LAW AND ETHICS

“Teaching in schools has long been considered a moral activity (Wilson, 1967, Tom 1884, Goodlad, Soder and Sirotnik, 1990) largely because it is recognised that how teachers fulfil their public duties influences the lives of vulnerable young people.”  (Allan Hall 2001)

We have a duty as professionals to up hold the teaching profession to be law abiding citizens at all times and to be role models for our students.  Our school has the value system of ADMIRE (Active brain, Dependable, Managing Self, Interactions, Relationships and Excellence).  As staff this guides us to model these values to the students as well as to each other.  “That is entirely consistent with Fullan’s desire for the staff of every school to develop a shared vision.” (Fullan, 1992)  I see our main stake holders as our students and realise that the values that I hold as well as our school values are very different to how some of them live.  We have to add ‘at school, or in our classroom this is acceptable behaviour,’ at the start of our statements.  For example while it may be acceptable for them to swear at home, it is not at school.  Also it is important for students to see how we behave in a professional manner to keep our teacher registration.

As teachers we are guided our code of ethics are guided by the four below principles.

Autonomy to treat people with rights that are to be honoured and defended

Justice to share power and prevent the abuse of power

Responsible care to do good and minimise harm to others

Truth to be honest with others and self.

Teaching respect both face to face and through technology is a big part of our role.  Technology issues even if they happen at the weekend creep into school and have an impact on our school day.  Choices that students make and often have not been discussed at home need to be dealt with at school.  They need to learn to take responsibility for what they write on line and learn to have autonomy.  Programmes such as internet safety have been introduced to help students learn about how to be digital citizens at school and in society. 

Respectful relationships are also formed between students and students, staff and students, staff themselves and staff with the whanau and community.  Communication is modelled in a calm manner and effective communication used where everyone can feel listened too.

Each ethical dilemma I deal with has to be handled individually with the students, family and staff.  Having built respectful relationships with students and their families is the first step in ensuring this.  Being a consistent, calm role model is as important to me as teaching.

References

Council, E. (n.d.). Code of Ethics for Certified Teachers. Retrieved from Educational council.org.nz.

Hall, A. (2001, April). What ought I to do, all things considered? An approach to the exploration of ethical problems by teachers. Retrieved from http://www.educationalleaders.govt.nz.