Overview

In an ever-changing educational landscape, ethical decision-making remains at the heart of professional integrity and public trust. This interactive webinar introduces participants to the Model Code of Ethics for Educators (MCEE), a nationally recognized framework developed by the National Association of State Directors of Teacher Education and Certification (NASDTEC). The MCEE outlines five core principles—responsibility to the profession, students, school community, ethical use of technology, and ethical conduct toward colleagues—that guide educators in navigating complex professional situations with clarity and purpose.

Participants will explore practical strategies for integrating ethical reflection and discussion into educator preparation programs, professional development sessions, and K-12 school settings. Through case studies and scenario analysis, attendees will gain tools to model ethical behavior, facilitate meaningful dialogue around gray-area dilemmas, and align decision-making practices with both institutional values and legal standards.

This session is designed for teacher educators, administrators, and practicing educators seeking to strengthen ethical awareness and promote a shared professional language of integrity in education.

Key Takeaways

1. Identify the five core principles of the MCEE and explain their relevance to contemporary educational practice.
2. Analyze ethical dilemmas using the MCEE framework to guide professional decision-making.
3. Apply strategies to embed ethical reasoning and reflection within educator preparation or professional development contexts.
4. Develop an action plan for promoting ethical culture and dialogue within their educational communities.

Presenter 

Sarah Crossingham is an Assistant Professor of Education at Dickinson State University in North Dakota, where she prepares future teachers through dynamic, practice-based coursework focused on instructional design, classroom management, and professional ethics. Before joining higher education, she spent over a decade as a secondary social studies teacher, earning recognition as the 2017 North Dakota History Teacher of the Year.

Sarah’s innovative and student-centered approach to teaching has been recognized with multiple honors, including Innovative Teacher of the Year at Dickinson State University. Her passion lies in helping educators connect theory to practice through collaboration, reflection, and inquiry.

Currently pursuing her Doctor of Education at the University of North Dakota, her research focuses on ethical decision-making in teacher preparation programs, examining how the Model Code of Ethics for Educators (MCEE) can be used to strengthen pre-service teacher development and professional identity.

In addition to her university role, Sarah advises student organizations, directs theatre productions, and facilitates professional learning for educators across North Dakota. Whether in the classroom, on stage, or through research, she is dedicated to cultivating reflective, ethically grounded educators who are prepared to meet the evolving needs of today’s schools.