Please review and agree to the following statements by inserting your electronic signature at the bottom of this page:
As leaders, religious education teachers, advisors, and others working with children and youth are in a position of stewardship and play a key role in fostering the spiritual development of children, youth and the community. It is especially important that teachers, advisors and other leaders provide the special nurturing, care and support that will enable children and youth to develop a positive sense of self and a spirit of independence and responsibility. The relationship between young people and their leaders must be one of mutual respect.
Teachers, advisors and leaders willingly continue to learn about the current white supremicist culture as it systematically oppressed people of color, gender, sexuality and economic standing within our church and community. As a community leaders will be a part of dismantling the white supremist culture in an effort to be more welcoming to all.
Teachers, advisors and other leaders should model positive and respectful behaviors. Teachers, advisors, and other leaders will not smoke or drink alcoholic beverages while responsible for RE children and youth, nor will they engage in illegal activities or partake of illegal substances.
Teachers, advisors, and other leaders are expected to maintain oversight and leadership of their group, encouraging active participation and promoting individual and group development. Teachers, advisors and other leaders should maintain confidentiality about personal issues shared by children and youth.
If a teacher, advisor, or other leader witnesses, or discovers that any children or youth have been engaging in unsafe or disrespectful behavior, then the leader will take immediate action as appropriate and necessary and, as soon as possible, inform the Director of Religious Education.
One of the most important areas of growth is the development of self-worth and a healthy identity as a sexual being. Teachers, advisors, and other leaders will not engage in any kind of sexual behavior with children or youth. Teachers, advisors, and other leaders will not sexually harass children or youth nor engage in verbal, physical or emotional abuse.
Teachers, advisors, and other leaders shall be informed of this Code of Ethics and agree to it before assuming their roles. In cases of violation of this Code of Ethics, appropriate action will be taken by the Director of Religious Education, minister and/or board chair.
