Background:
The College of Alberta School Superintendents requires high standards of conduct from its members to maintain the honour and dignity of the profession. It is acknowledged that the actions of CASS members will be viewed and appraised by professional colleagues, trustees, staff members, students, parents, guardians and the community-at-large. Therefore, the College of Alberta School Superintendents has established a Code of Professional Conduct that makes explicit the principles and obligations of the profession. Violation of the Code may constitute an independent basis for investigation and possible disciplinary action by the College of Alberta School Superintendents.
I. Principles
1. Protection of the Public Interest
A distinguishing feature of a profession is acceptance of its responsibility to the public and its commitment to serve and honor the public interest. The public interest, for the purpose of this Code, is defined as the collective well-being of the communities of people served by members of the College of Alberta School Superintendents.
Membership in the College of Alberta School Superintendents requires a commitment to protect the public interest. CASS members must place the public interest above their own at all times.
2. Integrity
Integrity is the fundamental quality from which the public trust derives. CASS members are employed in positions of trust; therefore, integrity must be an element of character of every individual who seeks to practice as a member of the College of Alberta School Superintendents.
CASS members must exemplify high standards of integrity in all interpersonal relationships and in the discharge of professional responsibilities. The trustworthiness of a CASS member must never be in question.
3. Objectivity
Objectivity is a quality that enhances integrity and helps safeguard the public interest. It requires CASS members to be impartial and free from conflicts between their private interests and professional responsibilities.
II. Obligations
The principles of the public interest, integrity and objectivity impose the following obligations on each member of the College of Alberta School Superintendents:
1. Falsification or Misrepresentation
The CASS member SHALL refrain from engaging in conduct involving falsification or deliberate misrepresentation, including omission or concealment, of a material fact. 2. Discrimination
The CASS member SHALL respect the requirements of human rights and constitutional laws in force in Canada. Except where differential treatment is permitted by law, the CASS member SHALL NOT discriminate in professional dealings with any person on grounds including, but not limited to, a person’s ancestry, colour, perceived race, nationality, national origin, ethnic background or origin, language, religion, creed or religious belief, religious association or activities, age, gender, physical characteristics, pregnancy, sexual orientation, marital or family status, source of income, political belief/association/activities, or physical or mental disability. 1 3. Sexual Harassment and Harassment
The CASS member SHALL refrain from engaging in vexatious comments or conduct that is known or reasonably to be known to constitute sexual harassment or harassment. Harassment – sexual or otherwise – includes any improper, abusive, or unwelcome conduct that offends, embarrasses, humiliates, or degrades another person.2
4. Confidentiality
The CASS member SHALL comply with provincial and school system requirements relating to the confidentiality of student, staff and parent/guardian information.
5. Personal Interests and Private Gain
The CASS member SHALL refrain from acting in a professional capacity when personal interests or relationships might reasonably be expected to result in private gain or impair objectivity or effectiveness in the discharge of professional responsibilities.
6. Fundamental Justice
The CASS member SHALL comply with the principles of fundamental justice in all staff performance issues.
1 Canadian Bar Association (2006), Code of Professional Conduct (Ottawa, Ontario), 115. 2 Canadian Bar Association (2006), Code of Professional Conduct (Ottawa, Ontario), 118.
7. Contractual Matters
The CASS member SHALL fulfill all of the terms and obligations in his/her employment contract with the Board of Trustees, for the duration of the contract. Furthermore, the CASS member SHALL honour all terms and obligations in the employment contracts of other school system staff.
8. Conduct of a Criminal Nature
The CASS member SHALL refrain from engaging in conduct that may lead to being convicted in a court of law of a criminal offense which, in the opinion of the Professional Conduct Committee of CASS, represents serious misconduct relevant to the individual’s suitability as a member of the profession.
9. Conduct of CASS Colleagues
When concerns arise regarding the professional conduct of a CASS colleague, the CASS member SHALL first advise the colleague of the concern and subsequently attempt to resolve the matter collegially and in a confidential manner. If these attempts at resolution are unsuccessful, the CASS member SHALL file a formal complaint with the College of Alberta School Superintendents. However, the CASS member SHALL refrain from initiating, participating in, or encouraging the filing of complaints that are malicious, unwarranted or without basis in fact. Furthermore, the CASS member SHALL refrain from knowingly assisting or inducing a colleague to contravene the Code of Professional Conduct.
10. Complaint Proceedings
The CASS member SHALL assist in the process of enforcing the Code of Professional Conduct by cooperating with investigations, participating in proceedings, and complying with directives from the College of Alberta School Superintendents.
Reference:
Canadian Bar Association (2006). Code of Professional Conduct. Ottawa, Ontario.
