Professional Conduct

By law, educators are required to follow the Licensure Code of Professional Conduct for Ohio Educators to receive and maintain licensure. Licensed educators must proactively understand and uphold the Code of Professional Conduct.

In addition, the Model Code of Ethics for Educators provides guidance to help all employees navigate the complexities of working in education.

According to the National Association of State Directors of Teacher Education and Certification (NASDTEC), the Model Code of Ethics for Educators “establishes principles for ethical best practice, mindfulness, self-reflection and decision-making. The establishment of this professional code of ethics for educators honors the public trust and upholds the dignity of the profession.”

Watch this video for more guidance.

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341K licensed educators in Ohio; referrals for professional conduct more than doubled 2013–22, from 8,231 to 19,301; 42% of cases were for criminal offenses.

Professional Conduct Scenarios

Engage licensed staff in conversations about common situations that could have professional consequences—and identify ways to mitigate those risks. 

The Licensure Code of Professional Conduct for Ohio Educators defines nine principles that serve as the basis for decisions on issues pertaining to licensure and provide a guide for conduct in situations that have professional implications for all individuals licensed by the State Board of Education, such as teachers, principals, superintendents, and other persons serving schools (e.g., school nurses, coaches, substitute teachers). 

Click through the options below to download scenarios and facilitator notes—all organized by the nine principles for professional conduct. Use these resources to build a deeper understanding of the code with educators.

Additional Resources

Learn more about the Licensure Code of Professional Conduct for Ohio Educators by reviewing these resources provided by the State Board of Education: