Leslie Pralle Osborn’s
​Statement of Ethics for the Educational Leader

A leader must set the high standard by which they expect all others to follow. Ultimately children will be the ones to follow in the path of the morals and qualities that are walked before them, and as our most treasured and greatest resource, the educational leader has a responsibility to provide an example worth emulating. The educational leader serves the community by providing equal educational opportunities to each and every child regardless of gender, race, class, religion, or sexual orientation.  The work of the leader must emphasize accountability to and high expectations of each child that comes across his or her path.

The educational leader subscribes to the following statements of standards.
The educational leader:
  1. Listens with an empathetic heart and acts accordingly in the best interest of each child he or she serves.
  2. Sees each child for his or her own unique talents and gifts, and as a productive member of society.
  3. Keeps the education and well-being of all students at the heart of all decision making.
  4. Commits to serving others above self.
  5. Accepts responsibility and accountability for one’s own actions and behaviors.
  6. Demonstrates honesty, integrity, trustworthiness, professionalism, and responsibility in following board policy and regulations, in abiding by laws, and in advocating for students.
  7. Advocates for policies, laws, and programs that are in the best interest of all children and the school community.
  8. Holds faculty and staff to the high standard which they, as leaders of children, should also be accountable.
  9. Supports the principle of due process and protects the civil and human rights of all individuals.
  10. Maintains the standards and seeks to improve the effectiveness of the profession through research and continuing professional development for self and others, modeling a mindset embracing lifelong learning.
*Written for Iowa Principal Leadership Academy, Jan 2019. Adapted from American Association of School Administrators ethics statement.