Code of Ethics Option A

The code I am evaluating is the AAE Code of Ethics for Educators written by the Association of
American Educators (AAE) the largest national nonunion educator association. The purpose of this
organization is to advance the profession by offering a modern approach to teacher representation and
educational advocacy, as well as promoting professionalism, collaboration, and excellence without a
partisan agenda. (www.aaeteachers.org)

The code is broken down into four principles each including points on how the professional
educator The code also includes in various principles how the profession educator should
communicate to their other peers, parents, community, and the students. The code has a purpose of
being professional in every way and is written using a positive way of thinking.

I like this code because it spells most everything out and because I feel the wording touches me and
the way I view teaching. The professional educator, in accepting his or her position of public trust,
measures success not only by the progress of each student toward realization of his or her personal
potential, but also as a citizen of the greater community of the republic. ...we believe all educators are
obligated to help foster civic virtues such as integrity, diligence, responsibility, cooperation, loyalty,
fidelity, and respect- for the law, for human life, for others, and for self. (AAE Code of Ethics for
Educators, Principle 1) I also appreciate how my personal and religious beliefs can also fit into this
code of ethics.

The repetition of the professional educator becomes old in the code, but I feel that it is important so
that it is very clear what is expected and by whom it should be expected.

I feel that the code would help me in most of my ethical decision making. In my first journal entry about
an ethical decision, I feel that this code would truly have help reassure the right versus wrong feelings
that I had. I would have certainly (and did) use the Principle III: Ethical Conduct toward Professional
Colleagues. The main point of this principle states The professional educator, in exemplifying ethical
relations with colleagues, accords just and equitable treatment to all members of the profession. The
numbered point below the statement that I feel would have served my situation best when being
approached by community members would have been point numbers 1 & 2. They state that:
1. The professional educator does not reveal confidential information concerning colleagues
unless required by law.
2. The professional educator does not willingly make false statements about a colleague or the
school system.

Even though I was in a tough situation at the time, I still, unknowingly used Principle IV number 3- The
professional educator manifests a positive and active role in school/community relations. It was a very
difficult time for me hearing what was being said and shared, true or false, with the parents, students,
and community members who thought they knew everything. This code of ethics would have certainly
reassured my mindset knowing that what I did was the best I could have done.