Code of Ethics · The Winter Park School
Adopted from the Code of Ethics of the Education Profession in Florida and the Principles of Professional Conduct. Every teacher, assistant, administrator and support employee completes training on it as a condition of employment — and it is posted in the front office where you can read it any day you like.
last reviewed February 2025 · posted on the front office board
If a child is being harmed — report it
You do not need proof and you do not need permission. Reporting in good faith carries legal immunity under Florida Statute 39.203.
One
Our school values the worth and dignity of every person, the pursuit of truth, devotion to excellence, acquisition of knowledge, and the nurture of democratic citizenship.
Essential to the achievement of these standards are the freedom to learn and to teach, and the guarantee of equal opportunity for all.
Two
Our primary concern is the student and the development of the student's potential. Employees will therefore strive for professional growth and will seek to exercise the best professional judgment and integrity.
Three
Concern for the student requires that our instructional personnel:
a · Protection from harm
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.
b · Freedom to pursue learning
Shall not unreasonably restrain a student from independent action in pursuit of learning.
c · Access to other points of view
Shall not unreasonably deny a student access to diverse points of view.
d · An honest curriculum
Shall not intentionally suppress or distort subject matter relevant to a student's academic program.
e · Dignity in front of others
Shall not intentionally expose a student to unnecessary embarrassment or disparagement.
f · Legal rights
Shall not intentionally violate or deny a student's legal rights.
g · Freedom from harassment and discrimination
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.
h · No exploitation
Shall not exploit a relationship with a student for personal gain or advantage.
i · Confidentiality
Shall keep in confidence personally identifiable information obtained in the course of professional service, unless disclosure serves professional purposes or is required by law.
Four
Aware of the importance of maintaining the respect and confidence of colleagues, of students, of parents and of the community, employees of our school must display the highest degree of ethical conduct. This commitment requires that our employees:
a · Shall maintain honesty in all professional dealings.
b · Shall not, on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, age, national or ethnic origin, political beliefs, marital status, handicapping condition if otherwise qualified, or social and family background, deny to a colleague professional benefits or advantages or participation in any professional organization.
c · Shall not interfere with a colleague's exercise of political or civil rights and responsibilities.
d · Shall not engage in harassment or discriminatory conduct which unreasonably interferes with an individual's performance of professional or work responsibilities or with the orderly processes of education, or which creates a hostile, intimidating, abusive, offensive or oppressive environment; and, further, shall make reasonable effort to assure that each individual is protected from such harassment or discrimination.
e · Shall not make malicious or intentionally false statements about a colleague.
Five
All instructional personnel, educational support employees and administrators are required, as a condition of employment, to complete training on these standards of ethical conduct.
Six
All instructional personnel, educational support employees and school administrators have an obligation to report misconduct by instructional personnel, educational support employees and school administrators which affects the health, safety or welfare of a student.
Examples of misconduct include obscene language, drug and alcohol use, disparaging comments, prejudice or bigotry, sexual innuendo, cheating or testing violations, physical aggression, and accepting or offering favors.
Reports about staff or administrators
Misti Castner
Head of School
(407) 495-2780
marnie@yiaschools.info
Concerns may be escalated to Marnie Forestieri, Founder & Chief Executive.
Certified educators
Legally sufficient allegations of misconduct by Florida certified educators are reported to the Office of Professional Practices Services.
Where the policy lives
Policies and procedures for reporting misconduct are posted on the front office board as the discipline policy, and on this website.
Seven
We publish this because parents are mandatory reporters too, and because knowing the signs is most of the job.
Physical abuse
Unexplained bruises, welts, cuts or other injuries; broken bones; burns. A child may seem withdrawn or depressed, seem afraid to go home or run away, shy away from physical contact, be aggressive, or wear inappropriate clothing to hide injuries.
Sexual abuse
Torn, stained or bloody underwear; trouble walking or sitting; pain or itching in the genital area; a sexually transmitted disease. A child may have unusual knowledge of sex or act seductively, fear a particular person, seem withdrawn or depressed, gain or lose weight suddenly, shy away from physical contact, or run away from home.
Neglect
Unattended medical needs, little or no supervision at home, poor hygiene, or appearing underweight. A child may be frequently tired or hungry, steal food, or appear overly needy for adult attention.
Patterns matter more than moments
Serious abuse usually involves a combination of factors. A single sign may not be significant; a pattern of physical or behavioral signs is a serious indicator and should be reported.
Eight
Any person, official or institution participating in good faith in any act authorized or required by law, or reporting in good faith any instance of child abuse, abandonment or neglect to the department or any law enforcement agency, shall be immune from any civil or criminal liability which might otherwise result by reason of such action. (F.S. 39.203)
An employer who discloses information about a former or current employee to a prospective employer, upon request of the prospective employer or of the employee, is immune from civil liability for such disclosure or its consequences unless it is shown by clear and convincing evidence that the information disclosed was knowingly false or violated any civil right of the employee protected under F.S. Chapter 760. (F.S. 768.095)
Adapted from the Code of Ethics of the Education Profession in Florida and the Principles of Professional Conduct for the Education Profession in Florida. Published by The Winter Park School, 225 S Interlachen Avenue, Winter Park, FL 32789.
If anything you see on a visit doesn't match what's written here, say so — to the teacher, to the director, or to the number above.
