Professionalism and Ethics

Unfortunately, teachers often spend a disproportionate amount of time planning for what to
teach and insufficient time considering how they will teach (Goldstein & Mather, p. 105). I
struggle with making sure that I spread my time appropriately to be able to plan, prep and
instruct and what to deliver. I understand that all are equally important. One must have content,
assessment and instruction built into the lesson plan to have effective days in the classroom. No
profession can really exist without a code of ethics to guide the conduct of its members.
Doctors, Lawyers, and clergymen have their ethical codes, but teachers can be scarily being said
to have such a code. Until they have developed a professional spirit which is characterized by
loyalty to the recognized ethical standards, they cannot rank with the learned professions.
(Ontario Minister of Education, 1915) Teachers have a moral and ethical responsibility to respect
multiculturalism, religions and others traditions. Therefore a teacher must not judge or be bias. It
is hard to not be bias against your own kind at times. A teacher has to put down those stereotypes
and be objective to every child they teach in order to not have certain preconceived notions or
attitudes towards a student. Teacher must know how to handle a large array of colleagues,
student and parent/ caregivers; therefore they must have compassion, understanding and
empathy. A teachers position is a very sensitive career, one must care for others. Although
Soltis acknowledges that codes do provide a foundation for ethical decisions making and that is
important for teachers to know of such codes, he cautions that codes do not offer a philosophical
justification of the fundamental ethical principles embedded in the code. If rules conflict in
practice or if the reasons for ones action need to be justified, educators with only knowledge of
the code may be ill prepared to deal with the situation. ( Soltis, 1986, p 2). Teacher must know
the codes but be sensitive to everyday people and their socio- emotional needs.


From the COUNCIL FOR EXCEPTIONAL CHILDREN
Special Education Professional Ethical Principles

11. Engaging in the improvement of the profession through active participation in professional
organizations.
I will need to keep abreast of the latest ethical issues in special education to be sensitive and
aware of the issues that face this unpredictable field. I will need to join an organizations, go to
seminars or workshops and simple talk to people in the field and those that are disabled but
mature enough to tell me what they think, want, need and are comfortable with as far as ethical
treatment goes for an individual or group.


6. Using evidence, instructional data, research, and professional knowledge to inform practice.
This will be of utmost importance since we are advocates doe the special education children and
the disabled. I will uphold myself to a high standard of keeping up with the evidence and best
practices that will prove to be most beneficially for my sensitively and philosophy to include
upholding ethics and pointing all who do not and praising those who do uphold ethics and
professionalism.