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Standards of Ethical Conduct

Compliance & Professional Standards

North Miami Beach Academy 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.

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.

Adapted from the Code of Ethics of the Education Profession in Florida and Principles of Professional Conduct for the Education Profession in Florida.

Student Rights & Protections

Our Obligations to Students

Concern for the student requires that all NMBA instructional personnel uphold the following standards in every aspect of their professional conduct.

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.

Shall not unreasonably restrain a student from independent action in pursuit of learning.

Shall not unreasonably deny a student access to diverse points of view.

Shall not intentionally suppress or distort subject matter relevant to a student's academic program.

Shall not intentionally expose a student to unnecessary embarrassment or disparagement.

Shall not intentionally violate or deny a student's legal rights.

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.

Shall not exploit a relationship with a student for personal gain or advantage.

Shall keep in confidence personally identifiable information obtained in the course of professional service, unless disclosure serves professional purposes or is required by law.

Employee Standards

Professional Conduct & Colleague Obligations

Aware of the importance of maintaining the respect and confidence of colleagues, students, parents, and the community, all NMBA employees must display the highest degree of ethical conduct. This commitment requires that our employees:

Shall maintain honesty in all professional dealings.

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.

Shall not interfere with a colleague's exercise of political or civil rights and responsibilities.

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.

Shall not make malicious or intentionally false statements about a colleague.

Compliance Requirements

Training & Reporting Obligations

Training Requirement

All instructional personnel, educational support employees, and administrators are required as a condition of employment to complete training on these standards of ethical conduct.

Reporting Misconduct

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.

Legally sufficient allegations of misconduct by Florida certified educators will be reported to the Office of Professional Practices Services. Policies and procedures for reporting misconduct are posted in the common area of our classroom facilities.

Report Employee Misconduct

admissions@nmbacademy.com

Report Administrator Misconduct

North Miami Beach Academy
16851 West Dixie Hwy
North Miami Beach, FL 33160

Designated Reporting Contact

Sara Gauvreau

Director of Education

Phone: 772-342-7402

Email: sgauvreau@nmbacademy.com

Download Florida Educator Misconduct Reporting Flyer

Mandatory Reporting

Reporting Child Abuse, Abandonment or Neglect

All employees and agents have an affirmative duty to report all actual or suspected cases of child abuse, abandonment, or neglect. Call 1-800-96-ABUSE (1-800-962-2873) or report online at reportabuse.myflfamilies.com.

Signs of Physical Abuse

The child may have unexplained bruises, welts, cuts, or other injuries; broken bones; or burns. A child experiencing physical abuse may seem withdrawn or depressed, seem afraid to go home or may run away, shy away from physical contact, be aggressive, or wear inappropriate clothing to hide injuries.

Signs of Sexual Abuse

The child may have torn, stained or bloody underwear, trouble walking or sitting, pain or itching in genital area, or a sexually transmitted disease. A child experiencing sexual abuse 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.

Signs of Neglect

The child may have unattended medical needs, little or no supervision at home, poor hygiene, or appear underweight. A child experiencing neglect may be frequently tired or hungry, steal food, or appear overly needy for adult attention.

Patterns of Abuse

Serious abuse usually involves a combination of factors. While a single sign may not be significant, a pattern of physical or behavioral signs is a serious indicator and should be reported.

Take Action

If You Suspect Abuse — Report It Now

Florida law requires all school employees to report suspected child abuse. You do not need proof — suspicion alone is sufficient and legally required to be reported.

Report Online — DCF Call 1-800-96-ABUSE

Legal Protections

Liability Protections

Florida law provides immunity protections for individuals and employers who report in good faith. You are protected when you do the right thing.

F.S. 39.203

Good Faith Reporting Immunity

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. 768.095

Employer Disclosure Immunity

An employer who discloses information about a former or current employee to a prospective employer upon request 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.

Questions about these standards or your reporting obligations? Contact our Director of Education or reach our admissions team directly.

Contact NMBA