The Standard of Care in STEM Education: A Practical Guide for Teachers and Administrators

Every day, teachers and administrators walk into Science and STEM classrooms without fully understanding the legal and professional obligations that govern their duty to keep students safe. The Standard of Care in STEM Education: A Practical Guide for Teachers and Administrators by Kevin S. Doyle, Ed.D. changes that.Drawing on more than three decades of experience as a teacher, administrator, safety consultant, and expert witness, Dr. Doyle provides educators and school leaders with a comprehensive, practical, and accessible guide to understanding and fulfilling their Standard of Care. Written specifically for the education community, this is the only book of its kind designed for use in real classroom and school settings.From the Duty to Supervise to the Duty to Instruct, Maintain, Warn, Take Precautions, and Enforce, this book breaks down each component of the Standard of Care into clear, actionable guidance that teachers and administrators can implement immediately. Real court cases, documented incidents, and guiding principles bring the material to life, illustrating the very real consequences of failing to meet professional safety obligations.Readers will learn:The six core duties that make up the Standard of CareHow courts define the "reasonable and prudent person" standard and why it mattersHow to build and sustain a culture of safety in Science and STEM classroomsThe critical role of documentation in protecting educators and studentsHow negligence is determined and how to avoid itWhat professional organizations expect of teachers and administratorsHow administrators can support their staff in meeting safety obligationsWhether you are a first-year teacher just beginning your career or a veteran administrator overseeing an entire district, this book will challenge you to examine your current practices, close the gaps in your safety protocols, and rise to the professional standard your students deserve.Accidents do not happen on a schedule. The time to prepare is now.