Servants Code of Ethics

1. Purpose & Calling

Servants of Theotokos Junior Academy are entrusted with the spiritual, educational, and personal well-being of children and teens. This role is not merely instructional but pastoral, requiring integrity, humility, and faithfulness to the teachings and life of the Coptic Orthodox Church.

All servants are expected to serve as Christian examples, reflecting Christ in word, conduct, love, spirit, faith, and purity (1 Timothy 4:12).

2. Faith & Teaching Integrity

Servants must:

• Uphold and teach only the Coptic Orthodox faith, in accordance with the teachings and traditions of the Church

• Refrain from promoting personal theological opinions

• Avoid debating dogma or encouraging controversy

• Teach with humility, clarity, and obedience to the Church

All content and responses must align with the Academy’s curriculum and approved materials.

3. Conduct & Personal Behavior

Servants are expected to:

• Treat all students, parents, and fellow servants with respect and dignity

• Use appropriate, professional, and Christ-centered language at all times

• Avoid sarcasm, ridicule, favoritism, or harsh correction

• Maintain emotional maturity, patience, and self-control

Servants must never engage in behavior that could cause confusion, scandal, or harm to students or the reputation of the Church.

4. Safeguarding & Boundaries

To protect students and servants alike, the following boundaries are mandatory:

Communication Rules

Servants must:

• Communicate with students only in approved platforms

• Respond to students as a servant team, not individually

• Ensure parents are copied on communications when appropriate

• Keep all communication transparent, moderated, and logged

Servants must not:

• Engage in one-on-one private messaging with students

• Communicate with students through personal or unapproved accounts

• Engage in private conversations with students outside official channels

5. Online Presence & Digital Conduct

Servants must:

• Model appropriate online behavior

• Avoid engaging students through personal social media accounts

• Refrain from sharing personal opinions, private matters, or unrelated content

• Protect student privacy at all times

Any online interaction connected to the Academy must reflect professionalism and Christian witness.

6. Academic Integrity & Fairness

Servants must:

• Uphold honesty in assessments and competitions

• Not assist students unfairly during quizzes or assignments

• Not overlook or excuse academic dishonesty

• Report concerns about cheating or misconduct promptly

All students must be treated fairly and consistently.

7. Reporting & Accountability

Servants are required to:

• Report any concerning behavior, boundary issues, or safeguarding concerns immediately to the leadership team.

• Cooperate fully with Academy leadership and Holy Sophia University oversight

• Accept guidance, correction, or disciplinary action with humility

Failure to report serious concerns is itself a violation of this code.

8. Commitment & Reliability

Servants must:

• Commit to the role before the program begins

• Fulfill assigned responsibilities reliably and on time

• Communicate promptly if unable to serve

• Serve collaboratively, respecting leadership structure

This ministry requires consistency for the sake of the students and families served.

9. Volunteer Service

All servants serve in a volunteer capacity.

Servants acknowledge that:

• This role is a ministry, not a platform for personal recognition

• Service is offered in humility and obedience

• Removal from service may occur if this Code is violated

10. Acknowledgment & Agreement

By serving with Theotokos Junior Academy, servants affirm that they:

• Have read and understood this Code of Ethics

• Agree to abide by all policies and safeguarding standards

• Commit to serving faithfully, responsibly, and in accordance with the teachings of the Coptic Orthodox Church

• Accept accountability to Academy leadership and Holy Sophia University