*Activity 12: Code of ethics

*Activity 12: Code of ethics

Create a blog post where you investigate the code of ethics’ principles that relate to your teaching profession. Think about how these principles govern your practice.

What is the role of ethics in relation to the teaching profession?

When considering ethics in teaching I think that codes of ethics are reflective of the societal norms for the majority of teachers who choose this profession. I speak from the aspect of primary school teaching which is my own experience. I have been a teacher for approaching seven years. I have grown up in a teaching family, both of my parents are currently in senior management in education and have pursued careers in primary school teaching. I feel that this experience gives me the opportunity to comment and the majority of teachers have a commitment to learners over and above what is professionally required. Teachers work tirelessly and often without financial recompense that reflects the time that they have put into their jobs. When looking at the code of ethics related to the teaching there are 4 areas from the NZ teachers council and there are four fundamental principles that are also relevant.

Code of ethics -

I think that code of ethics within the teaching profession are important and the document supports quality and development for teachers within the profession.

Benefits of the code of ethics

1. Clarity of position - I think that having a document stating the code of ethics gives teachers a clear statement of the professional standards and ethics to be abided by. These professional standards are conveyed in a decisive and unambiguous way.
2. Commitment to students - this is the top priority and is a clear statement for all teachers within the New Zealand education system of their core practice.
3. Commitment to parents/Whanau - this acknowledges the important role that families play in the learning development of teachers and recognises that have engaging with these key stakeholders.
4. Commitment to society - teachers hold a special place in society and are often tasked with one aspect of equipping students with skills, not just knowledge to be ready for life
5. Commitment to the profession - clearly stating this means that teachers have a n obligation to work collaboratively and supportively and to develop ourselves professionally. THere is also the commitment to growing new teachers and supporting these individuals as they embark on their teaching careers.
6. Conflict resolution - it is beneficial to have the code of ethics clearly stated, should any teacher be in breach of these then there is some documentation which will support with disciplinary action and can maintain the integrity of the profession for the rest of the individuals in it.
7. The four fundamental principles - Justice, autonomy, Responsible Care, Truth which underpin the NZ teachers council code of ethics are given in enough detail to be specific, while open ended enough to be unpacked and discussed at a school level to show what these principles look like in any given context as schools across the country differ.

Disadvantages of the code of ethics -

1. Awareness of the code of ethics is not enough. The demonstration of these ethics in practice in the teaching and learning setting for each teacher is desirable.

Individual rights vs Minimising Organisational Risk

In my opinion I think the teachers code of ethics in New Zealand is a document that leans toward minimising organisation risk. I think that there is a clear statement of principles and ways that these principles are upheld in teaching practice. Teaching is a very demanding profession which makes a difference every day. It is important that high performing individuals are working collaboratively with children each day. The code of ethics gives organisations and individuals a benchmark for what is appropriate as a teacher and if people are underperforming they have standards to work to. Personally, I would be more likely to contact the NZEI union if I thought my individual rights had been breached and then I would look at the code of ethics to see if my rights had been compromised regarding this document.

Overall, I think the benefits of a clearly articulated ethical document, such as we have currently provides a clear framework for professionals to work within and refer back to in an unambiguous way. The availability of this document conveys the purpose of the professional teacher and conveys the integrity for teachers to the community.