Academere Standards of Ethical Conduct

At Academere, we believe that effective learning occurs within a safe, respectful, and orderly environment. Educators play a central role in shaping that environment through professionalism, consistency, and ethical behavior. This Code of Conduct outlines the expectations for all educators and school staff in supporting student development, enforcing school rules, and maintaining a culture of dignity and high expectations.

Educators are expected to act in alignment with Academere’s philosophy: that students grow best when guided by responsible adults who foster accountability, maturity, and personal growth. Every educator must model the behavior we seek in students, support fair discipline practices, and uphold the mission of creating a safe and inclusive learning environment.

Academere recognizes the inherent dignity and value of every individual. Our school is committed to promoting honesty, academic excellence, lifelong learning, and responsible citizenship. To support these goals, we uphold the freedom to teach and to learn in an environment that ensures equal opportunities for all members of the school community.

At Academere, students are the center of our mission. Every employee is dedicated to helping students grow academically, socially, and personally. Staff members are expected to continue developing professionally and to make decisions guided by sound judgment, fairness, and integrity.

a. Employees must take reasonable steps to ensure students are protected from situations that could negatively affect their learning environment or threaten their physical or emotional well-being.

b. Staff members should encourage students to think independently and explore knowledge, and should not place unnecessary restrictions on a student’s pursuit of learning.

c. Educators should allow students access to a range of perspectives and ideas, helping them develop critical thinking skills.

d. Instructional personnel must present course material honestly and accurately and should not deliberately hide or misrepresent information relevant to the curriculum.

e. Employees must avoid actions that intentionally embarrass, humiliate, or demean a student.

f. Staff must respect and protect the legal rights of all students.

g. Discrimination or harassment of students is strictly prohibited. No student shall be treated unfairly based on race, color, religion, sex, age, national or ethnic origin, political beliefs, marital status, disability, sexual orientation, or family or social background. Staff members must also make reasonable efforts to protect students from such behavior.

h. Employees must not misuse their position or relationship with a student for personal benefit or advantage.

i. Confidential information about students obtained during professional duties must be protected. Such information may only be shared when it serves legitimate educational purposes or when disclosure is required by law.

Recognizing the importance of maintaining trust and respect among colleagues, students, parents, and the community, all employees of Academere are expected to demonstrate the highest level of professional conduct. This includes:

a. Acting with honesty and integrity in all professional interactions.

b. Ensuring colleagues are not denied professional opportunities, benefits, or participation in professional organizations based on race, color, religion, sex, age, national or ethnic origin, political beliefs, marital status, disability, or social or family background.

c. Respecting the political and civil rights of colleagues and not interfering with those rights.

d. Avoiding harassment or discrimination that could disrupt an individual’s ability to perform professional duties or that creates an intimidating, hostile, or offensive work environment. Employees must also make reasonable efforts to prevent such behavior.

e. Refraining from making knowingly false, harmful, or malicious statements about colleagues.

All instructional staff, educational support employees, and administrators at Academere must complete training on the Standards of Ethical Conduct as a requirement of employment. This training helps ensure that employees understand their professional responsibilities and the expectations for maintaining a safe and ethical learning environment.

All instructional staff, educational support employees, and administrators have a duty to report any misconduct by school employees that could affect the health, safety, or welfare of a student.

Examples of misconduct include, but are not limited to:

• Use of inappropriate or obscene language

• Drug or alcohol use while performing duties

• Disparaging or harmful comments toward students

• Prejudice or discriminatory behavior

• Sexual remarks or innuendo

• Cheating or testing violations

• Physical aggression

• Offering or accepting inappropriate favors

Reports involving employee misconduct should be submitted to the School Principal or the Human Resources Department.

Reports involving misconduct by a school administrator should be submitted to the School Governing Board or District Compliance Officer.

Any legally sufficient allegations of misconduct involving Florida-certified educators will be reported to the Florida Department of Education Office of Professional Practices Services.

Policies and procedures for reporting misconduct are available in the Academere Employee Handbook, in the school’s administrative office, and on the school’s official website.

All employees and representatives of Academere are legally required to report any known or suspected cases of child abuse, abandonment, or neglect.

Reports should be made immediately by calling 1-800-96-ABUSE or by submitting a report online at:
http://www.dcf.state.fl.us/abuse/report/

Indicators of physical abuse may include:

• Unexplained bruises, cuts, burns, or welts

• Broken bones or repeated injuries

• A child appearing fearful of going home

• Avoidance of physical contact

• Aggressive or withdrawn behavior

• Wearing clothing intended to hide injuries

Possible warning signs of sexual abuse include:

• Torn, stained, or bloody underclothing

• Difficulty sitting or walking

• Pain or itching in the genital area

• Knowledge of sexual behavior that is not age appropriate

• Fear of a specific individual

• Sudden changes in weight or behavior

• Withdrawal or running away from home

Indicators of neglect may include:

• Unattended medical needs

• Lack of adult supervision

• Poor personal hygiene

• Inadequate clothing or being underweight

• Frequent hunger or fatigue

• Stealing or hoarding food

• Excessive need for adult attention

Serious abuse often involves multiple warning signs occurring together. While a single sign may not confirm abuse, repeated physical or behavioral indicators may signal a serious concern and should always be reported according to Florida law.