My Personal Leadership Code of Ethics
A leader needs to have strong ethical standards and act in accordance with these standards every minute of every day. Having strong ethics builds trusting relationships, and helps teachers and other members of the school community to feel secure in knowing the standards by which the leader acts. My personal leadership ethic1 is as follows:
- The safety, well-being, and learning of students are the fundamental principles in all of my actions as a school leader.
- I conduct all affairs with the utmost respect, honesty, integrity, and transparency--and I will lead by example.
- I uphold the law at all times, follow rules and regulations of the school board, and promote their legitimacy in my speech and actions. Should I disagree with any rule or regulation placed upon those within my jurisdiction, I will express my disagreement respectfully to the governing bodies and continue to uphold them until such time as (and if) rules and regulations are changed.
- I treat all individuals as well-respected adults, seeking first to understand their point of view before attempting to be understood.
- I seek to empower students and teachers, to help them develop their talents, and to set and achieve their goals.
- I accept responsibility for all of my actions and those taken in my name or under the authority of my position, even when delegated to other trusted individuals around me.
- I serve others before myself.
------------
1Adapted from the AASA’s Statement of Ethics for Educational Leaders (2007).