Ethics in Education Policies and Procedures / Standards of Ethical Conduct
Section 1 – Commitment to Ethical Conduct
TopBridge Academy participates in Florida School Choice scholarship programs and complies with the Ethics in Education Act and the Standards of Ethical Conduct for instructional personnel and school administrators required by the Florida Department of Education.
Our school values the worth and dignity of every person, the pursuit of truth, devotion to excellence, acquisition of knowledge, and the nurture of democratic citizenship. These values guide our expectations for the conduct of all employees and agents of the school.
Section 2 – Duty to Report Misconduct
All employees and agents of TopBridge Academy have a duty to report any alleged misconduct by instructional personnel or school administrators that affects the health, safety, or welfare of a student.
Misconduct may include, but is not limited to:
- Obscene or inappropriate language
- Drug or alcohol use
- Disparaging comments, prejudice or bigotry
- Sexual innuendo or misconduct
- Physical aggression, threats
- Any behavior that may harm a student's physical, mental, or emotional well‑being
Employees who become aware of or suspect misconduct must report it immediately and directly in accordance with the procedures below. Delayed reporting or failure to act may place students at risk and is a violation of school policy and Florida law.
Section 3 – How to Report Misconduct
Reports of alleged misconduct by instructional personnel or school administrators that affect a student's health, safety, or welfare must be made to:
Reporting Misconduct
Reports may be made in person, by phone, or by email. Reports should include as much detail as possible, such as names, dates, times, locations, witnesses, and a description of the alleged misconduct.
Florida Department of Children and Families (DCF)
Any person who knows or has reasonable cause to suspect that a child is abused, abandoned, or neglected must immediately report such knowledge or suspicion to:
Statewide Abuse Hotline
1‑800‑96‑ABUSE (1‑800‑962‑2873)In an emergency, call 911.
Reporting Misconduct Contact Form
Use this form to report alleged misconduct by instructional personnel or school administrators. All reports are taken seriously and handled confidentially.
Section 4 – Employee Liability Protection
Any person, official, or institution participating in good faith in any act authorized or required by law, such as reporting child abuse, abandonment, neglect, or educator misconduct, is immune from any civil or criminal liability that might otherwise result by reason of such action, as provided by Florida Statutes sections 39.203 and 768.095.
Good faith reporting means the person reasonably believes that the information reported is true and that reporting is necessary to protect a student.
Section 5 – Consequences for Failing to Report
Employees and agents of TopBridge Academy who fail to report suspected or actual misconduct or abuse involving a student's health, safety, or welfare may be subject to disciplinary action, up to and including termination of employment.
In addition, educators may face professional sanctions, including the suspension or revocation of their Florida Educator Certificate and any other penalties provided by law.
Section 6 – Standards of Ethical Conduct
TopBridge Academy expects instructional personnel and school administrators to adhere to high standards of ethical behavior, consistent with the Code of Ethics and the Principles of Professional Conduct for the Education Profession in Florida.
At a minimum, concern for the student requires that instructional personnel and school administrators:
- Make reasonable efforts to protect students from conditions harmful to learning and to their mental or physical health or safety.
- Not harass or discriminate against any student on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, age, national or ethnic origin, political beliefs, marital status, disability, sexual orientation, or social and family background, and make reasonable efforts to ensure each student has a safe and supportive learning environment.
Emergency Contacts
If a child is in immediate danger, call 911 first, then report to the Florida Abuse Hotline.