What responsibility does a substitute teacher have regarding student confidentiality?

A substitute teacher has a critical responsibility to protect students' personal information. This includes maintaining the confidentiality of any sensitive data about students, such as their academic records, personal circumstances, and behavioral issues. By safeguarding this information, substitute teachers help create a trusting and safe environment for students, ensuring that their privacy rights are respected.

Protecting student confidentiality is essential not just for ethical reasons, but also because it is often mandated by laws and regulations regarding student privacy, such as the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA). It helps uphold the dignity and welfare of each student and fosters a respectful learning atmosphere. This responsibility extends to interactions with other teachers, parents, or any external parties; confidential information should not be shared unless legally permissible or necessary for the student's welfare or education.