Marquita Brooks

Core Ethical Principles

• Place the needs and welfare of students above all else.
• Respect each student’s dignity, cultural identity, and unique background.
• Foster a safe, inclusive, and supportive environment that promotes growth and learning.
• Encourage students to develop self-awareness, decision-making skills, and personal responsibility.

• Safeguard the confidentiality of all student information.
• Share information only with appropriate school personnel or agencies when it serves the student’s best interest.
• Disclose confidential information only when there is a clear and imminent danger to the student or others, in cases of suspected abuse or neglect, or when required by law (such as a court subpoena).
• Explain the limits of confidentiality to students and families at the beginning of the counseling relationship.

• Maintain the highest standards of professional competence through continuous learning and professional development.
• Use evidence-based practices, data-driven decisions, and current research to support student outcomes.
• Recognize personal limitations and seek supervision or referral when a student’s needs go beyond one’s professional scope.

• Uphold honesty, fairness, and transparency in all professional relationships.
• Avoid conflicts of interest and situations that could impair professional judgment.
• Maintain professional boundaries with students, colleagues, and families at all times.
• Report unethical or illegal behavior through proper channels to protect the welfare of students and the integrity of the profession.

• Collaborate with teachers, administrators, families, and community partners to remove barriers to learning.
• Advocate for equitable access to resources, opportunities, and support for all students.
• Promote awareness of systemic inequities and work toward creating inclusive, respectful learning environments.

• Honor and affirm differences in race, ethnicity, culture, language, gender, sexual orientation, ability, and socioeconomic status.
• Provide services that are culturally responsive and free from bias or discrimination.
• Recognize and address personal biases that may affect professional decisions or relationships.

• Protect the privacy and security of student records in all formats, including digital communications.
• Use technology responsibly to enhance counseling services and maintain confidentiality.
• Ensure that data is used ethically to improve programs and support student success, not to label or stigmatize.

Commitment to Professional Standards

In Summary