaborative effort of the National Association of State Directors of Teacher Education and Certification and the National Council for the Advancement of Educator Ethics, is a guiding document to prepare educators to select the best course of action in ethical dilemmas in their practice, and provides a basis for educator preparation, self-reflection, and self-accountability.
Section 5(a)(12.2) of the act empowers the PSPC ''[t]o develop outreach programs, professional development and courses designed to improve the quality of practice and ethical conduct in the teaching profession.'' By formally adopting the MCEE as the Pennsylvania Model Code of Ethics for Educators and incorporating it into its outreach programs, the Commission intends to provide Pennsylvania educators with a tool to help guide their decision-making and to promote an intentional emphasis on professional ethics in the teaching profession.
Fiscal Impact and Paperwork Requirements
This statement of policy has no fiscal impact and imposes no additional reporting or paperwork requirements.
Effective Date
This statement of policy shall be effective immediately upon publication in the Pennsylvania Bulletin.
Regulatory Review
This statement of policy is not subject to the Regulatory Review Act (71 P.S. §§ 745.1—745.14). However, the PSPC adopted this statement of policy after consultation with interested representatives of affected parties at public meetings.
Contact Person
Questions or comments regarding this statement of policy should be directed to Shane Crosby, Executive Director, 333 Market Street, 14th Floor, Harrisburg, PA 17126, (717) 787-6576. This statement of policy is available on the PSPC's web site at www.pspc.education.pa.gov.
SHANE F. CROSBY,
Executive Director(Editor's Note: Title 22 of the Pennsylvania Code is amended by adding §§ 238.1—238.3 to read as set forth in Annex A.)
Fiscal Note: 6-350. No fiscal impact; (8) recommends adoption.
Annex A
TITLE 22. EDUCATION
PART XIV. PROFESSIONAL STANDARDS AND PRACTICES COMMISSION
CHAPTER 238. PENNSYLVANIA MODEL CODE OF ETHICS FOR EDUCATORS—STATEMENT OF POLICY Sec.
238.1. Adoption of the Pennsylvania Model Code of Ethics for Educators—statement of policy. 238.2. Using the Pennsylvania Model Code of Ethics for Educators—statement of policy. 238.3. Clarification on the use of the Pennsylvania Model Code of Ethics for Educators—statement of policy. § 238.1. Adoption of the Pennsylvania Model Code of Ethics for Educators—statement of policy.
The Professional Standards and Practices Commission (PSPC) adopts by reference the Model Code of Ethics for Educators, 2015 Edition, published by the National Association of State Directors of Teacher Education and Certification, as the Pennsylvania Model Code of Ethics for Educators. A copy of the publication may be obtained from the National Association of State Directors of Teacher Education and Certification, 1629 K Street NW, Suite 300, Washington, DC 20006, on the Internet web site of the National Association of State Directors of Teacher Education and Certification at https://www.nasdtec.net/page/MCEE_Doc, and on the Internet web site of the PSPC at https://www.pspc.education.pa.gov.
§ 238.2. Using the Pennsylvania Model Code of Ethics for Educators—statement of policy.
(a) The PSPC will use the Pennsylvania Model Code of Ethics for Educators to:
(1) Assist current and future educators and other persons employed by a school entity in making ethical decisions.
(2) Facilitate discussion among current and future educators and other persons employed by a school entity concerning issues related to ethical questions. The Executive Director shall plan training for school entities and educator preparation providers that includes the Pennsylvania Model Code of Ethics for Educators.
(b) The Executive Director shall also identify and publish on the PSPC's web site a list of available resources to assist school entities, educator preparation providers, and educational organizations in incorporating the Pennsylvania Model Code of Ethics for Educators and ethical instruction into their programs and practices.
§ 238.3. Clarification on the use of the Pennsylvania Model Code of Ethics for Educators—statement of policy.
The Pennsylvania Model Code of Ethics for Educators will not be used to constitute standards of professional conduct for educators.
[Pa.B. Doc. No. 22-234. Filed for public inspection February 11, 2022, 9:00 a.m.]
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