Amanda Enos

11/29/17
Ethics Performance Task

To me, the purpose of the Code of Ethics and Principles of Professional Conduct of the

Education Profession of Florida is to set clear expectations for the educators of Florida. These

expectations hold professionals in the field of education at the highest of standards in all aspects,

including students, parents, professional conduct, and personal conduct. With these principles in

mind, educators create a professional environment to work with others and teach with equity and

ethical consideration. The Code of Ethics and Principles of Professional Conduct of the

Education Profession of Florida also serves a purpose for the community to understand what they

should expect from their child’s teachers and school staff. Although these are not laws, they

reflect and refer to laws that build the foundation of the education system. These protect student

and family information, strongly discourage professional misconduct, and encourage

professionals to be honest and accepting of diversity.

I recently went to a workshop at USF called Undocually. This workshop had a purpose of

educating professionals about undocumented students in the United States of America. Here, I

learned what it means to be an undocumented citizen, the struggles and hardships it creates on

individuals and families, and how to use sensitive language regarding this subject. This

workshop informed me of the millions of undocumented individuals in the United States and

how students who have spent nearly their entire life here are still denied the status of citizenship.

I realized that arguments such as the “wait in line” argument are harsh and unsympathetic

because becoming a United States citizen can take anywhere from six to twenty years and

thousands of dollars. Undocumented individuals are denied work permits, driver’s licenses, and

much more, making the process of becoming a citizen even more difficult. This workshop helped

me learn about the realities of our country and of the students/families I may be teaching. I
 Amanda Enos
11/29/17
developed an empathetic view for undocumented students and I better understand how their

home life may be affecting them at school. This aligns with my obligation to students and

principle 3g: Shall not harass or discriminate against any student on the basis of race, color,

religion, sex, age, national or ethnic origin, political beliefs, marital status, handicapping

condition, sexual orientation, or social and family background and shall make reasonable effort

to assure that each student is protected from harassment or discrimination. 


In another instance, I noticed one of my students had large marks on her legs that looked

like infections or injuries. I was very concerned for this student so I took her to the nurse to be

checked. After the nurse identified an infection this student had gotten, I talked with the student

to see if she was okay and if she was hurt or needed anything. I did my best to protect this

student from injury or harm and potentially protect the rest of my class from this infection

spreading to others. This aligns with 3a: Shall make reasonable effort to protect the student from

conditions harmful to learning and/or to the student’s mental and/or physical health and/or

safety. 


Another example of ethical and professional conduct is in the context of my colleagues. I

have the utmost respect for all of my fellow intern-classmates, instructors, co-teachers, and

administration. I do everything in my power to communicate clear, effective, and kind. My

colleagues and I share ideas in order to determine best teaching practices for our students. I

respect all of their opinions, no matter how different they may be from my own. This follows

principle 5 of professional conduct and aligns with being honest, accepting diverse views, and

not interfering with my colleagues in a harmful way to them or their career.

 Amanda Enos
11/29/17
In conclusion, it is important as pre-service educators to practice the Code of Ethics and

Principles of Professional Conduct of the Education Profession of Florida. It is also important to

reflect on these practices in order to be professional and build strong principles of conduct inside

and outside the education environment. Being ethical in the classroom and on campus is equally

as important to being ethical outside of the profession. Educators are held to high standards of

ethics and conduct in order to set the best example possible for our students, which is why these

principles should be practiced all the time. It wouldn’t make sense to teach students to only use

their math, reading, and other skills inside of school but not outside. This same concept applies

to how we conducts ourselves.