PROFESSIONAL ETHICS POSITION PAPER

June 24, 1997

It is the intent and purpose of the Professional Ethics Committee Position Paper to represent the views of the California Agricultural Teachers' Association (CATA) in regards to the ethics of professional teachers in California.  The matter discussed in this paper pertain to the areas of Student Supervision, Student Behavior, Teacher Behavior, and Fairs and Shows.

Student Supervision

In regards to student supervision and responsibility of the agriculture instructor, it is the position for the CATA that:  

1. during Agriculture Department events and activities, the Agricultural Teacher of each school involved, is ultimately responsible for the actions of his/her FFA members.  However, as a group of Agricultural Educators, all teachers should be concerned with the image of the FFA program and our schools and take appropriate action with FFA members that are behaving in an inappropriate manner.

2. each school and district has rules that govern FFA members at school related activities, and each CATA event has rules and guidelines within the Curricular Code to help govern the responsibilities of FFA members.  FFA members and teachers shall be held responsible for those rules.

Student Behavior

In regards to student behavior, it is the position of the CATA that:

1. FFA members are expected to respect the authority and direction of all teachers and site representatives of all Agricultural Department events and activities.

2. FFA members are expected to follow the FFA Code of Ethics.

3. FFA members are expected to be held accountable for their actions and that communication between event supervisors and school site administration should occur when violations are made.

4. FFA members are expected to be respectful of all individuals.

Teacher Behavior

In regards to teacher behavior, it is the position of the CATA that:

1. teachers should be positive role models for their FFA members, exhibiting professionalism through their attire and attitude.

2. teachers should be prepared for all activities and events, being knowledgeable of the rules and be willing to follow them.

3. teachers be respectful of the other exhibitors and activity sponsors.

4. teachers constructively critique their concerns and follow the chain of concerns in order to improve the event and not just complain.

Fairs and Shows

In regards to fairs and shows, it is the position of the CATA that:

1. all FFA members and teachers are responsible for knowing and following all school, fair, and show rules.

2. all FFA members must wear Official Show Uniforms when participating in a FFA sanctioned show.  This applies to any show where a member is participating in an FFA division.

3. teachers should familiarize themselves with the rules and liabilities regarding their signature on a student's entry form.  Teachers should also recognize that they have the option not to sign a FFA member's entry form if that teacher feels that the entry form will violate rules/ethics.

4. teachers and FFA members should recognize that the judges' decisions are final and should respect those decisions.