Contact+Zone+Legal+Issues

-There are many areas to consider when looking at legal issues involving teachers -While actual policies differ from state to state, many overlap and coincide. -**Know your policies** - Here is an example of a substitute/student teacher handbook from South Eastern School District in York County: [|http://www.sesdweb.net/3755_7542394453/lib/3755_7542394453/Att_XV.A2_Substitut e_Teacher_Handbooks.pdf] -Review these items before even entering a school -A copy of these items should be provided to you before your first day of school -You should keep a copy of these items somewhere accessible
 * Legal Issues Handout **
 * There is NO substitute for your schools code of regulations, student code of conduct, district policies, and teacher handbook.


 * Teacher Unions: **

-Work to improve economic conditions for teachers -Strength in numbers (striving for zero tolerance or striking for high wages) -Offer discounts on things like term life insurance -Provide representation during review process with principal -Contracts spell out work hours and wages -Provide lawyers and cover legal cost up to $1 million -Generally lobby for certain legislation or legislators -Costly to join -Allows an ineffective teacher to keep their job/hard to fire them -Some believe that dues paid to unions are not put towards furthering the advancement of teacher needs or programs -Some believe that Unions have a political agenda
 * Pros:**
 * Cons:**

~In Pennsylvania, teacher's certificate may be revoked for incompetency, cruelty, negligence, immorality, or intemperance. Teachers may be dismissed on similar grounds. ~Certification may also be revoked if a teacher commits a crime of moral turpitude in accordance with the authority vested in the Professional Standards and Practices Commission (aka violating the Code of Conduct). ~ You are entitled to due process rights if your credentials are being threatened.
 * How you can lose your teaching certification:**

-Resources: United Federation of Teachers: [] Encyclopedia of Everyday Law: [] National Education Association: [] Teacher Rights: [] Pennsylvania State Education Association (PSEA): [] Pennsylvania Department of Education: [] **Teacher’s 10 Commandments** **Legal Edition** **1.** Thou shalt not engage in inappropriate behavior with students. This includes but is not limited to: sex, drinking, drugs, partying, texting, and/or facebooking. **2.** Thou shalt not encourage students’ inappropriate behavior and report any suspicion of student endangerment. **3.** Thou shall abide by all local, state, and federal laws and hold thyself to a higher standard to set an example for thy students **4.** Thou shall abide by all school rules and enforce school policy when necessary **5.** Thou shall **KNOW** my school policy and be able to make reference to it when asked by an administrator, parent, student or fellow teacher. **6.** Thou shall keep accurate documentation of emails with students, parents, teachers, and administration **7.** Thou shall be properly certified and keep certifications and education up to date **8.** Thou shall know about the Teacher’s Union available to you. **9.** Thou shall know what I can and cannot be fired for. **10.** Thou shall teach in a safe, secure and orderly environment that is conducive to all students’ learning process.