WEEK+6+Teacher+Code+of+Ethics+and+Code+of+Conduct

WEEK 6: TEACHER CODE OF ETHICS AND CODE OF CONDUCT

Today’s session was one that left many students contemplating on thoughts, stories and ideas. The topic was “Teachers Code of Ethics and Code of Conduct” which will be the basis of our decisions as teachers and be the deal breaker of how successful we can become as teachers.

We began the session with the Quote from Socrates “what ought one do?” which was then followed by a good point of why isn’t the question “what is the right thing to do” asked. A big dilemma teacher’s face today and one that we will face in the future is our concept of what is right and wrong. There will be many times when we as professional teachers will be faced with decisions of blurred lines from right and wrong. An example used by Greg during the lecture which also had me baffled is if we see our student walking home from school, struggling to carry a heavy science project and it is about to storm.....what do you do? Drive on. As a responsible adult we may want to help the child but as a teacher we must maintain responsibility and professionalism.

The lecture then comprised of the Victorian Teaching Profession Code of Conduct which will assist us in dealing with not only students, but parents, other colleagues and the community. The code follows 3 main values of Integrity, Respect and Responsibility and identifies 3 sets of principles which describe the professional conduct, personal conduct and professional competence expected of teachers. As teachers we are held in high esteem and our unique position comes with a great deal of trust and influence therefore the code of conduct helps us uphold our title.

Another dilemma bought up during the lecture which I think I will face as a teacher when overcoming blurred lines is ensuring I am always a professional teacher, not a friend, counsellor, psychologist and not thinking I need to rescue my children. After reading the code I think it does assist teachers in terms of helping clear blurred lines and ensuring we always maintain and promote professional decision. If there are times when dilemmas may occur we need to seek advice and assistance and ensure we never find ourselves in compromising situations where we put our students or ourselves at risk. BELINDA 21/04/2009

RESPONSE I also thought today's lecture and tutorial was very thought-provoking. The scenario of the child walking home with the science project does evoke a lot of deliberation. As teachers we will preach good morals to the students of helping one another but shouldn't this be role-modelled? And therefore by driving past the child are we contradicting our words? It was also interesting to note when faced with a dilemma we will draw on our personal values for answers. In most scenarios we will weigh up what is right and wrong when developing a response, but not everyone has the same opinion on right and wrong and as stated in the lecture 'we all have different values'. I thought the Victorian Teaching Profession of Conduct was useful in promoting guidelines for teachers with a clear layout detailing purpose and relationships that should be modelled. In contrast I found the Victorian Teaching Profession Code of Ethics was more concise and delivered a more aspirational tone. Week 6 was very informative but I couldn't help see the irony in Week 1 where we discussed the importance of 'risk-taking and daring' in the curriculum. I think its a grey area that we will all face at some time in the profession and I know should I be faced with a dilemma I will be referring to the Code of Conduct, drawing on my own common sense and using the resources (teachers, guidelines) that the school has to offer to ensure i do whats in the best care for all concerned. SARAH 25/4/2009

Today’s lecture about “Teacher code of ethics and code of conduct” I thought was a vital lesson during our studies to become respectable teachers the code of conduct is something I will take into the upmost considerations as my career as a teacher. But in saying that, I to agree that there is a lot of grey areas in regards to the conduct’s as it cannot cover every situation, which leads us back to our own values and beliefs. And as teachers I am sure we will take the code of conduct, as a guide and continue to act and maintain a high standard in any situation we come to face. I also believe that the way we conduct our selves in certain situations will vary some what across schools as it to depends mainly on Section 1 of The Victorian Teaching Profession Code of Conduct, A Professional Conduct: A teacher's professional conduct is characterised by the quality of the relationships they have with their students, their students' parents (guardians and caregivers), families and communities and their colleagues. As we will have a better understanding of what is respectably appropriate and what is not. The more knowledge we have on “Teacher code of ethics and code of conduct” will assist us as teachers in overcoming blurred lines in situations like the example from Greg in the lecture. And the more knowledge we have combined with our own values and beliefs, I believe we will become respectable and ethical teachers taking into account everyone involved in all situations. -KRYSSIA- (26/4/09)

It’s incredible how easy it is to disregard elements of the Code of Conduct when one is within a school environment; or a situation where one is working with children. Having been introduced to the Victorian Teaching Profession Code of Ethics and other similar documents, it has brought to my attention the magnitude of responsibility one possesses in a position of trust.

One might believe their behaviour and actions are appropriate (such as hugging a student, comforting them in times of distress etc), however these actions can potentially be construed as ‘unprofessional.’ The Code of Conduct has, for me, highlighted the importance of vigilance. Initially these documents were almost intimidating; the level of responsibility is enormous! How we conduct ourselves is our responsibility, and we are also responsible for the ethics of the school we are working at. Janet Sherry highlighted this point in ‘Working in an Ethical School’ suggesting that we need to keep in mind how our beliefs affect others. It is a delicate balance when our values play a large part in our decision making; and we have to adhere to a Code of Conduct. I do believe the Code of Conduct and Ethics exists to support teachers and provide them with essential tools and information.

Sarah I agree with you; I also found the Code of Ethics to be more pointed but also encouraging. I can see it would be a good resource to have in my classroom/office to remind me of what is important, but motivating me at the same time.

Yes, it is easy to be intimidated by what we are about to undertake; however I believe these resources are in place to guide us, not define us. MEGAN 3/5/2009