Protecting Yourself in the Workplace

Protecting Yourself in the Workplace

As a school employee, your job is a difficult one. You deal with hundreds of students and their parents as well as the school administration and your colleagues on a daily basis. Although it is unfortunate, it is a fact that the very nature of your job leaves you open to serious allegations of misconduct, ranging from inappropriate discipline to excessive use of force, sexual misconduct, misappropriation of funds, falsifying records, and everything in between. While it is impossible to stop allegations from being made against you, there are steps that you can take to protect yourself, your reputation and your career. It is important to note that teachers are not the only employees in a school district who are open to allegations of misconduct. Bus drivers, teacher assistants, food service workers, custodians, secretaries and other educational personnel are just as likely to be charged. By following these simple tips, you can help protect yourself from allegations aimed at you.

• Never touch a child in anger. Avoid any contact that can be perceived
  as grabbing, pushing, shoving, pinching, twisting or hitting.
  
• Avoid being alone with students, particularly those of the opposite sex. Try to have several other students or another adult present. If this is not possible, be sure to leave a door open and, if at all possible, move to an open location such as a media center.
• Do not give students a ride in your personal vehicle, especially students of the opposite sex.
• Do not send cards, personal letters or emails to students.Do not give gifts to students.
• Do not become a pal to students. Be sure that it is clearly understood that you are the adult, and maintain a professional relationship with students.
• Do not discuss your personal life with students.
• Do not engage in conversations with students about their dates, romantic problems or sex. If a student needs help, refer him or her to a guidance counselor.
• Do not allow students to sit on your lap.
• Avoid hugging students. If a student wants to hug you, try to do so standing side by side.
• Do not give or receive back or neck rubs.
• Never drink alcohol in front of students or on a school sponsored trip, even if students are not present.
• If you handle money, be sure to follow school and district policy regarding accounting, receipt and deposit procedures.
• Do not use profanity, even when there are no students around. Not only is it inappropriate in the workplace, it may also be offensive to others who can hear you.
• Do not make sexist remarks to students or adults and do not tell off-color jokes.
• Keep careful and accurate records. This includes student records inventory records, financial records or any documentation for which you are responsible.
• Arrive at work on time or a few minutes early. Don't leave prior to the end of the workday without permission.
• Beware of creating MySpace sites, participating in chat rooms and engaging in other forms of cyber activity that may lead to inappropriate personal interaction with students.
• Do not call students.
  

If you are called into your supervisor's office for a meeting that could possibly result in discipline, you have the right to union representation.

Call the Building Representative immediately if you suspect that there will be action taken against you. If you cannot reach your Building Representative or the union office immediately, you should have the meeting re-scheduled for a time when a representative can be present. (Postpone the meeting.) As soon as possible, leave a message for your Building Representative and call the union office.

Do not give statements, sign anything or resign!

State and re-state the fact that you must have representation before a meeting can take place and that you will have IRCEA contact the district (or principal) regarding the situation.

This information has been prepared by the Legal Services Department of the Florida Education Association.