N.H. Wrestles With a Draft Ethics Code for Teachers

By Jeanne Ponessa

A proposed code of ethics for New Hampshire teachers--nearly two years in the making--is nearing completion, despite concerns that it could lead to violations of teachers' rights.

The code, set to come before the public at a hearing in March, lists teachers' responsibilities to individual students, the public, parents, and the profession. Its authors say it would provide broad legal guidelines for teachers and school boards in certification and contract-renewal cases.

"It appeared to me that there was very little guidance regarding the standard of conduct expected of teachers," Ovide Lamontagne, the chairman of the state school board, said last week.Though it does not specify any punishments for violations, the proposed code spells out expectations for teacher...