Designing Community Partnerships to Expand Student Learning: A Toolki | Page 22

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VOLUNTEER CODE OF CONDUCT
Thank you for volunteering with (insert school name)! We are grateful that you are joining us in our vision
to transform public schools to ensure all students — regardless of life circumstances — are prepared
for success in school, work, and life. Your contribution will help drive student achievement and teacher
effectiveness.
Because we take the safety of our students and staff very seriously, we have developed a brief code of
conduct that we ask all of our volunteers to sign to ensure that we are on the same page regarding the
volunteer’s interactions with students and staff.
Please remember that students are watching your words and actions at all times you are in the school
building. In the interest of being a positive role model, the volunteer agrees to the following:
• Appear clean, neat, and professionally attired. Provocative clothing is not permitted.
• Use professional and appropriate language at all times. Profanity; inappropriate jokes; sharing
inappropriate details of the volunteer’s personal life; and any kind of harassment in the presence
of students, parents, volunteers, or staff are prohibited.
• Respond to students with respect and consideration, and treat all students fairly, regardless of sex,
race, religion, culture, economic level of the family, or disability.
• Never be alone with a single child and in a place where he or she cannot be observed by others.
Allegations or suspicions of child abuse are taken seriously and are reported to the police and/or
state agencies for investigation.
• Never abuse students in any way, including:
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Physical abuse (striking, spanking, shaking, slapping, etc.)
Verbal abuse (humiliating, degrading, threatening, etc.)
Sexual abuse (touching or speaking inappropriately)
Mental abuse (shaming, cruel behavior, etc.)

• No type of abuse will be tolerated.
• Not use, possess, or be under the influence of alcohol or illegal drugs during working hours.
• Not smoke or use tobacco in the presence of students or parents during working hours.
• Not possess or use any type of weapon during working hours.
• Not use school/nonprofit computers to access pornographic sites, send emails with sexual
overtones or otherwise inappropriate messages, or develop online romantic relationships.
• Not be alone with students he or she meets in school programs outside of school program
activities. This includes babysitting, sleepovers, driving or riding in cars, and inviting students to
his or her home. Any exceptions require a written explanation before the fact, are subject to prior
supervisor approval, and require parental permission.

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• Provide services and advise only within the boundaries of his or her competence, education, or
professional experience. The volunteer should refer students to the classroom teacher for all