Running head: Personal Code of Ethics

Professional Code of Ethics

Amanda Vargas

EDU689: Personal Ethics & Leadership Capacity

Instructor: Brett James

January 31, 2017

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As an educator we make daily decisions that affect our students. Our daily decisions are

affected by our moral and ethical values. In order to design my own personal guidelines for

responsible and ethical behaviors in and outside of the school and classroom, I must first analyze

the ethical expectations that are held in high regard in my opinion.

The primary focus of the Code is on daily practice with children and their families in

programs for children from birth through 8 years of age, such as infant/toddler programs,

preschool and prekindergarten programs, child care centers, hospital and child life settings,

family child care homes, kindergartens, and primary classrooms National Association for the

Education of Young Children (2014, April). I have designed my personal code of ethics to

include qualities and ethical expectations for a person or persons to show worth to all, maintain

dignity, understand the importance of education and want to share the same goal of providing an

equal and quality education to each and every student. These are qualities that I consider

valuable in a person.

The first paradigm included in my personal code of ethics is the Ethical Responsibility

and Commitment to students. Within this code, we promise to provide a learning atmosphere

where students are encouraged to learn and take risk. Students will never be judged or

discriminated against under any circumstances. All educators will provide a fair and quality

education for all students. We are committed to creating an environment where parents, teachers

and staff understand that all students will be treated fairly; considering the idea that fair does not

always mean equal, but students receive what they need.

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The second paradigm included in my personal code is the Ethical Responsibility and

Commitment to Parents and Family. Under this code educators promise to maintain

communication, cooperation and collaboration with parents and family members. We promise

that the environment we provide to the students will be a safe and an attentive environment, free

from judgments. We want parents and family member to feel welcome in our schools. We want

them to know that when they sent their child or children off everyday to our organization, their

needs are of top priority. Faculty and staff will strive to maintain high quality care and support

for each and every student.

The third and last paradigm included in my personal code is the Ethical Responsibility

and Commitment to Colleagues. As an organization the structure and care of all the staff is

important. We acknowledge that each person who works for our organization is an individual and

we respect each individuals beliefs, practices and cultures. We promise to provide a professional

environment where employee satisfaction is important. Together we will promote positive

relationships and collaboration among the staff members. We will encourage each other to be

productive by assisting each other, learning with each and from one another. We will follow

district policies and always promote and provide safe and healthy working environments and

conditions, maintaining mutual respect in all departments.

I believe being an educator has a lot to do with effort and the effort we put into being a

good teacher. A good and effective teacher is good and effective because they want to be and put

forth the effort that is required to be that effective teacher. Feelings and emotions play a major

role in the efforts and decisions we make as educators. As an educator and a leader I want my

students families and colleagues to know that the code ethics that we uphold share standards and
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ways that are agreed upon throughout the school and community. Providing a quality education

where all students receive fair and equal educational opportunities can be achieved by informing,

sharing and understanding the ethical expectations of the community. These opportunities can be

provided by maintaining these ethical expectations within a personal code of ethics. By choosing

the four paradigms that I shared in my personal code of ethics, I believe maintaining these codes

will allow me to determine my effectiveness.

Based upon the theories I have presented within my codes of ethics, I can ensure

stakeholder agreements to build a cohesive organization by sharing the code of ethics, informing

others of rationale for the codes and by speaking with stakeholders in regards to the

commitments made within the code of ethics. Open communication is key. Additionally as a

leader I can encourage and support the hiring and recruitment of teacher and staff who share the

same values and ethics as educators.

Strategies that I will use with ethics to guide decision I make is to always refer to the

personal codes of ethics, especially when in doubt, and to make decision with students in mind.

Data will be used in my decision making. The analysis of data can assist in defending your

decisions to the stakeholders at your school because the decisions are based actual facts and data

collected. The data is the proof that shows why decisions were made (Data, (n.d.)). Student needs

will always be put first. By maintaining following my personal code ethics I will become a better

leader and teacher.

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References

Data-driven decision making | Connections to learning: Fact sheet. (n.d.). Retrieved

fromhttp://www.doe.k12.de.us/dess/files/ctl_files/ToolKit_web/GetSet/Breaking_into_the_Circle

/DataDrivenDecisionMakingFactSheetFINAL.doc

National Association for the Education of Young Children. (2014, April). NAEYC code

of ethical conduct and statement of commitment. Retrieved from

http://www.naeyc.org/files/naeyc/file/positions/PSETH05.pdf

Poliner Shapiro, J., Stefkovich, J. (2011). Ethical leadership and decision making in

education: Applying theoretical perspectives to complex dilemmas (3rd ed.). New York, NY:

Routledge
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