Week 29 - Influence of Law and Ethics on Professional Practice.

This week's blog is about identifying an ethical dilemma in my own practice linked to digital or online access or activity. 

I have spent the last week considering my personal and professional ethics and instigated a conversation with a Principal about what would they expect in a particular scenario. 

We discussed how education in New Zealand has become considerably different to even ten years ago with the huge impact Facebook has had on society. Many people are connected through this social media and this can create many issues for a wide range of professionals. We have Facebook pages for many reasons some of which are to connect with family, friends or to share activities and resources with fellow professionals. Ensuring you are protected from public access and securing yourself as a teacher is important. This led to a discussion on the risks some younger teaching staff, newly registered teachers or more senior teachers with limited knowledge may unknowingly put themselves into. 

Hall (2001) speaks about teachers 'knowing their decisions are more likely to be publicly challenged and publicised than they were in the past.' This is something strong mentoring programmes such as tutor teachers, associate teachers and mentors must explain and support the guidance of any teacher beginning or returning to the profession. It is also an important guideline for all staff to discuss and be aware of and consequences set out. 

Part of this discussion with the principal was around what would they expect as the leader in a school setting to happen should a staff member discover or be made aware of something that was online and considered either illegal or immoral. I found this an interesting and honest reflection of my own personal and professional ethics as the expectation is to take the knowledge to a leader for them to have a conversation about with the person concerned. 

I believe if a staff member has an honest and open relationship with the leaders in a school setting, the expectation would be to follow all of the guidelines and adhere to the Code of Ethics for Certified Teachers set by the New Zealand Teachers Council.

The Code of Ethics clearly states in point three, teachers have a commitment to society. They will strive to teach and model those positive values which are widely accepted in society.  This code also clearly says as the last point of commitment to the profession that teachers will strive to speak out if the behaviour of a colleague is seriously in breach of the Code of Conduct. This is probably the most important point in the document guiding teachers to follow the previous points ensure teachers are committed and striving to the highest attainment of the highest standards of the profession of all learners. 

References:

Education Council. (nd). Code of Ethics for Certificated Teachers. Retrieved from https://educationcouncil.org.nz/content/code-of-ethics-certificated-teachers-0

Hall, A. (2001). What ought I to do, all things considered? An approach to the exploration of ethical problems by teachers. Paper presented at the IIPE Conference, Brisbane. Retrieved from http://www.educationalleaders.govt.nz/Culture/Developing-leaders/What-Ought-I-to-Do-All-Things-Considered-An-Approach-to-the-Exploration-of-Ethical-Problems-by-Teachers